| Author | Message | ||
     Firemanjim |
How do all you racer guys with big name sponsors go about landing these deals? Can you give me some pointers/tips/examples of letters etc. I am interested in hitting up some big ticket folks,not necessarily motorcycle mainstream for next year,building new bike,bigger motor,new bodywork,etc. I can actually string more than 2 words together without spelling mistakes, just need guidance on format etc. | ||
| M1combat |
There are a few good tips in Keith Codes "Twist of the Wrist I", but it's more about strategy on the long term building of sponsors. Not form letters or anything like that but tips on how to play one sponsor off of another. Something like getting a Wal-Mart deal that doesn't give a lot of money, but other companies will want to be next to the big name and will be willing to give more. Never tell one sponsor what another pays you. There were others. Just thought I'd trow that out there. | ||
| Trojan |
One of the things that has worked for us in the past is to produce a colour folder setting out exactly who you are, what you offer and most importantly, what the sponsor gets for his $$$. We based our pitch on that of a successful World Superbike team so know it can work. Ours is around 5 pages bound in a plastic cover and has the following page headings: 1. Front cover with photograph/graphics good enough to make someone want to read the rest of the package! 2. Background info: Aimed at sponsors from outside the Motorcycle industry as well as inside, and explains about motorcycle sport in general and your series in particular. Explains the benefits of spending sponsor money in this sport as opposed to others. Outline TV and Press exposure if any here. 3. Team background & experience. A short (one page) history of your team and experience. 4. Rider lineup and experience. as above with previous results high lighted etc. 5. Requirements from sponsors. This is the nub. Let them know EXACTLY what you would like from them and EXACTLY what you will give them in return regarding sponsor logo space on the bike/van/shirts etc. Do not offer them something that you cannot deliver. For instance, if you say that you and your bike will be available for shows etc, or can offer corporate hospitality at races, make sure you can deliver. Offer them the opportunity of more than one sponsor package (gold/silver/bronze packages maybe?) with different levels of exposure and investment. It is important to know what you are looking for here. If you want cash you will have to offer more space than 'associate' sponsorship for parts etc. As a general rule associate sponsors supplying parts or services get space on the belly pan and next to their particular product. Major sponsors get the main fairing space. 6. You could include a page outlining current sponsors here, although this can sometimes have a negative effect as well, particlularly if targetting rival companies, so be careful. Put as many good quality photographs and images throughout the document as you can, and use good quality paper. Tailor each document to suit the sponsor you are pitching to. It can even be a good idea to Photoshop a picture of the bike to include the logo of your prospective target sponsor. You will probably have to send a lot of these out before you get a positive reaction but don't give up. Parts/services sponsorship is the easist to get and the most common form of support. Cash is much harder to come by and needs a very strong sales pitch. Once you have landed a sponsor, make sure that you send them regular race reports and team updates as quickly as possible following an event. If there is a large gap between meetings make sure you send updates on what you are doing to the bike between meetings etc. Nothing turns a sponsor off quicker than giving support and then hearing nothing! Good luck. (Message edited by trojan on August 07, 2006) |
