Just trying to figure out how to get some help

[wigglemyworm]

I am just wanting to know a few things about the right way and the wrong way to go about getting some sponsorship help,  I am currently serving in the military and i fish pretty much everyday,   I am a sniper instructor for the army and i have had to go through several speaking classes and i have had to learn how to sell the art,   I have some college but i am wanting to know more about what i should do and shouldnt do,  kinda like the in's and outs,  thanks

[Chris]

Be upfront about what you want or need. Make sure that you have a way to promote their product to increase sales. Make sure that you know there stuff and believe in there product. Companies get hammered everyday from people wanting something so it needs to be worth there while the conversation or letter needs to be "this is what I can do for you" and "this is what makes me stand out from the rest." Don't try to ask for the world because that is a big turn off unless you can demonstrate that you are worth it. To many people kinda have the attitude that this is a right and you can't go on without me which isn't good. Be honest don't make yourself out to be something that your not or that you can move mountains when you can't. Know what you want or need before you get your self stuck in a conversation and end up with a sucky deal. Make yourself out a resume because you are applying for a job. Make sure that it is professional and that you act in such a manner. You are representing them and they don't want Forest Gump to be their contact with the rest of the public. A good public speaker is a (+) and you also need to have enough experience with the product and fishing in general to "know what your talking about." Use good grammar and spelling you want project yourself as an educated person. Most of the time you kinda start off as a "field tester" which isn't a bad thing and you should have an opportunity to climb up the ladder as you show promise that you can gain sales. Make sure that the level that your fishing at warrants the kind of sponsorship you are asking for. What I mean is that if all I do is fish in a club and there isn't anyway for me to promote a companies product other than Internet chat sites and that is the only contact I have with the public which in turn doesn't put their product on the tackle shop's shelves then why would I ask for a full sponsorship. If your new to the game then it would be a good idea to target smaller companies. If your an old goat like me then it would be good to expand out provided that you have the ability to promote sales. You got to be marketable and a salesmen that's key outside of being a stud at the weigh in. I could be the best fishermen in the world but if I can't sell you the lures that I fish with what good am I to a company. Lastly if you tell the company that you can do X,Y,Z make sure you do it because they will find someone who will. I myself have been very fortunate and have some fantastic sponsors from companies large and small. It wasn't easy and I had many doors slammed in my face in the process. You just got to drive on.