One of the most common questions I get on my message board is, “How do I get sponsored, Bob?”
Well, first you should know that sponsorship isn’t about getting free stuff-it’s a business partnership between you and the company that you’ve either applied for, or if you’ve really worked hard, has decided to offer you a sponsorship.
One of the first things you should ask yourself before even thinking about sponsorship is why you want to get a sponsor in the first place. Remember-this is a business relationship and you’ll need to have something to offer the company if they’re going to hook you up.
I’ll share my reason for needing sponsors:
I’m active duty military and my income is fixed. That means that I won’t get any extra money for working overtime (which I do very often) or extra bonuses for a job well done. What I see on paper is what I get regardless of how high gas prices get, how high rent gets, or how high the cost of food gets. With out my sponsors, I wouldn’t be able to afford my bicycles let alone attend any of the races. So to me, my sponsors make it possible for me to chase my racing dreams and enjoy a sport I love dearly.
And now it’s your turn.
I want to hear why you need sponsors. Shoot me back a message and let me know why having sponsors is important to you!
In return, I’ll post more of the sponsorship secrets that have helped me over the past three years.
So spill it! What’s the point of your sponsors?
Thanks!
Bob Burnes
USAF/Manitou