Could I Get Sponsored?

[bassdisaster]

First off I am 19 years old and thinking about soliciting sponsors. I fish locally and regionally with lots of success locally. I have a large network of fisherman in my area, have 3 different social media pages, know tackle shop owners, etc.. I believe hard work reaps great rewards, so I am not just looking to wear a shirt and get free products. I believe I can be a great promotional asset to a company. I am also not looking for a big deal, maybe just some help on baits and stuff of that sort.

Is it possible in my current situation?

[Tony L.]

I can't say that this is my area of expertise, but I do have a few thoughts---- for what they are worth.

It seems that you'd want to started by fishing (and doing well in) some small area tournaments or joining a bass fishing club. Sponsors tend to support tournament anglers and teams as opposed to recreational fishermen because they aren't supporting your hobby so much as advertising their brand. The better their angler or organization is, the more fame and popularity they have, the more it gets the sponsor's name out to the public---and the more people will want their businesses to be associated with that person or club.

Tournaments and clubs are about as public as the sport can get and therefore the most logical place that businesses would want to spend their advertising dollars. To take that next step, you would need a way to prove to the world that you are a good fisherman and that you or your organization will be a worthy investment that will bring them business. That is done by joining an established club or proving yourself in tournaments.

That would take a LOT of hard work and dedication, but is the route you need to go if you are looking to get a sponsor.

[roadwarrior]

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/Bagwell/how-to-get-sponsors.html

[bassdisaster]

I guess when I said regionally and locally you didn't realize I meant in tournaments. Lol why would I want sponsors if I wasn't fishing competitively..? I fish club tourneys too but pretty much dominate, and the bigger locals I'm usually in the top 10. So I'm wanting to move up to BFLs and bass opens possibly. Sorry for the confusion.

[bassdisaster]

And if anybody happens to see this that would like give me a chance at promoting your company for a few baits here and there or something like that, please feel free to message me. I am a very enthusiastic and knowledgable person, especially when it comes to fishing tackle.

Thanks, Brett

[gardnerjigman]

On 3/12/2015 at 4:34 AM, roadwarrior said:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/Bagwell/how-to-get-sponsors.html

 

X1000000000000

 

Read, think about it, re-read, think about it some more and finally read one last time... come up with a plan, and set it in action. Fish hard, work hard, be a good person, and let them get and interest in you (give them a reason).

[Choporoz]

On 3/12/2015 at 4:34 AM, roadwarrior said:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/Bagwell/how-to-get-sponsors.html

What a great article!  I hadn't seen it before because I've never had any interest in sponsorship, but it should be mandatory reading for anyone before posting a thread about sponsorships.

[bassdisaster]

I have spent hours reading all the sponsorship articles multiple times. This wasn't a resume or asking for a sponsor. I have a good idea of how to write a sponsor resume and all that good stuff I was just asking if you guys think it can happen given the limited info I have given. From what I've seen all these young kids getting sponsored that don't even have a boat, don't fish tournaments, only fish in ponds, the only tool they have to promote is their tiny youtube channel. Why would a sponsor choose a 13 year old pond hopper with a very small youtube channel, over somebody like me who fishes competitively with success, and is willing to work hard to promote their company in an effective and mature way?

[gardnerjigman]

And if anybody happens to see this that would like give me a chance at promoting your company for a few baits here and there or something like that, please feel free to message me. I am a very enthusiastic and knowledgable person, especially when it comes to fishing tackle.

Thanks, Brett

 

 

This can be viewed as an ask... so just be careful how you word things so people don't get confused.

 

 From what I've seen all these young kids getting sponsored that don't even have a boat, don't fish tournaments, only fish in ponds, the only tool they have to promote is their tiny youtube channel. Why would a sponsor choose a 13 year old pond hopper with a very small youtube channel, over somebody like me who fishes competitively with success, and is willing to work hard to promote their company in an effective and mature way?

 

I don't think this is happening...

[bassdisaster]

Gardnerjigman you are right about that post saying I was asking, sorry about that. I was specifically referring to the first post that was not a resume by any means. And about the 13 year old pond hoppers just go to youtube they are PLENTIFUL, but let's not argue over this. I don't understand all the negativity though, if I want to work hard to promote a company and what I would be receiving would cost the company little to nothing, what is so bad about that? The "sponsorship" section on br is by far the most negative I have ever seen.

[gardnerjigman]

Gardnerjigman you are right about that post saying I was asking, sorry about that. I was specifically referring to the first post that was not a resume by any means. And about the 13 year old pond hoppers just go to youtube they are PLENTIFUL, but let's not argue over this. I don't understand all the negativity though, if I want to work hard to promote a company and what I would be receiving would cost the company little to nothing, what is so bad about that? The "sponsorship" section on br is by far the most negative I have ever seen.

 

Just because they scroll some adds on their youtube videos doesn't make them sponsored. I have a jersery (from BR) that has about 14 different companies on it, I'm sponsored by none of them. 

 

We aren't being negative, we are trying to give you constructive criticism. Understanding the difference between the two is very important. What we are saying is that (insert name here) company get's hundreds and possibly thousands of sponsorship letters, request, whatever you want to call it a year. You want to go in with your ducks in a row. You are trying to get into something that probably 95% of the other anglers are trying at as well... that's pretty prestigious... so far you aren't showing any more ambition than the kid down the street that works at Mcdonalds. 

 

You may be a great angler, you may be a wiz at marketing, and might even be able to brain wash thousands into buying product, BUT, you aren't showing that. 

 

Put something together, (exactly what you would send a company) outline what you can do for them and have evidence to back it up. Then come back for advice. 

