Welcome to Part III of my series of articles titled: Sponsorship, the Ins and Outs. In this portion of the series we will cover what you need to do if you are offered a position with a partner you have pursued.

This is where the real work begins. You have to review the agreement and ensure that you are able to perform up to the standards that the contract calls for. This is also the time to review the agreement to ensure that the partner is going to do the things you expect. Just be sure your expectations are not too high. You have to remember that this is the partner’s first experience with you and you may be starting at the bottom and have to work your way up. While reviewing the agreement ensure that there is a plan for advancement should you perform as expected or above that level.

Once you have signed on with your new partner the first thing you should do is write a thank you letter. Do not thank them for bringing you aboard, but rather, for the trust and confidence they have put in you by adding you to the staff. Secondly, you will want to find out their show schedule and compare it to yours. If there are dates that you are available to work shows for them then let them know immediately.

You want to be enthusiastic about being able to work shows and events for your partners. Go out of your way to do this. These type of events some of your best opportunities to show them what you can do. Most of these events are manned by key personnel from the company and you need to take advantage of this opportunity. A key example of this happened recently to an angler I know. We will call the company XYZ. The Angler did not have any events during the upcoming month and knew that the FLW Championship was approaching. It was being held within a half days drive of the Angler. So, he sent out an email to all partners asking who would be at the Championship. When XYZ responded, the Angler acted quickly and offered to work with them if they needed the help. Long story short, XYZ not only wanted the Angler to go but even paid him to help cover his expenses. This is a great example of how the Angler created an opportunity when there appeared to be none.

The example above covers many qualities of what companies are looking for in a partner. The Angler created an opportunity to do something for the company rather than wait for them to contact him. He also showed a willingness to put the company ahead of himself.

The best part of the entire example above is that the angler was able to work the show with two of the key personnel in the company. One of those key personnel was for the national staff. By working hard at the show he not only showed the key personnel what he was capable of, but also gave the national director a taste of what he offered should a slot become available.

Once you get accepted you need to work hard and smart, to increase the company’s exposure and in turn increase sales. One way you can gain a tremendous amount of exposure for you and the sponsor is to do a press release in your local paper. Make it very classy and only mention yourself briefly. Focus on what the company provides and how they lead the industry and all that good stuff. State facts and do not ever stretch the truth.

If you did not have a relationship with the person and/or company prior to being accepted you will need to work very hard and diligently to build a solid rapport with them. You want to ensure that they know you are there for them and that you are willing to work.

Get a list of retailers, dealers and vendors in your geographical area and make visits to them and ensure they are not having any issues with the products. If they are, become part of the solution.

I want to take just a minute to explain the “pro-staff” concept. First of all, it is not professional staff. It is short for promotional staff. Keep this in mind at all times. Your job is to promote the sponsor. I take this a step further. It is my responsibility with all of my partners to increase sales. Promoting them is just a by product of accomplishing my goal.

Getting accepted onto a pro-staff is a great accomplishment and you should be proud of yourself. Just do not forget that the company has entrusted you with their name and image. Do not let them down.

Become so valuable to your partners that they will not be able to afford to be without you.

Look for part IV of this series next month. You will not want to miss it as many of the things mentioned will be the key ingredients to rising to the top of any pro-staff.

I hope part II has given you a better understanding of the overall process of gaining a winning partnership with a sponsor. Look for part III - Acceptance, to be out soon. If you missed Part 1 - Introduction, click here , or Part 2 - Initial Contact, click here to read it.

Lee Wheeler is a regional professional angler that speaks at promotional events and seminars across Southeast Texas. He fishes the BASS Open Central Division, Texas Tournament Trail, as well as the Southeast Texas Federation Nation Regional tour. He is sponsored by: DuPont Goodrich Federal Credit Union, Ardent Reels, E2 Bait Company, KVD Line and Lure Conditioner, Minn Kota, Texas Marine, Lowrance, Bassboat Saver, Mustad, Bassmedics, Hart Tackle Company, 2IG Ultra Strike Rods, and Awesome Bait Company.

To learn more about him visit his site at www.leewheeler.com.

 

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