How to earn a sponsorship?
#61
Tech Elite
iTrader: (11)
At least one good thing that i can say now is that your grammar and spelling are good. Given the current state of education in the united states, you're probably above average on that compared to your fellow classmates (and overall national average). Grats to that
#62
Tech Elite
iTrader: (6)
Having entry fees or other expenses paid for is generally done when you get a little higher up the sponsorship ladder. Most will start with discounts on their products. And there are a ton of companies that will sponsor pretty much anyone regardless of skill level.
My best advice would be to step out of rookie as soon as possible. You will improve much faster racing against faster drivers.
My best advice would be to step out of rookie as soon as possible. You will improve much faster racing against faster drivers.
Not true. You have to give them a reason to sponsor you. Manufacturers can't be everywhere and don't know what is going on in other parts of the country. Having a local sponsored driver is a cheap way to increase product awareness and can increase market share. For any type of sponsorship, I would draw up a nice proposal listing (between 3-5 pages):
- What you can/will provide for them (break it down and be specific)
- What you want from them (again, be specific.). Don't just say "I'll take anything".
- Short background on yourself
- Small list of racing achievements
- a few pictures
If you do get something, don't just leave it at that. Follow it up. Keep them up to date with what is going on in your area, feedback about the products etc.
As for monetary compensation, you would have to be hitting up a fair amount of the bigger races and do quite well in the upper classes (modified).
Good luck!
- What you can/will provide for them (break it down and be specific)
- What you want from them (again, be specific.). Don't just say "I'll take anything".
- Short background on yourself
- Small list of racing achievements
- a few pictures
If you do get something, don't just leave it at that. Follow it up. Keep them up to date with what is going on in your area, feedback about the products etc.
As for monetary compensation, you would have to be hitting up a fair amount of the bigger races and do quite well in the upper classes (modified).
Good luck!
Exactly.......Syber, you can come ask me or Pang anytime about whats needed to get sponsored.
#63
All honors classes. That is one of the reason's why I can race. Because as long as I keep doing good in school and stay out of trouble, my parents will give me the 15 dollars a week to race. I am also a stickler for spelling on forums. It isn't like an IM. You have time to think your post out here so why not spell half decent while your at it.
#64
Tech Champion
iTrader: (103)
All honors classes. That is one of the reason's why I can race. Because as long as I keep doing good in school and stay out of trouble, my parents will give me the 15 dollars a week to race. I am also a stickler for spelling on forums. It isn't like an IM. You have time to think your post out here so why not spell half decent while your at it.
Now back to your regularly scheduled banter.
#65
This was posted on a UK forum a couple of years ago, but I'm sure the same still applies, and in the US.
Skiddins
I feel compelled to post these comments after a number of things I have read both in this and other forums and received via email or post.
During most weeks I receive quite a number of applications in one form or another from people asking for sponsorship. Unfortunately, most if not of all of these are so poorly thought out, prepared and presented, that they don't get past the first viewing!
I also feel very disappointed at the attitudes that seems to be present in a lot of these "applications", the most disturbing ones being this feeling that "I deserve it" or "as I already use your product I think you should sponsor me"! And these come from both the up and coming club driver and also more experienced drivers that really should know a lot better. I will tell you now that prima donnas, proven or otherwise, are just not welcome, in any sport/activity, at least not by potential sponsors.
I get the distinct impression that most people seem to think that this is just a route for a "cheap" supply of parts etc, well it most definitely is not and if that is what you think then do not bother even applying! Being sponsored is a very important relationship between the driver and the sponsor no matter what the level or activity.
I will quickly add that this is NOT an open invitation to anyone to apply for sponsorship, it is simply a quick guide to what you should consider even before making one.
So, what is sponsorship.......
It is an informal relationship between a supplier and a driver that will be beneficial to both parties, and this is true no matter what the sport or activity! Ultimately drivers like to win races, and if this happens sponsors will always like to see their products used by winners, but winning is not the be all and end all of the relationship, something I think many "applicants" really do need to consider. Being a winner does not guarantee being sponsored, likewise not being a winner will not work against you either!
If you want your application to be read, let alone taken seriously you need to consider the following:
Does the person you are approaching actually know you, if not you are going to have to tell them as much as possible about yourself and your background.
