When I was 18 years old I believed I knew it all. I was so good at selling a product that I even had an offer to get a Boat deal from a very big boat company. At 18 years I was not ready. You might be able to go out there and just catch the fish like crazy but what you don't realize is that you just don't have the experience to promote companies like they need to be promoted. It takes more than just going to tournaments and wearing a companies logo during a tournament to say you're sponsored.
Being sponsored means going out to different boat shows and tackle shows and promoting their product. It means when your in a tournament actually fish that product. See you have to start off on the bottom and work your way up. That means going two states away helping that sponsor work a show and never ask that sponsor for a dime. Not even a product. What you're learning is how to promote. Being sponsored means wearing their shirts every where you go and taking time to talk to people and answer any and all questions they have regarding that product. Being sponsored means going back to school and getting a degree in marketing as well as taking speech classes to help you speak in front of big crowds. Being sponsored means going to children's hospitals and spending time with them and letting them know that everything is going to be alright. Not because you have to but because you want to. Being sponsored means going in the community and giving back to the children and letting them know that they do have a chance in life. If their dream is to be a doctor let them know that no one can stop them in living their dream out if they work hard to get it. Being sponsored is so much more than just tournament fishing. You have to learn how to reach out to all communities and help every person of every color understand how to catch fish on the product you are promoting and last but not least being sponsored means promoting a product you truly believe in and fish every time you go fishing.
I currently have one sponsor. I have been working with this company for over a year now and started at the bottom and never did I ask for anything. I simply called this man up and told him about his product and how much I enjoyed fishing this bait. I am very proud to work for him and will do so for many years to come.
why do I feel I am ready to be sponsored.
Now I am 29 years old. I am a husband and a father of one boy and one girl. I named both of my kids after boats lol. I knew at 18 years old that I was not ready because I knew I would only get better with age. I knew I would mature and mature I did. I did not want to waste my shot at 18 and for some reason make a mistake and never have that shot again. I now know what it takes to hold down a sponsorship and am ready. I set my plans up to make this a 3 year to 4 year run to become an elite series angler. I have allowed myself time to grow and I found out this is not only my dream but this is what i was put on earth to do. I was put on this earth to give all kids a hope in life. Through fishing and my faith in Christ Jesus I will accomplish that feat.
Thanks everyone and I hope I did not offend anyone on this site from the words I just wrote. I am here to help and will help you out anyway I can. Thanks again, Donald Breland
