quote:Originally posted by SPL playa: Do you gotta like set a world record or somethin? Im juss curious on how people get sponsered. Thanks.
Craig, sponsorship is an interesting word and covers a multitude of things.
Remember, nothing is ever free. There is always something to give in return. A record helps, public exposure helps, publications helps, etc. You need something positive that a sponsor can use in advertising to sell their products.
I have seen many very good competitors set a record, or win many trophies - take them home or to a shop and sit there waiting for the world to come to them. It doesn't work that way. There have been a few that get a sponsorship based on a record - and that is wonderful - but very few get out and work to let the industry and world know who they are and what they can do. That part is called marketing and promotion.
I am not sure if you have read the requirements for Team Gates membership - sportsmanship, support your products (sponsors if you have any) your organization (s), and the industry. No product bashing - you might want that product in the future - we play in a very small world and many of us have very long memories. Car open, willingness to talk to people, and help when possible. And last but not least, have fun. This is promotion and marketing on our part.
Do any of you have ideas on sponsorships? It's not an easy question to answer.
-------------------- Alma Gates
Posts: 3130 | From: phoenix, arizona - usa | Registered: Aug 1999
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I got very lucky with my first sponsorship - they were looking for someone to take a chance on them for SQ, and I needed someone willing to take a chance on me. My primary sponsor, Concept was instrumental in getting me to world finals last year, and has been very supportive of my efforts. As I started doing better, constantly promoting my sponsor, other manufacturers took interest. I now am sponsored by 4 companies - one for electrical and accessories, one for primary audio equiment (mentioned previously), another for equipment my primary sponsor does not make, and another "accessory" type manufacturer, who makes sound-deadening material.
Mr. Harris has asked the moderators not to promote their sponsors or specific products as to not unduly influence people just by what we have, that's why I haven't named the other three companies. Everyone who knows me, knows who they are and if you ask me privately, I'll tell you. But like Alma said, it's about respect, and I respect him, (and Alma) too much to go against what's been asked of me in that manner.
Like Alma said - attitude's the most important. Promote your sport/hobby, and promote the equipment you have. Never bash.
-------------------- When you find yourself standing in a hole and holding a shovel, stop digging.
Certified IASCA/idbl Judge ** 2002 IASCA SQ Points Champ ** IASCA Pro Street 601+ * USACi Pro 601+ * SLAP Pro Street 601+ ** Team Gates ** dBs
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Alma, how would i go about becoming a member of Team Gates?? What does it cost to become a member (or is it free)?? Or should I e-mail you an ask you about becoming a member? If so just let me get your e-mail an ill write you an ask about it. Thank you.
-------------------- Craig
Team Gates Member Posts: 64 | From: Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:Originally posted by alma gates: Do any of you have ideas on sponsorships? It's not an easy question to answer.
This is a simple response, but I think sponsorship as a two way street. First, the prospective need to establish themselves. This can be done by setting records, but must also include their attitude. The highest scores are senseless (to a company) if the competitor has a negative attitude. What one may need, to be considered for sponsorship from a company, is based more on what the prospective can offer to increase the sales for the company. Most companies have one motive...sales. If sponsoring a person does not increase sales, then the company is wasting resources.
This forum is based on SPL, but companies also need to market for the entire industry (not just SPL). This can be accomplished by supporting (ie. sponsorship) a person who has proven themselves to be hard working, competent, trust worthy, loyal, and self motivated. The features, that make a person a potential consideration for sponsorship, may require years of dedication. Once a person has proved themselves, through years of work, then they may be inline for potential sponsorship. There may have been some who have gained sponsorship in less time that average, but there may have also been either "other" motives, or special considerations for that pesron.
Once a person is considered for sponsorship. the company must weigh the expenses versus the income. If one outweighs the other, someone is at a loss. More than likely, it will not be the company that looses.
There is no "clear cut" answer to what is required for sponsorship, due to the fact that different companies have different marketing plans.
