sponsorship

[mikegtr06]

so if i wanted to get sponsored by a local shop whats a good pitch. ?

thanks...

[dangeris]

Sponsorship is a tricky question...and a lot of work! There are many facets of sponsorships. But first you need to know what type of person you are.. This will determine on what type of sponsorship your going to go for and how to approach the prospecting company.

There are three types of car fanatics who will receive sponsorships.

1. The general car enthusiast2. The racer3. The amateur racer

1. The general car enthusiastThis person loves cars. If they have the cash, they will collect cars. They mightlove one particular car, or they might love a whole range of different makes and models. The main characteristic of this type of car fan is they modifies their car primarily for looks and comfort, with some performance features. Celebrity examples are Jay Leno, who owns 107 vehicles and Jerry Seinfeld, owns 47 Porsches.

2. The racerObviously, this person wants to make it big. They have been training for races,they are competitive, and they are either regularly competing in races or are on the verge of it. This car enthusiast needs car accessories on a regular basis for safety and performance reasons, and they often needs sponsorship dollars to go towards vehicle maintenance, entry fees, and travel expenses.

3. The amateur racerThis is a combination between the first two types. Someone who likes tocompete for fun instead of cash. This is about fun and thrills more than making it to major racing. Therefore, the usual modifications are for a combination of looks and performance, and upgrades aren’t as regular as they are for the true racer.

Once you determine what type of car person you are, now you need to decide on what type of sponsorship:1. Full sponsorships2. Quasi sponsorships3. Sponsorship dollars

1. Full sponsorshipsA Full Sponsorship means you get free products or merchandise. In return, you will need to do certain things, such as handing out promotional materials and displaying the company’s decal on your vehicle. Sometimes you may berequired to pay for shipping, but otherwise, all products are free.This is a difficult level of sponsorship to come by, and your negotiating skills will come in handy!

2. Quasi sponsorshipsA Quasi Sponsorship means you will be able to purchase products ormerchandise at cost price. In return, you are contracted to do certain things,such as handing out promotional materials and displaying the company’s decal on your vehicle, but usually the requirements are lower than for a fullsponsorship.

3. Sponsorship dollarsSponsorship dollars are provided for the costs of racing. This means a company will donate money to cover your travel costs, entrance fees, gas, and so on. In return, you are contracted to display the company’s logo on your vehicle, clothing, and perhaps market them in other ways.This is the most difficult level of sponsorship to gain, and tends to be limited to the pros.

Once you know what type of sponsorship you want to pursue, now you'll need to build your profile. A profile is like a resume which allows companies who do not know you or your car a quick overview of what you want to do and achieve. Most car enthusiasts start small – they will receive a Quasi Sponsorship, start building their profile, and eventually work their way up to a full sponsorship.

A couple of key points here that involves successful sponsorships are:1. Willing to do Promotional work. ie hand out flyers etc.2. Right attitude - show your passion about cars in general3.Commitment - The company wants to be sure that you will keep your end of the bargain. They like to see commitment – to your car, to the industry, and to themselves.4.Car Industry Participation - companies like to see their products talked about5.Modifications (Existing & Planned) - self explanitory6.Your reason for seeking sponsorship - Why do you think you should be sponsored?

Once you know your purpose then go out and have a starting point. For example, you want to bring your stereo equipment to the next level, etc.

If your Doing It On Your Own, There are a few steps involved to get sponsorships.

1. Shortlist companies to approach - Identify the companies that suit your car.

2. Research their products - You need to know as much as possible about the company, their products, and their sponsorship programs.

3. Contact the company - When you are able to speak with someone, quickly explain that you are interested in obtaining sponsorship from their company. Then request a meeting to present your proposal and to discuss the options.

4. Write your proposal - Once you have scored your meeting, have your proposal ready. Convince them that you are the right person for the sponsorship! Key points in your proposal include:· Your name and contact details· Vehicle details – including current modifications and planned modifications· Photographs, mailing lists, membership details and other proof of yourcommitment to the industry as already mentioned in Chapter Three· Details of how you intend to promote the company – decals, handing outflyers, etc.· Your proposed method of sponsorship – whether you want fullsponsorships, or if you are open to both full and quasi sponsorships

You really need to sell yourself as quickly as possible. The company needs toknow that their product will be seen. In marketing terms, it’s known as visibility.

5. Present your proposal - When you get a meeting – be early, be polite, and be clear. Remember:· Get to the point. Don’t take up too much of their time.· Be confident (or fake it). Talking is part of promoting, and they wantto see that you can handle yourself.· Be prepared – bring your proposal and read from it if necessary.Provide the company with several complete copies.· Include proof. If you run a website, then bring page grabs. If youhave trophies, include photos of them!· Be excited about the company, and about promoting them.· Don’t promise what you can’t or won’t deliver. Many enthusiasts saythey will promote their sponsors. In fact, 80% never do it, and thenwonder why they lost their sponsorships.· At the end, ask if they have questions for you. Try to anticipate whatthey might be and have answers ready. Also, ask questions of them.Ask about product developments and the plans for the company.

6. Touch base - Don’t expect to be successful on your first try. Regardless of the outcome – good, bad, or nothing at all – get back in touch with the person you met. Send a quick thank you by postal mail or email. This may make or break the outcome!

Top Five Mistakes Not to Make Asking for Sponsorship1. Not knowing what you want – and freezing at the meeting.2. Not being prepared to do the promotional work.3. Not selling yourself and your skills.4. Expecting too much from the company.5. Using bad photos of your car.6. Using the word FREE. This is a reciprocating relationship! not one way!

I know that was a lot to absorb but read it over and make sure you are concise of what you want and go for it! After all,..that's how I approached Stillen for my BBK!

[phobs]

legendary post, dangeris

[dangeris]

legendary post, dangeris

Thanks Phobs! Just trying to help out a a NICO brother! I had to do all the research myself with no help from anyone here on the forums (although I did shoot out a couple of emails to members with no response) but hey,..I'm not hatin'

Getting sponsorships is tough but very rewarding once you get them but in the same time even tougher to retain the sponsorship after you land them!

[Loop]

Thanks Phobs! Just trying to help out a a NICO brother! I had to do all the research myself with no help from anyone here on the forums (although I did shoot out a couple of emails to members with no response) but hey,..I'm not hatin'

Hey, I responded back and never got a reponse back from you.

[LongBeachCoupe]

I had to do all the research myself with no help from anyone here on the forums (although I did shoot out a couple of emails to members with no response) but hey,..I'm not hatin'

For the most part we would all be in competition for the same sponsorship dollars.. thats why people may be...."hesitant" to share information.

If XYZ just gave dangeris (or anyone else for that matter) a free big brake kit they arent going to be looking to give another one to someone immediatley, let alone that we are all in the "same circle" of NICO!

This is where the creativity comes in... The road less traveled may lead to all the goodies!

[dangeris]

Did you really Vince? I didn't see anything from you? I'll have to look in my stupid junk folder! Sorry Bro!

[dangeris]

Hey, I responded back and never got a reponse back from you.

Found your email Vince in my junk folder. All I can say is that you're one lucky man! Good Luck at SEMA Vince!