How NOT to approach a company!

[Jay_G]

Without fronting this fisherman out by name, here is an email I just received. This is a good example of how not to approach a sponsor.

"hey man i heard someone talking about these lures and i was wondering if you were willing to sponsor me and my fishing partner and im not talking about a huge sponsor to buy us stuff im just talking about you send us a pack or two of  the elgrande minnows and send us  hats,stickers,shirts or anything with your companies logo and we'll be glad to wear it and put it on everything we fish with and tell everybody we meet at tourneys"

1. Although I am flattered that he would like to represent my company, I assume he has never used my product. Why would you want to represent me if you don't even know if my product works?

2. I  keep seeing  "send us" things. Why would I do that? How do I know you can even catch a fish, actually fish tournaments, or the number of tournaments you fish? I could go on and on.

3. Literacy is a big deal to me. At least make an effort. I am no college English professor, but I am a professional business person and I would never knowingly present anything like this to the public.

4. If I have to ask more than a couple of questions about you, then you did not do a very good job presenting your case to me on why you should be sponsored.

5. I may be a little "old school", but addressing me as "hey man", is not a good start. 12 yrs US Army MP, 4 yrs Correctional Lt, work 7 days a week to keep 3 businesses and my family in good shape, and I get "hey man, send us something".

I am posting this to help those of you along who wish to work for something. How would you like me to send you an unsolicited email and ask for part of your weekly paycheck and in turn, I will wear your hat? Can you see where I am coming from? If I am to invest in you, I expect a solid investment with reasonable projected/expected returns.

[Bassnbrett101]

El Grande this is great information, thank you for sharing. But I was wondering if you could tell me more about the "projected/expected results".  What "results" would you, as a potential sponsor, like to see if someone confronted you about sponsorship?

[Jay_G]

El Grande this is great information, thank you for sharing. But I was wondering if you could tell me more about the "projected/expected results". What "results" would you, as a potential sponsor, like to see if someone confronted you about sponsorship?

Great question! The answer may not be what you think.  I approach people about representing my company. I approach people based on their loyalty as a customer. Have they ordered repeatedly? Have they related their likes and dislikes about my product? What do they do for a living? Have other customers bought because of this person? These are Grass Roots fisherman.

As far as projected results and expectations. I believe that hard work results in long-term dividends. It takes time to develope good relationship. All that I ask is that if you are happy with the product, let people know. Post a picture in a forum. Give someone a pack of baits. Give me a testimonial either postive or negative. Lures can always be improved on and feedback is the main thing I want to have. Recommendations for the areas you fish. I never heard of Scuppernong until I had a loyal client on Santee Cooper ask me to pour it for him. Open communication is key. Since this is a two way street, I reward these people with new product to test, to use, to give away. I try to think outside of the box on "sponsorship". The number one issue with any of my field staff/prostaff is that none have ever asked for anything! They have all earned it. Will I consider financial sponsorship? I have not ruled that out, but when I do, it will be to help a loyal customer.

[Brian_Reeves]

I think that's actually a much better approach than the mass sponsorships (if you want to call them that) that some companies do for FLW and ABA anglers.  I'd rather work with a company that wants to hear my ideas and comments.  Granted, I'm not a tournament fisherman right now and might not be for some time, but I'd still like to work with lure manufacturers.  I talk to a few people here and there, but I don't expect anything in return.  Maybe if I win a few big tournaments one day, then I'll go knocking on doors, but right now, it's just about the sport for me.  I think it would do well for many people that are seeking sponsorships to get to know the company, it's employees, and its products.  My bottemline, if I ever get that involved, is that I WILL NOT SUPPORT A PRODUCT THAT I DO NOT BELIEVE IN!!!  El Grande, you're philosophy fits right into that.  Good deal

[Gatorbassman]

5. I may be a little "old school", but addressing me as "hey man", is not a good start. 12 yrs US Army MP, 4 yrs Correctional Lt, work 7 days a week to keep 3 businesses and my family in good shape, and I get "hey man, send us something".

