Are you an aspiring race car driver looking to get company sponsorship to help with the cost of running your vehicle? Obtaining a sponsor can be a challenge but it is not impossible. There are a few things you can do to make it easier to attract the attention of potential sponsors. This article outlines the steps you need to take in order to get a company to sponsor your car.
Research Who to Approach
When looking for a potential sponsor, it is important to search for companies that may have a vested interest in racing and will likely be open to sponsoring a vehicle. Consider researching automotive and racing websites. Visit forums and scour for potential sponsors in your local area. Find out which companies are already sponsoring vehicles and reach out to them. Don’t forget to check social media, which can be a great resource for networking and finding potential leads.
Search for a targeted list of sponsors you may be able to approach. Be sure to create a list that is appropriate for your vehicle and circuit. Prioritize the list by opting to contact the company most likely to be interested in sponsoring.
Be Prepared
Prior to getting in contact with the company, be sure to prepare an impressive portfolio that outlines why the company should sponsor your car. This depends on your vehicle and the circuit you are likely to be competing, but create an attractive portfolio with pictures of your car, any information about your driving, and how the company gaining publicity from sponsoring your vehicle. If a target company has sponsored in the past, be sure to include any relevant information regarding those sponsorships.
Be sure to create a professional document that outlines the benefit of the company sponsoring you – such as the number of people you’ll be engaging with, the amount of exposure, and the number of people that show up to the event. This can help to convince the company to sponsor your vehicle rather than another.
Create a Proactive Pitch
Once you have your portfolio and have researched your ideal sponsors, it’s time to create an ultimatum-to-action. Don’t just contact the company, ask to meet and present your portfolio – create a proactive statement. Tell the company why you want their sponsorship and how it is specifically beneficial for them, rather than for yourself. This will help to increase their interest in sponsoring your vehicle.
Be sure to use advanced grammatic structures and emotional triggers in order to engage and capture the attention of the reader. Avoid using the passive voice as otherwise the statement may appear dull and uninteresting. Try to keep the statement concise but include any relevant information. Most importantly, do not forget to include a call-to-action at the end to encourage them to act upon your proposal.
Create a Follow-up Plan
Once you have sent the sponsor proposal, be sure to have a plan of what to do next. Contact the company again after around one week and allow them time to make their decision. Be polite and thank them for considering your proposal. Reiterate any of the benefits that may have been included in the initial proposal to further convince them to offer you a sponsorship.
Whilst you may receive rejections from some companies, don’t be disheartened. Remain professional and try to learn from the rejection. Keep trying to search for other potential sponsors and take their feedback into account when drafting your portfolio and proposal.
Create an Engaging Writing Platform
Aside from creating an attractive portfolio and proposal, creating an engaging writing platform is another fantastic way to gain interest from potential sponsors. It demonstrates the effort you are willing to invest in your own promotion and will help to build a visible platform beyond simply the track. Start a website or blog and write about your driving experiences, anything you have learnt, and any information that you may want to share with sponsors.
Begin to write engaging content regularly and use content marketing tools. You may also want to consider using social media platforms to share content and make your online presence more visible. This will not only help you to build a personal brand that potential sponsors may recognize your sponsor potential but it will also help to demonstrate your ability to capture and engage the attention of an audience.
Showcase Your Achievements
Share your driving accomplishments and experiences via your website, blog and social media channels. Include any awards or accolades you have received and demonstrate any knowledge you have of the industry. Showcase your racing skills with videos, images and audio. Use data to capture the interest of sponsors. Be sure to link any of your previous press releases and your website.
By taking the time to effectively showcase your talents and racing successes, you will be able to increase your appeal among potential sponsors. Demonstrating that you have a solid understanding of the track and have a passion for racing will help to show the company that sponsoring you is a worthwhile endeavour.
Gain Exposure
When looking for sponsors, one of the best ways to get noticed is to increase your exposure. Take part in any races that could gain you recognition, such as national or international tournaments, or local circuit races. Take part in interviews and events, where you may increase your reach among the media. Try to discuss your upcoming races and any sponsorships you are looking for.
Attempt to create relationships with local sponsors or racing teams. Make social media an integral part of your communication with the company or potential sponsors. Ensure that you also interact with fans and any potential sponsors. This will help you to make a good impression and demonstrate your ability to further provide visibility to the company.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Having excellent customer service skills is also essential when looking for a sponsor. It is essential to understand the customer perspective and build a relationships. Try to increase your visibility and reputation in the community by networking, volunteering and attending industry events and sponsoring any activities.
It is also important to ensure that any communication with a potential sponsor is timely and professional. This can help to convince the company to offer you a sponsorship. As a sponsor, you also must be willing to be respectful and follow any instructions from sponsors. Sponsors can provide valuable feedback and should be taken into account when writing and producing material.
Create and Promote Sponsorship Packages
Another way to increase your chances of obtaining a sponsorship is by creating sponsorship packages. This can help to attract the attention of potential sponsors who may otherwise not consider sponsoring a vehicle. Create a variety of packages according to the sponsorship level, such as promotional or logo packages, or offering free tickets. This can help to show sponsors that you have taken the time and effort to think of all the possible ways they can be involved in the process.
When promoting your sponsorship packages, be sure to reach out to potential sponsors and provide any pertinent information. Regularly update them on any progress you have made and offer any help they may need. Show enthusiasm and gratitude during the process.
Understand Regulations
When looking for a sponsor, be sure to understand any regulations that may affect the process. Research any regulations on both the circuit and regional level. Review the contract carefully and make sure that you are eligible for any bonuses or incentives being offered. Ensure that the sponsor understands any legal implications or visas that may be required to operate the car. As a sponsor, you may also be subject to an anti-doping review.
Finally, be sure to discuss the length of the sponsorship with the company or individuals. At the end of the sponsorship, you may need to return any promo material or pay back the sponsor. Take the time to understand any financial implications or payments you may need to make before you sign the contract.
