Time after time people come up to me and ask me to put them in contact with a major brand or company because they want to get sponsored. I got news flash for you guys; every company is getting blown up day and night with emails from people all over the world asking for a sponsorship! And to tell you the truth, more than ½ these emails never even get opened. Stop approaching companies and asking them what they can do for you. Approach them and tell them what you can do for them! Put yourself in their shoes. They are in the driver seat as they can pick and choose what athletes they will sponsor.
In the paintball world you would want to have accomplished several placing’s in major tournaments before you start demanding for a free ride. The level of achievements you have to show for as well as the future potential you have in store is what will get the attention of your new sponsor.
Lets take a step back from a team sponsorship and look at individual sponsorships. Not only do your past and future potential achievements play a huge role, but your platform is almost as important. Now a days your platform is all really social media based. It is your following on all the social media networks. The amount of followers as well as engaged followers you have. This is your leeway because from a marketing standpoint, you are a great tool to promote the product of your sponsor.
I personally have a supplement sponsorship by a top brand in the industry called Betancourt Nutrition. My approach to getting sponsored was no walk in the park. An email I wrote up explaining who I was, what I have achieved over the last 8 years in paintball and fitness, what my platform looks like and what I can bring to the table. I drafted up this email and sent it to almost 100 different supplement companies I could find a contact email for. 5 companies responded to those emails. All stating that they appreciate my interest in them but at the time they are not looking to sponsor any new athletes.
Honestly, I gave up on looking for a sponsor and just went back to building my name and my brand. About 6 months later I received an email from Betancourt Nutrition. They are looking to sponsor a handful of new athletes and I’m at the top of their list! I looked back and saw that I never even emailed them in the first place. They got ahold of me via my personal website.
Whether you are looking for a personal sponsor or team sponsor remember, it’s not what the sponsor can do for you but what you can do for the sponsor. Build up your resume. Build up your platform and then approach all and every company you can get ahold of. Even if they are not looking to sponsor now, at least you will get their attention when you have something to show for.
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Wouldn't it be a good idea to create a course?
