sponsers

[Rich S]

I know this is a stupid question. I am just getting serious about walleye fishing. Just bought a Triton 205 and signed up for numerous tourneys this year. I would like to go places in the sport and would like some advise to get me going in the right direction. I would also like to know how to eventually get some sponsers once I get a name for myself.

[Doc_wi]

Practice and study writing and public speaking skills if you want to get to the top. Photography is another area too often over looked as you need to supply your sponsors (when you get them) and media proerly set up shots. Be polite and plan on fishing harder then you ever thought you would. Then let someone kick your butt around the block just once so you get used to some rejection and disappointment too. Read read read and practice practice practice, then network network network and visit about 7 Sports Shows, especially the seminars. But most of all be honest and faithfull even when the chips are down. It's a quality too often worn only on the shirt sleeve.

Doc

[Chairman]

Good response Doc. You would be amazed at the letters I get. Just because an angler uses a product doesn't mean he should be sponsored by that company. Most Tournament anglers and Pro anglers have an overinflated value of themselves. They need to show the company what they can do to sell products. If you cannot sell the company on yourself how are you going to sell that companies products. Good luck Rich, have fun fishing the new boat. Don't worry about sponsors and such just yet. Join the NPAA and get on their members only program. There are some good discounts on top quality tackle there.

[Rich]

Thanx for the help. I really appreciate it. How do I join the NPAA?

[NPAA]

Go to the mainpage on WC and it is listed there.

[Bill]

Well said Doc! May I add communication to the mix of requirements. All too often, when people get products and sponsorship, they forget about who gave it to them. Communication is very important in any business dealing, and this is no different. One other aspect is simply treat your sponsor like you would want to be treated if the tables were turned.
Welcome to walleye fishing!

[T-Mac]

Just remember that sponsors want people who believe in and use their products. These are attributes needed to project a good image of the product, and in return cause more of that product to be sold.
Sponsors do not want people who are just trying to get the best deal for themselves. Nobody likes to sponsor guys that work competitor products against them for a "better deal" for themselves. Loyalty is critical.
They "Pro's" that switch boats all the time are a good example.
The second time they change boat lines, their credibility as a salesman is gone. It gets very hard to get sponsors once you start dumping on the ones that got you where you are. As a sponsor, myself, we ain't lookin for fair weather friends!

[Fishbrains]

All the above advice is good, do well this year & contact me at the end of your season, I may want to sponsor a walleye fisherman next year.

Fb

[NPAA265]

You can start by creating a sole proprietary business. Then start creating a resume for advertising. You will be advertising other companies products. Your expenses are then deductible, create a home office. Don't be focused on just fishing products, look at how nascar, and flw pros are attracting corporate america. Imagine how many people will drive past your mobile advertising. Be fair with your price, get exposure locally in your area. Start out simple and work your way up, and don't quit your day job.

Good luck, I'm on the same track.

[ebijack]

also gary gray has a resume help page off his web page.
this is what a sponsor shouldn't do: (citgo)
espn.go.com/outdoors/s/flwtourjournaldec2000.html
start down at dec 6th, i've been following the "keye's on tour" for many years and these folks did their sposnors right...

the walleye pro's i know from walleye central all work way more hours and harder then you would ever believe (i bet if you total it up it's more than 60 hrs/wk). it's not an easy life, but if you can hack it you would be able to fish for a living! and no matter what's happening, you have to be friendly and willing to talk to "the public". most the pro's are GREAT people!

[NPAA265]

Check out web site www.sponsorship.com for some learning info.