Typical Sponsorship

[fishinthedacks]

I will probably get the dreaded WARNING POINT for this, but oh well. I have went through this many times on Archery forums where everyone wants to be "sponsored" or on "staff." I view most of it as being a big JOKE. Kind of like welfare for your hobby. I don't know why any company would offer anyone other than a professional angler a full sponsorship. Trust me, you really aren't doing any major company a favor by being a good salesman (don't pat yourself on the back too hard, it may hamper your fishing ability). If you aren't on the Elite series, chances are no one cares what you use. In fact, I'm not sure being the best angler in the world even matters. Don't believe me? How often do you hear Quantum recommended on any fishing forum? Fishing and archery are about the only things that companies offer these ridiculous "positions" to people. I have never heard of the local YMCA baller getting a Nike deal. Keep on thinking that any company owes you anything. Become a professional angler and you will have some room to talk. That being said, I couldn't tell you one item that Randall Tharp uses.

 

 

lol I'm not going to report you. You're entitled to your oppinion. I got the sponsorship may be more work than I want to deal with for little return. I'm not even in it for the free stuff because most of my equipment currently is through R2S. I've actually already secured four PO's totalling a good deal of cash. I really only wanted a little reward for pushing a product I already use. I have my own reasons for doing this and it certainly isn't for welfare or a handout. I make plenty, I spend plenty, and really in the current line up I already have all of their products I honestly need for this season. If I can take some of the complaining out of what I spend on fishing from the wife then great. If it leads to bigger things even better. It's an experience and not all are good. I'll know down the line how it went. For now it's a short term deal that will provide me experience in another realm. My life is too short for all the things I truly want to do so I like crossing things off from time to time. At my age of 27 I've already been diagnosed with a possibly terminal illness depending on how I proceed and probably most likely a transplant donor if the rest doesnt work. It was something I really wanted to pursue and have. I hope I'm here to tell my grandkids about it in 40 years (my sons 4), and share my experience with others on if it's really worth it or not.

 

As far as people not caring that's not true. I have dozens of people I fish with who buy lures on my reccomendation all the time. Sure the cocky guy fishing his tackle next to me who doesn't want to be bothered because he knows it all may not give a d**n. So far all the bait shops I've gone into loved the stuff and ordered, and my friends and fellow fisherman have been buying on my word for years.

[fishinthedacks]

Also as far as the YMCA ballers. I bring to your attention all NBA players started there, And One, Harlem Globetrotters, European players. Hell all of the college players who may not get sponsors themselves but the universities made a ton off of them. They all started in a YMCA setting.

I've also bought bball shoes as a kid that other people at the YMCA or gym used, same with basketballs. We are all walking billboards some of us just get paid for it.

[MarksHooked]

fishinthedacks, Congratulations on your new sponsor! It sounds like you are on the right track to pursuing your passion, and I truly believe that a REALLY good salesperson is NOT a dime a dozen, and I'm sure exhibiting the same 'moxy', confidence, and I'm gonna say it... patience that you have in this thread is going to take you a long way in your endeavours.  Be sure to keep us updated on your progress, if you're building a virtual presence on twitter or instagram feel free to PM me to get another follower! Good luck! 

[flyfisher]

I will probably get the dreaded WARNING POINT for this, but oh well. I have went through this many times on Archery forums where everyone wants to be "sponsored" or on "staff." I view most of it as being a big JOKE. Kind of like welfare for your hobby. I don't know why any company would offer anyone other than a professional angler a full sponsorship. Trust me, you really aren't doing any major company a favor by being a good salesman (don't pat yourself on the back too hard, it may hamper your fishing ability). If you aren't on the Elite series, chances are no one cares what you use. In fact, I'm not sure being the best angler in the world even matters. Don't believe me? How often do you hear Quantum recommended on any fishing forum? Fishing and archery are about the only things that companies offer these ridiculous "positions" to people. I have never heard of the local YMCA baller getting a Nike deal. Keep on thinking that any company owes you anything. Become a professional angler and you will have some room to talk. That being said, I couldn't tell you one item that Randall Tharp uses.

This guy obviously likes selling and is apparently good at it by his own accord and it seems like he likes fishing too....so he made an attempt to be able to sell things he likes to use and maybe make a little coin on the side.  It doesn't sound like he wants to make a career out of being a tackle touter but everyone starts small.  I would bet that every full time pro angler started out small and went from there. 

 

And you are in fact doing the company a favor by begin a good salesman, especially if you get in stores they weren't before as that is how every company makes money...through sales.

[fishinthedacks]

Thank you guys. I really do appreciate the words of encouragement. You guys get what I'm after and that's great. We all have to be passionate about something and as we get older the things we are passionate about may get smaller. We realize a lot of us wont be in the NFL, or MLB, probably aren't going to run Google or be the next Bill Gates. Some of us are just passionate about firing up the grill with the family on a Sunday. So if I can put two things I really love together and maybe make a couple of dollars on the side why not

 

Thanks again.

 

PS. I do plan on setting up social media outlets as well. Once the contract is finalized and I get the outline of the things I can do down to the letter I plan on doing them. I do have a lot of ins at local bait shops (which is why I've already secured 4 PO's just waiting to sign the contract before sending those back in) but I plan on getting my face out there to hundreds over the next year so having a way for them to realize you're not just some clown trying to resell them baits you bought off eBay and you truly are with the company you claim is a great start in breaking down barriers to guys you may be just coming in contact with.So once they are set up I will let you know and really I can't say it enough. Thanks again for your kind words.

[gripnrip]

Hey man. PM me your facebook link if you have one for your fishing.  I'll give it a like.  I'd love to follow your progress!

[lmoore]

Hey man. PM me your facebook link if you have one for your fishing.  I'll give it a like.  I'd love to follow your progress!

 

I'll second that, congrats!

[MNBassFisher]

Congrats man! That was pretty cool to read through the process, your mindset, the sponsorship offer you received, and how it was structured. From your wording, explanations, and patience it seems like you have some great qualities for Sales. You ARE doing the company a great service if you are getting their product into new hands and especially new bait shops. That's how companies make money...by selling their product. I'll be excited to hear about your progress with this company and your future endeavors. Shoot me a PM once everything is inked as I would love to connect and follow your progress. Tight lines!.  

[nbowen419]

Just wanted to say way to chase your dream and good luck in the future.. I believe every angler who competes in tournaments would love to be sponsored so keep us updated.

[wicknilly]

fishinthedacks, Congrats man! I agree with MarksHooked; rainmakers are definitely NOT a dime a dozen... And as was mentioned, don't overlook social media--social selling/sales 2.0 is where it's at these days. I sold 60% of my yearly quota through Twitter when I was doing pharma wholesale. You could crush on Twitter for your sponsor(s). The bass fishing market is primed and ready