Can you commit, do you really have the time and will to dedicate to the sport, most "team" drivers do a lot more racing than your average club guy.
It takes time to build a working relationship, sponsors like to do this over time, if you think this means one season or series you are badly mistaken. The best drivers and sponsor relationships are the long term ones that last for years.....regularly changing your allegiance is not good for your credibility!
Do you know the potential sponsors business, products and people, do some research, show some genuine interest and knowledge about them. Just remember the sponsor is taking a gamble on you. Can you convey this and your background in such a way that the reader of your application will be interested in following it up.
What can you do in return for the sponsor in return for their support.
Are you presentable, realistic and reliable, not just in your racing but also your attitude. Do you carry any personal baggage, if so let them know up front, do not try to hide it as it will eventually come out and will weaken your credibility.
Remember that as a sponsored driver, you are in essence a representative of the sponsor 24/7, whether you like it or not, and all sponsors would be looking for the absolute highest standards of presentation and especially how you conduct yourself both on and importantly off the track, even in public forums such as this. If this is too high a price then don't waste yours or their time applying.
There really are not that many fully sponsored true "team Drivers", ones who get everything for "nothing", but there are lots who are "supported" at one level or another which is a different issue. Look at the profile and the number of supported drivers of a sponsor, do you really fit in.
You will be surprised at the number emails/post etc I get that are just simply not good enough and frankly not worth reading. Just remember unless you have been specifically asked to make an application, your approach will be unsolicited, and as such the recipient does not have to respond or even acknowledge it, courtesy would say that I normally would try to, but being so busy this is just not always possible, and when you get the number of emails I do that just say something like:
"Hi, I regularly win the XX final at my local club and think I could do better if you would sponsor me............let me know."
I think you not only get the idea, but also know exactly what will happen to this email. So next time you send one off, unsolicited, put yourself in the recipients position, would YOU have given it a second thought yourself as it was presented?
Remember this is a business to the sponsor and they cannot afford to be totally altruistic, be realistic in exactly what sponsorship is about - increasing the awareness and hopefully sales of a product/brand, nothing more, nothing less, anyone who says otherwise is just kidding both you and themselves.
Having read some of the posts made in here, and in other forums, by people who wish or claim to be team drivers, all I can say is that they are either deluding themselves a lot of the time or they are not going to retain that status for much longer.
At any meeting I go to, I am always looking at drivers, at all levels. I watch them both on and off the track, I follow their progress not only during a meeting but also a series.........I am approachable, but I do not discuss business or sponsorship with a stranger at a meeting. Introduce yourself by all means and see what develops, but do not expect anything to result from just one single approach.
I hope that helps and has not put you off too much...............
Skiddins
I feel compelled to post these comments after a number of things I have read both in this and other forums and received via email or post.
During most weeks I receive quite a number of applications in one form or another from people asking for sponsorship. Unfortunately, most if not of all of these are so poorly thought out, prepared and presented, that they don't get past the first viewing!
I also feel very disappointed at the attitudes that seems to be present in a lot of these "applications", the most disturbing ones being this feeling that "I deserve it" or "as I already use your product I think you should sponsor me"! And these come from both the up and coming club driver and also more experienced drivers that really should know a lot better. I will tell you now that prima donnas, proven or otherwise, are just not welcome, in any sport/activity, at least not by potential sponsors.
I get the distinct impression that most people seem to think that this is just a route for a "cheap" supply of parts etc, well it most definitely is not and if that is what you think then do not bother even applying! Being sponsored is a very important relationship between the driver and the sponsor no matter what the level or activity.
I will quickly add that this is NOT an open invitation to anyone to apply for sponsorship, it is simply a quick guide to what you should consider even before making one.
So, what is sponsorship.......
It is an informal relationship between a supplier and a driver that will be beneficial to both parties, and this is true no matter what the sport or activity! Ultimately drivers like to win races, and if this happens sponsors will always like to see their products used by winners, but winning is not the be all and end all of the relationship, something I think many "applicants" really do need to consider. Being a winner does not guarantee being sponsored, likewise not being a winner will not work against you either!
