sponsorship letter

[freedomfisher]

ok i know some of you dont recament asking for anything when looking for sponsors. and i understand why.  I would like you to read this letter im writing and give me your opinions on weather or not its a good idea. or if it need to be revised and how.

keep in mind that i have giving up everything i posably can to become a pro angler. and that i am aware that it will take me some time to get there. this letter is intended for local non fishing  buisness .

thanks abe

To whom it may concern.

     My name is abelicio Gomez. I have been a resident of lake havasu for Three years. I have recently entered in competing in local and regional bass fishing tournaments. Starting this winter and continuing thru out the calendar year in pursuit of acquiring the knowledge, and experience to aid myself in competing in the pro bass fishing tournament the following year.

     I am currently seeking financial sponsors to aid me with tournament expenses.

The fees and expenses of tournament fishing can add up very quickly. The total cost of a tournament witch includes entry fees, fuel, and license, insurance, travel expenses, lodging, can add up to approximately between 350.00 and 500.00 each tournament. Not including cost of boat, repairs, and equipment. Any contribution you give would be greatly appreciated.

In exchange for you sponsorship I will be advertising your business name, and or logo you provide to me on our team shirts, boat, and or tow vehicles. Depending on the type of sponsorship you participate in. Thus any media exposure would give you additional advertising with no extra cost to you. We also are willing to promote your business in any function that would benefit you with the aid in revenue for you business.

     

ok  its not quite finished.

So let me have it  

[JT Bagwell]

You have nearly double the word count for information about you and what you want,

than you do about what you can do for the company.

I will be point blank honest with you because I believe that is what you want.

That letter will not get you a single sponsorship dollar. Sponsors do not care where

you live or what you want to be. They only care about how you can help them make

money. You need to put together a business plan that details what you will do and when

you will do it for the companies. Then explain how your activities are going to grossly

affect their bottom line.

These companies get literally thousands of letters per year from people just like you.

When you are asking for something, you need to come up with a way to make yourself

stand out.

I for one, do agree with the fact that you ask for what you want in the letter. I do the

same thing and it has worked for me. I do not beat around the bush with companies. I

explain in great detail how I will work for them and then I tell them what I want in return.

After doing that, I run some figures to demonstrate how they are getting a great bargain.

Hope that helps a little.

JT Bagwell

[Hale]

Im sure everyone on here that has a sponsor can back me up on this: Loose the letters to sponsors, thay are very ineffective and your wasting your time. Would you sell a service/product to someone by mailing or emailing a letter? NO, you would call or meet! Get on the phone and befriend the person in charge of the pro-staff/team. At a minimum you are building a reputation with that person and his/her company. A letter does nothing and likewise with blindly sending a resume. A resume should be only sent in at the request of that person you have been speaking to! I now have 3 sponsors and only one of them have cared to see a resume (and that wasnt even a fishing resume they wanted).

Want to find out if your marketable? Call a stranger and convince that person you are the asset they need! If you succeed, your on your way to being marketable....

[JT Bagwell]

I pretty much agree with you on all counts Hale.

One thing I do as far as letters are concerned.

I send them to the exact person that makes the decisions. In

the proposal packet, I tell them that I will call on a specific date.

This gives them time to review the information and when I call it

is decision time or discussion time.

JT Bagwell

[earthworm77]

Freedom I'll be blunt and honest as I always try to be. Unless you are applying to a relative or a friends company, you won't get cash from anyone. It is simply unrealistic at best to think that anyone will give you some money just because you are going to fish some tournaments and claim you will represent their company. There are exception but I think just about 100% of the time you will be rejected. I like the idea of a phone call or visit to the target place but at the same time understand that any company you solicit, can likley ge tbetter advertising for less money through other areas. You really have to be impressive and "Wow" them. I just don't see it happening with a generic letter.

One thing that everyone needs to understand is that just because you have a rod and reel and want to fish a tournament, it doesn't qualify you to be worthy for some kind of hand out or help from a company. There are tons of anglers who may qualify but, it is unrealistic to expect this. If you can't find a way to market yourself atractively to a company don't bother. You can be the crummiest angler and have a boat load of sponsors because you have a marketable trait that will sell products for them. That is what it comes down to. Is the cost of having this guy going to be worth it. I review tons of sponsorship requests for my custom bait company. I ask the following questions to myself:

1-Does this guy actually know my products?

2-Can this guy market my products and himself?

3-Is this guy legitamate? Can I check what he claims out?

4-If he checks out, can he really help me?

5-What has he done different than the 1000 other requests I get?

and the one you never want me to ask:

Is this clown for real? Who does he think he is?

It may seem cruel but there is no place in my stable for a freeloader who has little intention of fulfilling an agreement with me. I like to weed 'em out ahead of time.

