Wow, words of wisdom! Steve and Austin, your spot on!!
Sponsorship programs - It's still very much needed in the industry, especially with a challenged economy. Getting companies to increase sponsorship is the real challenge.
For the past 10 years, I've had the opportunity to work with a number of fishing companies, normally sales and marketing. Call it passion or eagerness for more pain, I end up being the pro-staff coordinator. What has helped me in decision making over the years are the following:
What are you going to do for my company? Bottom line is sales, you must be able to sell my product. How will you complete this task? Do you know the product line?
Why should I select you? What makes you standout above the competition?
Are you available for seminars, trade/consumer shows? How much are you willing to help? Often enough, shows may be out of area/state, are you willing to travel.
Are you willing to write: articles, product reports, fishing experience/reports. For some, this is a show stopper. If your able to write on a fishing forum, your able to write!
Never lie about who you are, what you've done (experience)! Most companies will follow up on resumes and check prospective back grounds. Sponsor's don't want drama or problems. As a pro-staff, your a representative for the company.
This is what I look for when a resume is presented. If I feel its worth moving on to the next level, I provide a pro-staff application. If individual is accepted, a pro-staff agreement of understanding is provided.
These have stood out throughout the years that never worked for me:
Walking up and showing me your 100 page photo album at a fishing show.
Pounding your chest and telling me how great you are?
Name throwing - You need me because I know a certain Pro-angler.
Fishing pictures is not your resume, it’s a small part of who you are.
Claiming to win tournaments, when the tournament never existed.
Don’t pad your awards/accomplishments - it will be checked.
You need to pay me to be on your staff, because I’m so good.
I’ve had so many sponsors throughout the years. (loyal to a company goes a long way. If you’ve had 3 rod sponsors in 5 years, it show your always looking for the better deal).
You need to sweeten the pro-staff deal, because a competitor has a better deal for me
Will I get paid for pro-staff?
When can I get free stuff?
Telling me how great the product is, though you have never used the product. Knowledge of the product goes a long way.
Hope the above information helps.
Good luck, Mel - Kahuna Bass