 

Again, this isn't being negative, I truly hope you can make it, and at your age, you have a better shot than most of us by having the opportunity to go to a college with a fishing team and starting there. 

[bassdisaster]

Well seriously thanks for the advice. And about the whole negative thing I'm probably just too sensitive to negativity from being around it constantly in my personal life. Anyways, thanks for the kick in the butt.

[gardnerjigman]

Good luck to you.

[J Francho]

Why do you need a sponsorship?

[Tony L.]

I guess when I said regionally and locally you didn't realize I meant in tournaments. Lol why would I want sponsors if I wasn't fishing competitively..? I fish club tourneys too but pretty much dominate, and the bigger locals I'm usually in the top 10. So I'm wanting to move up to BFLs and bass opens possibly. Sorry for the confusion.

Haha.... Well I shoulda known that you were already doing tournaments when you said "locally and regionally". At 19, you're already lightyears ahead of the game and way beyond what I know how to do. Glad that some others here were able to give you some more advanced advice to get things headed in the right direction. Good luck to ya!

[Matthew2000]

Well seriously thanks for the advice. And about the whole negative thing I'm probably just too sensitive to negativity from being around it constantly in my personal life. Anyways, thanks for the kick in the butt.

No one is going to sponsor you with that attitude.

[HardcoreBassin]

I have ZERO experience with sponsorship, but I have tons of experience with sales.  What is the hardest part about making a sale? Asking for the sale...

 

What I'm saying is, if you want a sponsor, ask for one.  The worst that can happen is that they say no...

 

- Dale

[slonezp]

Why do you need a sponsorship?

Didn't you read? He wants free stuff.

[gardnerjigman]

I have ZERO experience with sponsorship, but I have tons of experience with sales. What is the hardest part about making a sale? Asking for the sale...

What I'm saying is, if you want a sponsor, ask for one. The worst that can happen is that they say no...

- Dale

I agree with you to an extent, actually, I'll say I agree with you on sales of product. HOWEVER, he is trying to sell himself to these companies, and just asking isn't the answer.

You have an endless supply of customers to push product towards, however, the companies to sponsor anglers are numbered...

[J Francho]

Didn't you read? He wants free stuff.

I more interested in why he needs it, not what he wants. There's a difference. Everybody wants free stuff. That's what the lotto is for.

[corn-on-the-rob]

On a side note, Having realistic expectations can really pave the way for a successful career. If a sponsor gives you 10% off their products that is a great start, don't take it as an insult. Some might even start you at 20%, maybe much larger but very few if any at all will give you extreme discounts or free product sufficient enough for supporting tournament fishing. The 13 year old who gets one bag of sample baits because he said he was gonna review them on youtube is hardly what we (you) are trying to accomplish here.

 

The key here is to establish yourself with these companies and prove you are of value. Heck, if you really like a company and they won't outright sponsor you, ask if you can put their logo on your jersey because you truly like/use their product and maybe in a year they might start something official. After concurrent seasons of success and the proven ability to promote the companies products sufficiently, your sponsor might increase your discounts and may start to offer free product.

 

Get the resume done, get it reviewed, then get it reviewed again (preferably by someone experience in either writing or the targeted field). Pick out a long list of companies you would like to be sponsored by in order of desire. I would strongly suggest looking at more local places because the big names flat out don't sponsor much except the pros and if they do sponsor you, it would likely be for extremely little return. The local companies are looking for the support and looking to support young/locals.

 

Now go talk to these places individually in order. If you can't talk to someone in person, call them. If you can't do either THEN email them. Try to make the contact as personal as possible, don't just send out an automated email to every company. This will increase your odds tenfold. Don't be forgettable, but don't be imposing or cocky.

 

Just like others have mentioned, for some reason getting sponsored is the young angler's crutch, everyone wants them, and honestly all but a few are qualified. Now you have given me enough information such that I feel that you would be successful in acquiring a decent handful of sponsors, but I do stress doing it locally and to expect minimal return initially.

 

 

 

*commenting on the "negativity": Understand that like I mentioned above, there are tons of really young anglers that pop on this website and ask about sponsorship and are generally over their heads and are quite annoying. Some of the members come into this thread with a bit of negativity/condescension because their experience tells them it's just another one of those threads. That being said, though much of the info on here comes off as slightly harsh criticism, it is the most effective way to communicate with you, all with the intention to help you and see you succeed.

 

*Now some mentioned your negativity, even though it was not extreme, your prose did indicate it. This is important because even if only a glimmer of negativity, some of the guys that read this public thread probably thought to themselves "I wouldn't sponsor this kid" and it is important to note: You came to us regarding professional matters, so in turn, you should do your absolute best to treat this as professionally as possible. It is a skill to turn off the negativity button but it is a must for professionalism. This includes when people do say something stupid or mean, don't engage them if possible and if you have to, pretend everyone you talk to is your boss. Remember, you are representing yourself in public at all times, don't give anyone any reason to doubt you.

[corn-on-the-rob]

I more interested in why he needs it, not what he wants. There's a difference. Everybody wants free stuff. That's what the lotto is for.

 

Am I missing something? I re-read and did not see anywhere where he mentions "needing" them. (I may have missed it, if so point it out)

[J Francho]

So, this is about getting tackle at a discount? Not worth the effort and your integrity at this stage of the game.

[J Francho]

It's my question. Why does he need to be sponsored?

[corn-on-the-rob]

It's my question. Why does he need to be sponsored?

oh okay, you had made the distinction between "want vs need" clear, so I figured he had said it.

 

Sure he doesn't need to, no one does, but a young person (likely in college) getting even minor financial support to do something he is passionate about is hardly a negative in my book, Let alone a shot to one's integrity.