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This week's tip:
How to Get Sponsored
By Debbie Rice
Debbie Rice, flying the Bont banner
As a Bont representative, I often get emails from skaters who want to get sponsored. And why not? Getting sponsored is great. It can provide you with various perks, ranging from skinsuits and equipment to overseas travel and salaries.
But getting sponsored is not as simple as just winning some races. You've got to project the right kind of image and make yourself available to potential sponsors.
That said, here's my short guide to getting sponsored:
1) What's it all about?
Companies sponsor athletes to promote their brands and, in some cases, support their sport. They sponsor athletes by providing them with money, products or services. Sponsorship is a business relationship that should be mutually beneficial to the athlete and the company.
By sponsoring successful athletes, companies hope to see a return on their investment in the form of media exposure, product testing, increased sales and brand awareness.
To maximize their return, sponsors look for athletes who are not only winners, but who also have reputations for sportsmanship.
2) How do you get sponsored?
First and foremost, compete in as many prestigious races as possible, always performing to the best of your ability. Show a great attitude. And hopefully you will catch the eye of a company's representative.
Be sure to conduct yourself in a professional manner. Sponsors will not be interested in an athlete who is cocky or hot-tempered. Companies want to be represented in a positive, professional manner.
3) Prepare a resume.
A good resume is one way to catch the eye of a sponsor. In your resume include your racing highlights and list your outside interests, such as hobbies, volunteer work, mentoring and other sports. If you excel in school, list your GPA.
Make your resume exciting and informative. Include action photos of yourself competing.
And sell yourself. Lists the positive attributes that you have to offer the sponsor.
Also, include a list of upcoming major events that you plan to attend. That way the sponsor can keep an eye out for you.
Be sure to highlight your goals and aspirations. Sponsors want to see that you have a long-term commitment to the sport and that you have high expectations for yourself.
Another plus is to add a list of references.
The best time to send a resume is at the end of a skating season from October to December. Some sponsors require resumes sent by mail, others accept them via email.
4) Make some face time
One thing that can help you get sponsored is to meet prospective sponsors. That way they get to know you and find out just what a wonderful (we hope) person you are.
Seek out potential sponsors at events and introduce yourself. Let them know that you are interested in being sponsored and ask them if you can send them your resume.
Remember: sponsorship is about building long-term relationships and loyalty. The longer the relationship, the greater the value.
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Debbie Rice first caught the eye of sponsors in 1994 when she was signed by Krptonics. Next came Hyper Wheels in 1996 (with teammates Chad Hedrick and Cheryl Ezzell); then there was Hyper-Bont in 1998; and finally, Bont in 2000. She's been with Bont every since, and is now a Bont sales representative and team manager. On inlines, she has won numerous marathons, indoor championships and National Roller Cup titles. She also holds the Guinness record for fastest woman on skates — 61 mph. A former cast member of the Roller Jam television series, she also competes in roller derby. A Houston native, she lives in Tampa.
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