Dibs
02-18-2011, 07:11 PM
So alot of people on tln are curious about how to go about talking to sponsors, So I am going to put together a nice little guide for all out you :)
I have been all over talking to sponsors not only for mlg but also snowboarding and wakeboarding. I have had small events sponsored by local companies. I have a personal sponsor from ktx gaming (local store). Its nice to have them pad your expenses but is alot of hard work to make sure you always keep them and their image in the back of your head.
1st off before we talk about getting a sponsor, I want to talk about the small things people dont really think about when it comes to sponsors. Image is everything! If a place is going to dump money into you they are going to find out everything about you. Your Image means more then wearing a logo on your shirt or having a like on your website. If you act badly with their image it will make them look bad and you will be out a sponsor faster then you can say your name. If you want one then i hope you act good at events and are not mean to people over the internet. Believe me, they will find out!
Talking to a potential sponsor can be the the hardest part. Dont jump in and try to go straight for monster or under armor. Start small, think local or look up small places in the cities where the events are. I will tell you Monster is hesitant because redbull has taken over the gaming scene. Competition can make a sponsor go all out for you or not even bother with you so its risky to try to bring in any company (Monster vs redbull) with competition
Make a portfolio of what you or your team has done. Include anything that gave you even the slightest bit of experience. Include a little about your self and your teammates. its not like sponsors dont care about you, you will prolly keep in touch more then you think. Tell them about mlg. Give them info about how many people go to each event and how many people watch it over the internet. They will do their own research if they want you but big details like this will make them want you more.
Do some research of your own. Look up the trends of mlg and for the company you want. See if there is anything that really stands out that it will be a big reason why this sponsorship will really help the company. Obviously if they are a gaming company or make electronics its a good idea to show that to them but their are some other small things you may find.
If they say they are interested and want to talk to you about what you need from them and viceversa, remember at this point its a open conversation. Ask them if they will cover a plane ticket and a team pass. See if they will help you put on a lan party. Ask them what they want from you. Logos on a shirt, link from your website, mention in bio. Chances are they already know what they want at this point.
If they say no just say thanks for talking and have a good day. Dont beg them if the conversation is clearly over. if they give you a "Were not sure your what we are looking for" well i guess thats open game for proving you are.
Important things to remember!
*Be polite (Duh!)
*Be professional
*Be yourself
*Do not lie, even the slightest bit
*If you can talk in person i suggest you do it
*Remember its a big commitment for both parts. Give them time to make a decision
*If you do get one make sure you treat them like a player on a team. Include them in all of the big team decisions and keep them updated even if they dont ask ( Its just common courtesy)
I hope this helps clear up most of your questions. I wish you luck on your hunt!
If you have any questions feel free to ask!
-Dibs
I have been all over talking to sponsors not only for mlg but also snowboarding and wakeboarding. I have had small events sponsored by local companies. I have a personal sponsor from ktx gaming (local store). Its nice to have them pad your expenses but is alot of hard work to make sure you always keep them and their image in the back of your head.
1st off before we talk about getting a sponsor, I want to talk about the small things people dont really think about when it comes to sponsors. Image is everything! If a place is going to dump money into you they are going to find out everything about you. Your Image means more then wearing a logo on your shirt or having a like on your website. If you act badly with their image it will make them look bad and you will be out a sponsor faster then you can say your name. If you want one then i hope you act good at events and are not mean to people over the internet. Believe me, they will find out!
Talking to a potential sponsor can be the the hardest part. Dont jump in and try to go straight for monster or under armor. Start small, think local or look up small places in the cities where the events are. I will tell you Monster is hesitant because redbull has taken over the gaming scene. Competition can make a sponsor go all out for you or not even bother with you so its risky to try to bring in any company (Monster vs redbull) with competition
Make a portfolio of what you or your team has done. Include anything that gave you even the slightest bit of experience. Include a little about your self and your teammates. its not like sponsors dont care about you, you will prolly keep in touch more then you think. Tell them about mlg. Give them info about how many people go to each event and how many people watch it over the internet. They will do their own research if they want you but big details like this will make them want you more.
Do some research of your own. Look up the trends of mlg and for the company you want. See if there is anything that really stands out that it will be a big reason why this sponsorship will really help the company. Obviously if they are a gaming company or make electronics its a good idea to show that to them but their are some other small things you may find.
If they say they are interested and want to talk to you about what you need from them and viceversa, remember at this point its a open conversation. Ask them if they will cover a plane ticket and a team pass. See if they will help you put on a lan party. Ask them what they want from you. Logos on a shirt, link from your website, mention in bio. Chances are they already know what they want at this point.
If they say no just say thanks for talking and have a good day. Dont beg them if the conversation is clearly over. if they give you a "Were not sure your what we are looking for" well i guess thats open game for proving you are.
Important things to remember!
*Be polite (Duh!)
*Be professional
*Be yourself
*Do not lie, even the slightest bit
*If you can talk in person i suggest you do it
*Remember its a big commitment for both parts. Give them time to make a decision
*If you do get one make sure you treat them like a player on a team. Include them in all of the big team decisions and keep them updated even if they dont ask ( Its just common courtesy)
I hope this helps clear up most of your questions. I wish you luck on your hunt!
If you have any questions feel free to ask!
-Dibs