I couldn't help but laugh at that one. I totally agree.

Thanks for this post. It's perfect.

[Bassnbrett101]

It is a great thread, and thank you for answering my question, sorry I didnt say it sooner.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

5. I may be a little "old school", but addressing me as "hey man", is not a good start. 12 yrs US Army MP, 4 yrs Correctional Lt, work 7 days a week to keep 3 businesses and my family in good shape, and I get "hey man, send us something".

I couldn't help but laugh at that one. I totally agree.

Thanks for this post. It's perfect.

Yea,...personally, I like this part ....

1. Although I am flattered that he would like to represent my company, I assume he has never used my product. Why would you want to represent me if you don't even know if my product works?

2. I  keep seeing  "send us" things. Why would I do that? How do I know you can even catch a fish, actually fish tournaments, or the number of tournaments you fish? I could go on and on.

3. Literacy is a big deal to me. At least make an effort. I am no college English professor, but I am a professional business person and I would never knowingly present anything like this to the public.

4. If I have to ask more than a couple of questions about you, then you did not do a very good job presenting your case to me on why you should be sponsored.

5. I may be a little "old school", but addressing me as "hey man", is not a good start. 12 yrs US Army MP, 4 yrs Correctional Lt, work 7 days a week to keep 3 businesses and my family in good shape, and I get "hey man, send us something".

Thanks for the fine "How not to" post

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

4. If I have to ask more than a couple of questions about you, then you did not do a very good job presenting your case to me on why you should be sponsored.

And if you can't even represent YOURSELF, how could I expect you to represent my product?????  Basic, basic stuff, at least it's good for some humor but if I were a company owner, these would get old quick.

[Jay_G]

4. If I have to ask more than a couple of questions about you, then you did not do a very good job presenting your case to me on why you should be sponsored.

And if you can't even represent YOURSELF, how could I expect you to represent my product????? Basic, basic stuff, at least it's good for some humor but if I were a company owner, these would get old quick.

Although this email is good for a few laughs, it actually upset me at the time. I am by no means a large company, nor do I think I want to be. I do however want the business to be profitable in the future and understand that having staff, whether it be field staff or prostaff can be a benefit. I am not sure if people realize the cost involved to start this type of business and keep it running. I am shocked at the number of people who contact me wanting sponsorship. Sometimes I ask "What is your favorite lure that I produce?, or "What is your favorite color combo and why?". 99% of these requesters have never fished my lures. My opinion is that you should know more than the average fisherman about my lures. I could go on and on, but I think I have made my point. I would love to answer any questions people have about this business. If I can help, I will.

[JT Bagwell]

"hey man"  great post.  lol

I have assisted a couple of smaller companies

with reviewing sponsorship requests (several years ago).

The stuff people write in their letters or emails is just

completely crazy.

Another thing that drives me nuts is how often I personally

get hit up for donations and/or sponsorships. I don't even

have a company for goodness sakes. Do these people think

I am going to get cash and products from my sponsors and

just give it to them or what?

Once again, El Grande, Great Post. But Hey, can you hook

me up with some free lures? You know that one cool bait

you have in that one color that works good?    Just kidding.

JT Bagwell

[earthworm77]

The bottom line is....just because you have a rod and reel, fish and like to get out on the water....it does not entitle you for a sponsorship. No intelligent company owner/Staff Rep is going to say..."Hey, what a great idea".

Fisherman are a dime a dozen, consider yourself a penny. Make sure you're a shiny penny and maybe you will have a chance, if you do everything correctly.

and you can quote me on that and use it in your avatars if you want! ;D

[Ellesar]

How would you like me to send you an unsolicited email and ask for part of your weekly paycheck and in turn, I will wear your hat?