[CSB]

ok i know some of you dont recament asking for anything when looking for sponsors. and i understand why.  I would like you to read this letter im writing and give me your opinions on weather or not its a good idea. or if it need to be revised and how.

keep in mind that i have giving up everything i posably can to become a pro angler. and that i am aware that it will take me some time to get there. this letter is intended for local non fishing  buisness .

thanks abe

To whom it may concern.

     My name is abelicio Gomez. I have been a resident of lake havasu for Three years. I have recently entered in competing in local and regional bass fishing tournaments. Starting this winter and continuing thru out the calendar year in pursuit of acquiring the knowledge, and experience to aid myself in competing in the pro bass fishing tournament the following year.

     I am currently seeking financial sponsors to aid me with tournament expenses.

The fees and expenses of tournament fishing can add up very quickly. The total cost of a tournament witch includes entry fees, fuel, and license, insurance, travel expenses, lodging, can add up to approximately between 350.00 and 500.00 each tournament. Not including cost of boat, repairs, and equipment. Any contribution you give would be greatly appreciated.

In exchange for you sponsorship I will be advertising your business name, and or logo you provide to me on our team shirts, boat, and or tow vehicles. Depending on the type of sponsorship you participate in. Thus any media exposure would give you additional advertising with no extra cost to you. We also are willing to promote your business in any function that would benefit you with the aid in revenue for you business.

     

ok  its not quite finished.

So let me have it  

For $500 a company can stick their logo and a message in a trade magazine and know that every viewer is in their target market. You arent selling advertisement. You are selling a marketing program.

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever (am I clear?) discuss money in a proposal. Never mention anything about you needing money. They already know you need the money, otherwise you wouldnt have contacted them. If they want to give away money, they can dontate to a charity for extra PR and a nice tax write-off. Refrain from using words like sponsorship, financial backing, support, contribute, etc. any words that make you sound like you cant do this without their money. Of course we all know you really cant go it alone, but dont show weakness.

Call the company you are trying to work with, and push their buttons. Ask for the marketing manager (research the company, know that persons name). Then say something like "Hi this is Bob Jones, how would you like to drive sales and increase brand awareness? I have a grassroots marketing program that I'd like to tell you about. It is fully measureable, and turn-key.  If you get a positive response, you then should ask "Do you keep your marketing options open?" If you get a yes here, then ask "Specifically, what are you trying to achieve in your marketing efforts?" This puts the ball in their court, and allows you to gain more information on how to pitch your idea. Remember, you are only selling the concept here. If things go well on the phone, ask for a meeting. If you get the meeting, then its time to bring in a proposal, and sell your marketing program. Sell it HARD. If that works, then you close the deal, discussing the financing. If you get the money, execute your marketing program with excellence, and exceed their expectations (the four E's).

I should write a book on marketing programs!

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Great advice and let's hope it isn't taken the wrong way.  

The guys that have replied have all been in the business, their input is somthing you can't buy.   Soak it in, this is constructive criticism, not just plain old criticism.

;

[squid]

THIS IS SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON FOR A YEAR NOW:

Definition of a Sponsorship

The world of fishing is quickly becoming a marketing frenzy. In 2005, bass fishing exploded nationally into a televised sport on three major networks including ESPN, Fox Sports Net, and Outdoor Life Network. Nearly 17 full hours of national network time was dedicated to the Bassmasters Classic. What does this mean to sponsors? Simple...more exposure. More exposure means more fans, more fisherman, more tournaments, and more opportunities to market product through anglers.

Why do anglers need sponsors? Sponsorships are the life blood of the competitive angler. In order for the tournament fisherman to compete in as many entries as possible each year, they need resources to pay for the

expense of travel and entry fees. With the emergence of weeknight divisions and team tournaments, some of the financial burden is lessened. However, with the relief from a partner comes a split in the dividends. So, anglers seek out businesses and interests willing to participate in a different kind of partnership.

In essence, anglers become subcontractors offering advertising space on boats, jerseys and tow vehicles in exchange for sponsorship money. Also we make ourselves available for the sponsor in whatever ways we can. Some

examples include; delivering an auto for a car sponsor, appearing at a fishing show for a boat sponsor, bringing our rig and doing a demonstration for an open house or grand opening.

Okay, it sounds like anglers need sponsors more than sponsors need anglers, right? Well.....it's really a symbiotic relationship. Sponsors and anglers need each other. Anglers add legitimacy to products. They put a face with a name. They introduce new products on the tour. Anglers promote to other anglers. Pro fisherman are in the spotlight, even when they are practicing. Spectators and fans notice who their favorite angler supports. Few things catch someones eye quicker than a giant bass rig rolling down the highway. Those same rigs can carry a message from sponsors. Put it this way, advertising money spent on billboards will reach thousands. That same amount invested into a fishing sponsorship will affect thousands. The message is carried personally to the public through a recognized spokesman who has made it his job to gain

respect and establish personal contact with as many people as possible in his travels. That is in fact what we do.