Note: This is my personal opinion. I do not, nor never have, worked for a audio related company.
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Well im juss 17 so i guess ive got time to hopefully get sponsors an to prove my self to everyone . I know im oyung but for my age i think ive got a pretty good SPL system. But i really like the audio business an hope 1 day to get my own shop, but when i get a little older you better watch out cause im comin after the record .
-------------------- Craig
Team Gates Member Posts: 64 | From: Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:Originally posted by SPL playa: Well im juss 17 so i guess ive got time to hopefully get sponsors an to prove my self to everyone . I know im oyung but for my age i think ive got a pretty good SPL system. But i really like the audio business an hope 1 day to get my own shop, but when i get a little older you better watch out cause im comin after the record .
Craig, I expect to see you on that stage with the trophy. Good Luck.
-------------------- Alma Gates
Posts: 3130 | From: phoenix, arizona - usa | Registered: Aug 1999
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SPL playa- what kind of system do u have and what r u competing in..... i am 17 as well and i will be in street 1-2 and will dominate my area this year and hope to be at finals in the next year or 2......
we should start a team for use young'ns
-------------------- PROUD MEMBER OF TEAM XS CAR AUDIO 'Let Us Be Heard' 2 12" BA INHUMANS 1 D2 1 crx = a big # in street 1-2
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Guys, one thing you MUST learn is modesty... trust me on this one. This is part of the attitude others are talking about. You dont want to get people offended even in a slight manner as smack talking tends to do.
I'm just about FULLY sponsored in sporting clays, and in that sport it's EXTREMELY hard to get sponsored. (Took me 6 years.) But I got sponsored not just because I'm very good at that sport, but also because I'm a great ambassador for their company. When people watch me, they associate my actions with that of the company. If I talk smack, even with close friends who know I'm just kidding, it looks bad for the companies I represent.
Best behavior is a must, and if any reputation or rumor is spread about you, you can just about kiss being sponsored goodbye.
Best behavior is a must at all times as you will be under the microscope at ALL times. So you've got to make sure you don't offend anyone in any way. At times that can be very difficult - especially when 5 different people will try and talk to you at the same time.
You guys have the correct competitive attitude (you know - the "stomp the competition attitude") but you just can't show it if you want to be sponsored. Cuz then the people you stomp will not like you at all and that can hurt you in the long run.
In any case good luck, work hard, get as loud as possible, and have fun!
steve
ps - Ill be looking for you both at the top
-------------------- 2005 Florida Street C Champion 2004 SBN Street C Champion 2004 SBN IDBL No Wall Champion 2003 NOPI Nats Street B Champion
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what Bumpin' Yota said was dead right you have to be careful what u say and to who
fir instance (SP) i was at a show 2 years ago was the finals for that class and 1 competitor said the other cheated and ofcouse the other guy said he didnt so BLAH BLAH BLAH then they was almost having a punch up and security was called
morel or the story is the guy who stared it all i have never shoped in his shop again
if you dun this to your sponsor they would drop you str8 away and prolly sue u aswell
owning a company is about having GOOD WILL
-------------------- we got 154.9db on tuesday and wrote the car off on wensday
we build extream car now
Posts: 393 | From: Sydney Australia | Registered: Sep 2001
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Craig funny u sould metion That u run 2 15L7's, I also run 2 of them in my Tacoma, So far this year on a termpro meer we have hit 156.9 basically a 157 but ya know. doing that my batterys were practally drained since we didnt give them a good charge once we got it done we burped it and seen what it done. I have 2 alpine 1507 amps soon to add 2 more or im gonna sell my alpine and get some other monster amps. I will be In SS1-2NW class this year but yes i do love my Kicker Subs i just wish i had the money to really put some SPL in my truck. I too am well 18 now but will be 19 in mid march. I dominated my area in SS1-2NW class last year with 4 1st place's and only 1 2nd place that was with a 152 max last year now we totally upgraded it all and hit a 157 but since that burp