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Old 02-20-07, 07:29 PM   #1
Hef
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Default Sponsorship Letter example?

Anyone have an example of a sponsorship letter that I can take a peek at? You can remove you/your sponsors name and info, I'm just looking for a trusted example. Preferably monatary sponsorship, but gear will work also. I would greatly appreciate it. okie_hunterfisher@yahoo.com
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Old 02-20-07, 08:34 PM   #2
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I'm not sure if he will let you look at it, but I believe Tom is sponsored by Absolut. They pay him with free product.
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Old 02-20-07, 09:04 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WTL View Post
I'm not sure if he will let you look at it, but I believe Tom is sponsored by Absolut. They pay him with free product.
rotflmao, just spit my MT Dew on the screen

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Old 02-21-07, 07:37 AM   #4
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LMAO, I guess thats better than a sponsorship from viagra and receiving free products huh?
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Old 02-21-07, 09:10 AM   #5
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Hef,

When seeking sponsorships, one must not only prove a STRONG and CONSISTENT tournament win/place record, but also demonstrate an ability to communicate, especially with the fishing public. This is essential, in that you will be expected to "sell" the products offered by any company, large or small, who grants you a sponsorship.
It is not enough to have won or placed in a few local club tournaments. A field of perhaps twenty buddies is not high-level competition (unless they are named VanDam, Grigsby, Iaconelli, Yelas, etc.) On the other hand, a series of wins or high finishes in something like ABA events might be the first step. Wins in higher level state tournaments, such as "Intramural" events v. top sticks from other clubs, may also help prove your worth.
Most companies either can't afford to fund your fishing or have a policy against it. There are exceptions, of course, but those are reserved for the "household names" we all know. Even the degree to which "product" is provided is limited in most cases, and often support is on the form of discounts rather than freebies.
Now, since you asked about letters to potential sponsors, please check out this link...

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fis...oard=resume_ID

Note that I'm not touting a particular site. The forum I've linked for you, however, just happens to specifically address the hunt for sponsors and the "do's and don'ts"
No matter to whom you address your requests it is imperative that your writing reflect an excellent command of the English (Press 1) Language in both spoken and written forms.
If you peruse the aforementioned forum you'll see a wide variety of sample letters. Most of these, sad to say, are unlikely to result in a positive response from prospective sponsors...sort of a course in "How NOT to do it!"
I'm assuming that you will seek assistance from entities not directly involved in the manufacture of boats, tackle, etc, but also other firms as well. Many pros receive support from a variety of interests. Local businesses are often willing to chip in, at some level, to help a local boy make good.
Lastly, be certain to have a written agreement with any sponsor you may find. Sponsorship is not a one-way street. Depending on the level of support you may be called upon to travel extensively, be available for seminars and conventions, and fish a great deal more than you might find agreeable. Demands on your time and pressure to succeed in tournaments may negatively impact your personal life, your "day job", even your mental and/or physical wellbeing...a lot of pros are divorced or strangers to their own children.
I can speak from personal experience, Hef. Some years ago I became so burned out from "enjoying" a generous sponsorship from a local benefactor that I gave up fishing for two years.
I no longer fish tournaments or associate with clubs. I do, however, look forward most eagerly to each bassin' outing with Rebbasser and a few other friends.

Good luck in your search!

FlyRod

Last edited by FlyRod; 02-21-07 at 09:18 AM.
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Old 02-21-07, 09:10 AM   #6
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The more I read and discover about sponsorship-as it pertains to the fishing industry-the more information I see online, in books, and in magazines. Most of it is on the subject of helping you prepare for more sponsors.
it's imperative to keep one thing in mind when it comes to sponsorship. It's not about YOU! It's about your potential sponsors. What do the sponsors want? What benefits would they receive if they were to venture into a relationship with you, be it sponsorship, marketing, and/or advertising? How would they profit from the deal besides a decal on your boat?
Have you really devised a plan that will help your sponsors accomplish what they want? Do you know what they want? Are they interested in more sales of their products now or in the very near future? Or are they attempting to gain more of a presence in a particular area by simply exposing their companies' names?

Something else to consider: Are you aware that there exists a difference between exposure and direct response advertising? If your sponsor is interested in both, can you accommodate him?
The reason I ask these questions is because consumers have grown accustomed to exposure advertising as the main means of promoting and marketing. Why? Because that's how the pros do it! We see logos on their trucks, on their boats, and on their shirts. Have you ever stopped to think that the reason why those logos are there in the first place is because those anglers provide what the sponsors want. In this case, it's exposure to the masses. And advertisers make it their business to know that by sponsoring a pro angler they guarantee exposure for their business in multiple venues: on television, in magazines and newspapers, on the Internet, at outdoor expos, etc. And the exposure is not just locally, but potentially internationally. If what they want is monstrous exposure, the pro angler can provide it. That said, 99% of us weekend warriors aren't pros?yet. Next time instead of approaching potential sponsors with your career list of accomplishments and personal highlights, ask this question: "What can I do to bring you more business and customers?" Then listen. Determine if you can help them achieve what they want, and if you can, you'll get the sponsorships you want! It's a win-win situation.
Keep in mind?it's not about you - it's about them.
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Old 02-21-07, 06:45 PM   #7
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You guys that are just starting up had better listen to the advice above, it is right on the money. I have two sponsors and they both came from face to face meetings with the stores owners. I'm looking to help out "the little guy" if you know what I mean, by trying to bring the smaller stores that have great products a little more exposure. With the www. revolution we live in today, there are still thousands of little companys that are out there, that just can't get the national exposure they desire. If a man puts in the time and effort to help these little company's take off, he becomes a valuable asset to the company. That my brothers, is what I do . IMO, a man had rather talk to another man face-to-face rather than reading a piece of paper, but since most of these companys I'm seeking to help are in states that I can't go to in person, is why I asked for the assistance in locating a trusted letter. I appreciate your help guys.
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Old 02-23-07, 12:42 AM   #8
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I just got an email from a person looking for a sponser. He wasn't looking for money but just tackle and was willing to advertise on his shirt, car, and boat. He posted the names of some of the tournaments he's fished (BFL, BASS Weekend, etc.). The one thing I was looking for was that he actually had used my baits. If he had used my baits and they had helped him I may have been more interested in talking with him. I'm always interested in getting feedback on the baits and how they are being used to catch fish. Also knowing what colors (I know green pumpkin works almost everywhere or was it on a special run) that the fish are being caught on.
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