If you want your application to be read, let alone taken seriously you need to consider the following:
Does the person you are approaching actually know you, if not you are going to have to tell them as much as possible about yourself and your background.
Can you commit, do you really have the time and will to dedicate to the sport, most "team" drivers do a lot more racing than your average club guy.
It takes time to build a working relationship, sponsors like to do this over time, if you think this means one season or series you are badly mistaken. The best drivers and sponsor relationships are the long term ones that last for years.....regularly changing your allegiance is not good for your credibility!
Do you know the potential sponsors business, products and people, do some research, show some genuine interest and knowledge about them. Just remember the sponsor is taking a gamble on you. Can you convey this and your background in such a way that the reader of your application will be interested in following it up.
What can you do in return for the sponsor in return for their support.
Are you presentable, realistic and reliable, not just in your racing but also your attitude. Do you carry any personal baggage, if so let them know up front, do not try to hide it as it will eventually come out and will weaken your credibility.
Remember that as a sponsored driver, you are in essence a representative of the sponsor 24/7, whether you like it or not, and all sponsors would be looking for the absolute highest standards of presentation and especially how you conduct yourself both on and importantly off the track, even in public forums such as this. If this is too high a price then don't waste yours or their time applying.
There really are not that many fully sponsored true "team Drivers", ones who get everything for "nothing", but there are lots who are "supported" at one level or another which is a different issue. Look at the profile and the number of supported drivers of a sponsor, do you really fit in.
You will be surprised at the number emails/post etc I get that are just simply not good enough and frankly not worth reading. Just remember unless you have been specifically asked to make an application, your approach will be unsolicited, and as such the recipient does not have to respond or even acknowledge it, courtesy would say that I normally would try to, but being so busy this is just not always possible, and when you get the number of emails I do that just say something like:
"Hi, I regularly win the XX final at my local club and think I could do better if you would sponsor me............let me know."
I think you not only get the idea, but also know exactly what will happen to this email. So next time you send one off, unsolicited, put yourself in the recipients position, would YOU have given it a second thought yourself as it was presented?
Remember this is a business to the sponsor and they cannot afford to be totally altruistic, be realistic in exactly what sponsorship is about - increasing the awareness and hopefully sales of a product/brand, nothing more, nothing less, anyone who says otherwise is just kidding both you and themselves.
Having read some of the posts made in here, and in other forums, by people who wish or claim to be team drivers, all I can say is that they are either deluding themselves a lot of the time or they are not going to retain that status for much longer.
At any meeting I go to, I am always looking at drivers, at all levels. I watch them both on and off the track, I follow their progress not only during a meeting but also a series.........I am approachable, but I do not discuss business or sponsorship with a stranger at a meeting. Introduce yourself by all means and see what develops, but do not expect anything to result from just one single approach.
I hope that helps and has not put you off too much...............
#70
I've seen plenty of situations where people like to get their kicks out of people when they slip up in racing, or what they've said so you'll need to watch your back for that if you're representing a sponsor.
Nothing seems too low for these guys either... It just pays to be thick skinned, shrug your shoulders, smile and move on from anyone trying to drag you down
Nothing seems too low for these guys either... It just pays to be thick skinned, shrug your shoulders, smile and move on from anyone trying to drag you down
#71
Suspended
Sorry for digging up this old thread. I recently sent in my request for sponsorship to a large company. After reading many comments and threads I see that some aren't all they are cracked up to be. Not sure where I read it but someone mentioned a "mail order sponsorship". Meaning they give you a discount on their products as long as you talk up and promote their stuff. I figured that's how this should work...but will there be much product support from them? Or will this just be a one way thing..."sell my stuff and I'll give you a little break on price". I'm just looking for some feedback...
#72
Super Moderator
iTrader: (239)
Sorry for digging up this old thread. I recently sent in my request for sponsorship to a large company. After reading many comments and threads I see that some aren't all they are cracked up to be. Not sure where I read it but someone mentioned a "mail order sponsorship". Meaning they give you a discount on their products as long as you talk up and promote their stuff. I figured that's how this should work...but will there be much product support from them? Or will this just be a one way thing..."sell my stuff and I'll give you a little break on price". I'm just looking for some feedback...
#75
beating sponsored guys better than to be sponsored Lol