This is my definition of a professional sponsorship. It is my opinion that a professional angler should be measured respectively: by character. On or off the water, tournament or practice, my goal is to positively reflect the virtues of our sport through professionalism and performance. I believe that my role as a

spokesman is every bit as important as my job as a fisherman. I look forward to forming a professional relationship with anyone interested in being on the cutting edge of professional angling.

IF YA LIKE IT...USE IT. WORKED FOR ME.

[squid]

NOW THIS IS WHAT A FRIEND OF MINE OFFERS TO POTENTIAL SPONSORS...HE'S GOTTEN SOME FROM IT... 8-) :

2006 Sponsor Information

 

In 2006 sponsor monies will be used exclusively for the following:

2006 entry fees

Fuel expenses related to tournament fishing (includes practice

and tow vehicle)

Fishing equipment

Fishing tackle

Related travel expenses

Website development         HE HAS HIS OWN

 

Available Sponsor Levels

Primary Sponsor:  Choice of image location and size - boat, tow vehicle and jersey.  First priority for appearance availability.  Number of appearances negotiable. 1 available per year.  I WOULD THINK MORE WOULD HELP

Co-Sponsor:  Top half jersey image front or back.  Windshield image on boat.  Side window image on tow vehicle.  Maximum vehicle image size 14"x22". 2 available per year.

Tour Sponsor:  Front lower jersey image.  Rear deck boat image.  Maximum boat image size 10"x12".

Pro Staff:  All Pro Staff Sponsorships negotiable.  Representation based on support level.  Support includes but is not limited to; product, tackle, expense items (vehicle), equipment, clothing and other related tour interests.

Imagery and embroidery costs are the responsibility of the sponsor.

All sponsor levels include boat show representation (jersey) and website links.  If you are interested in a

sponsor opportunity with _________ please email inquiry to:  

HOW'S THIS FOR BEING UP FRONT?....LOL

[freedomfisher]

wow

now thats some good stuff. i try not to take anything the wrong way. i understant what everyone is saying, and yu all have good points.  sence im new at all this i thought some help from some of the local buisness. most of them here are prvetly owned, mom and pop kinda places. thats why i was gonna try the letter. but im gonna rethink  my aproch to this and see what happens . i am trying to get a few tournies under my belt , first  but its not cheep. fist wone i was going to do compete in fell throu. my partner backed out the nite befor and i lost out  on some money . but not gonna give up. got anouther one next friday. thanks for all the advice. ill keep working on it .

abe

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Read these before doing anything.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1143220947

https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1166330314

[earthworm77]

Squid, that might not be a bad thing to show a sponsor after you've gotten your foot in the door and are negotiating a deal. I have to believe that it is a follow up after the guy gets accepted? If someone just sent me that out of the blue, I'd laugh at it. It is pretty bold as a first impression.

[Hale]

most of them here are prvetly owned, mom and pop kinda places

That makes it a LOT easier for you to get to know who you are dealing with. They definitely do not get a letter. But its a catch 22 with small places, a lot of times they dont have the funding available to support a sponsorship even if it were just product. Likewise, they may not be interested in expanding their business anymore than it is operating at now. With that said you need to be creative, most likely they [local tackle store/marina] have industry hook ups. Offer to work around the marina for a couple of hours a week free, in exchange for being there the days the distributors show up to re-stock. Those guys know more about the business than 90% of the pros on the tour.

Since your just starting out forget about sponsors. You want to get your name out in the industry and network. Make friends at the local shops, attend boat shows and get to know everyone, go to the tournaments (ones your not competing in) and get to know people. You want the local shops to be happy to see you come in and one thing they dont want to see is one day your convincing him to carry product XYZ and then 6 months later your pushing product ABC instead. You will loose any value you had and that negativity spreads quicker than any words could ever explain. As big as this industry has gotten, its still a 'good ole boy' network and its all about who you know.

[CSB]

Edited....

[squid]

Squid, that might not be a bad thing to show a sponsor after you've gotten your foot in the door and are negotiating a deal. I have to believe that it is a follow up after the guy gets accepted? If someone just sent me that out of the blue, I'd laugh at it. It is pretty bold as a first impression.

I HEAR WHAT YOU ARE SAYING....THOUGHT THESE WOULD HELP HIM ONCE HE IS PAST THE DOOR FRAME....THE SECOND ONE I PUT UP IS WHAT A FRIEND SENDS TO POTENTIAL SPONSORS....NOT MY IDEA OF A LETTER I WOULD SEND EITHER.  LIKE I SAID...HE HAS GOTTEN SOME SPONSORS....NOTHING BIG THAT'S FOR SURE.  I DO LIKE SOME OF HIS IDEAS IN IT, BUT LIKE YOU SAID....BRING THIS TO THE TABLE..NOT SEND OUT.

[freedomfisher]

well thanks for all the info. i guess ill forget about all the sponsors for now. im not gonna give up on competing tho. ill live in my truck and boat if i have to .  8-)