we found my HZ to play, fully charged my system and everything well lol one amp decided to be falty so i sent it back but with one sub with it al worked out we did a 155.2 so with both i should be high 150's hopin I get 159 then ill add 2 more amps and hope to hit the 160's mark and make it to finals. but if your in the midwest watch out for SS1-2NW class if ya see a lil black Tacoma its a wonder toy :-) But good luck to ya all this year and Craig if you get 4 memphis amps whew its gonna hit if ya got the right box im tellin ya watchout when ya drive it cause if ya listen to it loud ya may hurt yourself I know i did last year when i first got mine done but i think we all have that moment where we show off don't we??? But anyways guys Im gone i got to get some sleep for work tomarrow. Lates and Goodnight
Rayme J. Traub
Team P.S.I. Proud member of Team Gates (god bless Alma we love ya)
quote:Originally posted by 71 mgb: we should start a team for use young'ns
i'd like to get in on that... 17 year old from south dakota... just getting into competing... got third at one of two shows i attended last year, but that was with my *first real system* (excluding the optimus days) and now i'm resetting my goals (like actually having some this time around) and hope to bring home a whole lotta plastic in 2002!!! good luck to everyone this season, sponsored or not. your chances will come!
-------------------- ---------- you know who it is
Posts: 599 | From: wentworth, south dakota | Registered: Oct 2001
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The "stomp the competition" attitude is not one to have when looking for sponsors. As 17 yr old's who have very little competition experience, you will soon learn that having the best equipment/vehicle is not even half of what it takes to be competitive at a world finals level. It takes time and dedication as well. In a lot of classes, install is everything, and missing the port tuning by 1 Hz could move you from 1st to 5th. I suggest that you attend several competitions and get a feel for what works and what doesn't, and prove to the manufacturers that you are dedicated and have the time it takes to compete before you go looking for a sponsorship.
-------------------- Team Shedluv Team Sweep Team Kicker Team JBL
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I've got my 15L7's in a rodeo tho. Right now ive got them both in a 6^ft box (ported). I've got my amps bridged together puttin out 2300-2600watts. But im about to build a wall, an make the port huge. Havent got it metered yet, but it will be metered March 17th at a IASCA event. But i will be competeting in IASCA since there is no DB Drag events in GA. But i will keep everyone updated on what i hit. The guy that installed my system said right now i should be doin around 150. But you never know how things are going to work out. My 1 goal is to be able to get the World Record in my class. As long as I have the determation, heart and God, anything is possible!! I thank everyone replying to my question,an wish everyone the best of luck this season!!! 1 last thing, I want to thank Team Gates an Alma to be my inspiration to get into this fantastic sport!!! Thanks.
-------------------- Craig
Team Gates Member Posts: 64 | From: Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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How was I being ****y? I dont think I was. But you have the freedom of speech, to say what you wish. I was only wanting to become friends with everyone on here, an to help out if somebody needed help.
-------------------- Craig
Team Gates Member Posts: 64 | From: Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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SPL, I saw your post as having goals, not ****yness. PSi- you're off base.
I've got goals too this season - repeat as zone points champ, top 5 at SBN and top 5 at finals. I'd love to place #1 but I'm not gonna be too greedy yet. Still working on finding some drags for you - NOPI's the only one I've found so far. If you don't mind heading to Tennessee or the Carolinas, there are always a few there as well.
-------------------- When you find yourself standing in a hole and holding a shovel, stop digging.
Certified IASCA/idbl Judge ** 2002 IASCA SQ Points Champ ** IASCA Pro Street 601+ * USACi Pro 601+ * SLAP Pro Street 601+ ** Team Gates ** dBs
posted
I guess I'll just compete in IASCA this year, because there's alot of events that's close to be an in the state of GA. I appreciate you tring to help me out. Thanks.
-------------------- Craig
Team Gates Member Posts: 64 | From: Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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