What are sponsors looking for?What are the top priorities for manufactures and corporations in sponsoring an individual or team?
To sell their products by means of marketing through their sponsorees.
To improve their visual image among the import industry.
To impact the consumers and target the markets that involve youth.
To enhance a positive image and reputation with their products and make the consumer believe they are getting the most for their money.
To use the sponsored individuals as a means of marketing their newest products.
To invest time and money into studying the growing trends in the market and determine how they would implement their products to attract the consumers.
Understand that these priorities are just a few of many factors that go into consideration for a sponsor. Carefully study these factors and fully understand what makes a sponsorship possible when creating your proposal. It's at this point you can implement your goals and attributes in correlation with these priorities. Not only will this target you as one of the top candidates for a sponsor but it will give the company looking over your proposal a sense that you are not looking to scam a few free parts but rather, willing to help that company get increased exposure in the industry.
How do I find a sponsor?Create a list of prospective companies you would like to have as a sponsor. Most people looking for sponsors in the import industry have a good idea of what they are specifically looking for when it comes to sponsorship, but there is always the unknown factor of which product suits your needs the best in choosing from hundreds of companies. If you are unsure about certain products that a manufacturer has available, use some of the readily available resources around you such as acquaintances, contacting various shops, magazines (2NR, ahem!), and even the Internet. Remember knowledge is power, and the more you research products, the more content you will be when putting that product on your car.
While scouring for potential sponsors, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do they fabricate and sell their products within a reasonable distance from where you live? If not, will this pose a problem for you or your sponsor?
- Have they sponsored individuals in the past? And if so, what was the outcome of their sponsorship of that individual?
- How involved in advertising is your prospective sponsor in the race and show circuit?
What are your peers as well as the media's views on that company's products? If they have issues with that specific item, find out why.
Has this company been known to fully encourage their sponsorees and annual import venues throughout the race/show seasons?
What is the quality of the products the company sells and what are they doing to improve their status and product line in the near future?
When asking Tran what is most important when looking for a potential sponsor he said, "I ask myself if I have the ability to help my future sponsor and likewise, if this company has the necessary means to benefit my shop (Jotec), as well as me. I think it's really important for people looking for sponsors, not to use a company that produces a similar line of products. Not only will this cause a conflict of interest, but upset your sponsors and that's the last thing you want."
After you are fully aware of the company's product line, carefully answer these questions for each possible sponsor and organize your list from the top selection to the least qualified -in terms of fitting the profile.