I really want to get sponsored. Can anybody help me out with info on getting sponsored and how to go about trying to get one? I've been going to alot of events and stuff so I could be a good candidate, possibly. Would they not want to give me a sponsorship cause I'm young?

Send as much info as you can my way!!!

 

BCS, or TheFoth, or Dustin, or maybe even Tim may have more info than i....
but depending on what type of sponsor(s) your goin for... some will want to see a collection/portfolio of shows you've been to and trophies you've won already or what place you'v taken. Also if you got picked up, most require you to go to x amount of shows each year and certain shows at that.
dont expect full sponsorships right away either... most if any would probably be % of product...

 

It also depends on what companies you are going for. Sometimes some of the smaller model specific companies will sponsor people starting out.

Generally though, the larger companies (AEM, Greddy, Kenwood, etc.) are going to be looking for cars that will give them good PR. When looking for sponsors, you have to think this way: The sponsor company is going to ask "What's in it for me?" That sounds bad, but it's true. Why should they give you product? What are you going to do to help them get their name and/or product out in the market. That is what you have to think of.

Your best effort in getting a sponsorship is a strong proposal. That is where it will make or break you. Companies look at the proposals very quickly. You have to give them a reason to want to call you back and find out more information. It's like a resume, but for your car.

Alot of times it helps to already have stuff for your car. Most places are going to sponsor a stock car, because...well...why? (Please don't take that the wrong way either). But honestly, a car that regularly goes to car shows and wins (or places) will gain more attention than the other cars. Companies will like to see that.

You are just starting out, so don't be discouraged if a company doesn't call you back or says they are going to pass. It is going to happen. It happens to everyone, no matter how far along they are in a project.

I do think that you might have a strong idea though...which the little marshmallow guy thing. I don't remember what you call him, but the key is marketing to the right company(s). Find some companies that think it will gather more attention and you'll be able to work your way up. It take a long time to get to where some people are. I'm talking years. Years of just getting to know people, being involved, just helping out at events if they are in town. Years. I've been doing this for about 6 or 7 years now, and I still wouldn't be able to walk up to most places and say..hey...I'm me! haha.

The most important part is to not get discouraged. Many people who start out trying to get sponsorships get upset because no one will give them free parts. DO NOT start into this expecting free parts. Any free parts. If anything, you'll pay full price and just put a sticker on your car. That's how it starts.

I would suggest visiting a local tuner shop. You live in Renton...you can go to Intec Racing on 208th in the Kent valley. Talk to Lawrence. Tell him I sent you. (In fact, I'll probably be down there Thursday afternoon if you want to stop by, I can introduce you). Don't start off asking for sponsorships, but just see what they can get as far as parts go. Ask questions. Those guys down there are very smart and very nice people. If you see a product on the shelf, ask what it is. If you saw something in a magazine, bring it in and show them. If you find a good shop to be a part of, then you'll just be able to call them one day and say Hey, it's Leslie, I need this.

I think that's where you need to start. Like I said, this is a very long process. I'll help out where ever I can. If you have any questions, let me know.

 

no... but you could walkin and say "hey... I'm Dale jr..."

they'd at least do a double take...lol

 

That's a good point. hahaha.

Anyone that goes to SEMA this year will get to see the reaction that we get when I walk by with the coat on. It's so much fun!

 

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE INFO BRIAN!!!! :D
I might be able to stop by Intec, I'm going to my friend's bbq at 1. So either I'll stop by there before 1 or at like 3 or so.

I wonder if being a girl makes it easier... I could tell them that I could help them widen their clientelle/customer base because there aren't that many girl tuners. But whether I get parts or just get to help out with promo stuff like handing out flyers, I'm a happy camper. I stay home all the time and want to get out more and do stuff,.. and I LOVE CARS.

I HOPE MY MASHIMARO WINS PEOPLE'S HEARTS!!! He's won mine! Haha.

 

I agree with everything Brian has to say on that. I have had my car entered now into almost 30 shows in less then a year and I am having a hard time getting sponsors for my car . I have invested in over $12 grand of my own money to get my car where I want it now and still haven't gotten any real offers either. Hopefully though 2007 will be a better year for me in aspect of that.. But just like Brian said... Don't put your head down, just keep plucking along

 

hahaha.

I'll probably be down at Intec around 4:30 or 5:00.


Like I said, if you have any questions just let me know and I'll try to help out.

 

Brian, I'll stop by around then, I'll call you to make sure your there.

Would being a girl make it easier for me?? Could I persuade them better with my girlish charm? Haha.

 

I'll be at Sema this year so I'll be able to see the reactions if I see you lol

 

check out royal purple here is the website to go to

http://www.rpmoil.com/index.php?main_page=index

me and eric are trying to get sponsored from them.

 

Wow, everything is purple.

 

hahahaha...

Well...while the "being a girl" thing helps on almost everything else in life...it may not be quite as useful here. haha. But who knows...stranger things have happened.

For the most part, places are going to look at the car before the person. Unless the person has a strong reputation in the industry.

 

Roar... wait till I become a big time import model and tour with HIN, etc. *HA HA* Then they'll be coming to me. I'm so funny.

 

join a good team, then everything is gonna be easy

 

I'm on two teams. :p It doesn't make it easier.

 

wrong teams then...

 

....i just found that funny...

lol

sorry...

 

im trying to get sponsed myself and one thing ive found out is that big business dosent give a rats ___ about you untill you can show them that your already playing with the big boys---
--- my idea is if you havent have some car people that are very close to you write something good about you and put it in your portfolio because truely no one is going to sponser you if there not sure you can hold up your side of the deal----also explain what clubs your in and that you would be advertizing for them even if you were at a local bqq ---- good luck and if you get any luck please let me know

 

Hey Brian... Do you think you can help me???? Help a brotha out???