Thats the funniest thing I've read in a while actually. It almost makes me want to create a hat for you to wear so I could sponsor you. Ofcourse you may not want to wear it, my company would be something like "Ell's Stinky Pinkies" or something sure to cause embarassment! ;D

[Jay_G]

A couple others in my inbox recently. How not to approach a company!!

"Dear El Grande Lures,

I am looking for sponsors to help me out fishing tournaments, and I was hoping that ya'll might be able to sponsor me"

and another

"hi my name is (deleted)i live in louisville kentucky i bass fish im scmi/pro angler and ilke to see about talking to you on bening a pro staffer for you can you let me no thanks you can callme at (deleted) are you can email me

Come On. I respect someone who actually tries, but I get numerous one sentence emails like this weekly. If anyone on here is sending emails like these to companies, please stop.

[Bass XL]

That second one is PRICELESS!!!

[senko_77]

A couple others in my inbox recently. How not to approach a company!!

"Dear El Grande Lures,

I am looking for sponsors to help me out fishing tournaments, and I was hoping that ya'll might be able to sponsor me"

and another

"hi my name is (deleted)i live in louisville kentucky i bass fish im scmi/pro angler and ilke to see about talking to you on bening a pro staffer for you can you let me no thanks you can callme at (deleted) are you can email me

Come On. I respect someone who actually tries, but I get numerous one sentence emails like this weekly. If anyone on here is sending emails like these to companies, please stop.

Wow......

I cannot believe you recieved these kind of emails.  LOL.  I was cracking up at that second one.  I'm sure it is an insult to you.  It sure would offend me.

[Ellesar]

A couple others in my inbox recently. How not to approach a company!!

"Dear El Grande Lures,

I am looking for sponsors to help me out fishing tournaments, and I was hoping that ya'll might be able to sponsor me"

and another

"hi my name is (deleted)i live in louisville kentucky i bass fish im scmi/pro angler and ilke to see about talking to you on bening a pro staffer for you can you let me no thanks you can callme at (deleted) are you can email me

Come On. I respect someone who actually tries, but I get numerous one sentence emails like this weekly. If anyone on here is sending emails like these to companies, please stop.

Deer sers or madamz,

 I needz the gear for fishing and I'z herd that you bate peeple wuld give me warez if I like wear ur hat or somethingz. I would be willin to do this 4 u if u give me warez. I played the fishing game on my xbox and win lots of turnaments there so I think I can win the reel ones 4 u. u wuldnt be sorry. I will pimp ur company tottaly to the max if u give me good warez. I wuld probably also need a boat cause my dad said I cant use his anymore after the accident. Not sure why he is like that cause no charges were pressed or anything. If u give me a boat, I will put stickerz on it 4 u too. My shirt will need my nick on it, it is 3lit3d00dkillerklown. Lolz. You can email me or call me. I need the boat soon.

Thanks,

3lit3d00dkillerklown

aka - Rodeny

Unfortunately I know a few of my sons friends just might write something similar to the above. Sometimes the younger generation scares me.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

A couple others in my inbox recently. How not to approach a company!!

"Dear El Grande Lures,

I am looking for sponsors to help me out fishing tournaments, and I was hoping that ya'll might be able to sponsor me"

and another

"hi my name is (deleted)i live in louisville kentucky i bass fish im scmi/pro angler and ilke to see about talking to you on bening a pro staffer for you can you let me no thanks you can callme at (deleted) are you can email me

Come On. I respect someone who actually tries, but I get numerous one sentence emails like this weekly. If anyone on here is sending emails like these to companies, please stop.

I think the most entertaining part of the second email is the fact that the guy answered his own question.....it says it right there, "NO THANKS"  

[dave]

A couple others in my inbox recently. How not to approach a company!!

"Dear El Grande Lures,

        I am looking for sponsors to help me out fishing tournaments, and I was hoping that ya'll might be able to sponsor me"

and another

"hi my name is (deleted)i live in louisville kentucky i bass fish  im scmi/pro angler and ilke to see about talking to you on bening a pro staffer for you can you let me no thanks you can callme at (deleted) are you can email me

Come On. I respect someone who actually tries, but I get numerous one sentence emails like this weekly. If anyone on here is sending emails like these to companies, please stop.

After the many 10 to 20 page threads that have run here about correct spelling and grammar,  these are just two examples of why learning to write and speak correctly matters.  

[Steve H]

I was going to try this one

Hi, I'm Steve and I could really use some money to fish and some of your baits too.

[Top]

I may be a little "old school", but addressing me as "hey man", is not a good start. 12 yrs US Army MP, 4 yrs Correctional Lt, work 7 days a week to keep 3 businesses and my family in good shape, and I get "hey man, send us something".

HUH... seems to me like you don't stick with anything... 12 years in the army??? what the flip??????

;D

Just joshing you.... Thanks for your service... and your right... someone says "hey man" to me and they won't like me... but like you... I am an "old school" professional attitude adjuster

AL

[earthworm77]

Hi, I'm Steve and I could really use some money to fish and some of your baits too.

Um Steve, back to the drawing board buddy.

Here is an example of what not to do, names have been omitted to protect the innocent.....

I got a message on my home phone from a female Pro, fishing the whatever circuit it is...WBA, WNBA whatever. I don't follow it. Anyway, she introduced herself and it went downhill from there. She explained...to my answering machine that she was a local girl and needed "Help" paying for entry fees. It was totally unprofesh. First, you don't look up the company owners personal number and call the private residence. I give her props for going through the trouble to look my number up but it only annoyed me.

Second you don't beg an answering machine for money, third you do it the right way by making a hard copy contact by mailing a resume and following it up with an email or call to the business. But not the personal residence. My number is unlisted. I only want a select few people calling me. And when I pick the phone up, I expect it to be one of those people.

As a Pro who definitely has sponsors, she should have known better.

[Jay_G]

That is pretty intrusive Earthworm. I don't know if I am gettng crankier as I get older, or there are more idiots making it through the natural selection process without being eaten.

I do not think people are reading these boards before they post their resume or email. For the most part, it does not show.

[Jay_G]

I may be a little "old school", but addressing me as "hey man", is not a good start. 12 yrs US Army MP, 4 yrs Correctional Lt, work 7 days a week to keep 3 businesses and my family in good shape, and I get "hey man, send us something".

HUH... seems to me like you don't stick with anything... 12 years in the army??? what the flip??????

;D

Just joshing you.... Thanks for your service... and your right... someone says "hey man" to me and they won't like me... but like you... I am an "old school" professional attitude adjuster

AL

That's funny. When they told me not to allow anyone with anti-Clinton bumber stickers on their vehicle through the gate in 1992, I started to get the hint that I need to move on.

[Top]

OK... now that we are buds... GIVE ME SOME STUFF!!!!

;D

hahahahhaa

AL

[done]

     Wow. That really blows my mind. Folks just don't see it as a business thing. They figure, he I fish with my buds, and such so when I deal with a business owner who makes fishing tackle, I can just saddle on up to him and talk to him like we're sittin' at a campfire.

    What you should do is find out what they do for a living and throw it back at them. Let's use IT for example.

"Hey buddy,

      I like computers, I even hear yours are really good. I was wondering if you'd be willing to hire me to help build some web sites."

  I have plenty of "fun" clients, like beer companies, gun manufacturers, even Disney World, and some "rough" ones like coal mining firms, and construction. Not a single one of them does not take their business extremely seriously. They don't take kindly to unprofessional conduct.

  I guess the big thing to always keep in mind with sponsorships of any kind, is that it is a business transaction. You are asking a company to allow you to represent them. There is not a single intelligent company that will do so until then know who you are and WHY they should take a risk and invest in you. Maybe, once you land them as a sponsor and make them some major bucks, then you can call the CEO at home and say "Hey buddy, can you send me some hats and stuff." LOL!