Sponsors

All they can say is no. I would shoot for free meat in your first approach.

We get our meat at cost from a local butcher in exchange for flying the banner. We've done a good enough job promoting the business that we often get most of our non comp purchases at cost as well. It doesn't save us a bunch of money, but we are getting his best stuff at a really great price. If you are placing well enough, its a win win

Probably would depend on your team's results to start. New teams historically have a difficult time, veteran successful teams have a much easier go getting folks to cough up free stuff and dough.

If you are as professional as possible, go to them with a written plan and explain how they will benefit, I think that you have a very good chance.

Try to get the attendance numbers for the events that you will be attending. Check with the organizers to see if you can do sampling or handing out of flyers. Explain to the store that you are a loyal customer and these events will help you to get the word out about how great they are.

Bring photos of crowds from past events.

If you put in the effort to create a professional sponsorship package, you have a reasonable shot.

Eric

Emphasize how much money is spent on competition BBQ and when you're at a contest everyone will see their banner. Offer to set up a table with their business cards or flyers on it. Make sure you include something that's really in it for them so they know they get something in return. The cheaper it is for you to do, the better.

motoeric said:

If you are as professional as possible, go to them with a written plan and explain how they will benefit, I think that you have a very good chance.

Try to get the attendance numbers for the events that you will be attending. Check with the organizers to see if you can do sampling or handing out of flyers. Explain to the store that you are a loyal customer and these events will help you to get the word out about how great they are.

Bring photos of crowds from past events.

If you put in the effort to create a professional sponsorship package, you have a reasonable shot.

Eric

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This, plus give them options; for free meat we wil fly a 2x4 flag and wear t-shirts and mention the company in any speeches or media.
For at cost meat we will fly a 2x2 flag and wear shirts
For a slightly discounted rate we will wear shirts. That way it's not an all or nothing deal and you might get one if your middle options instead which would still help out.

This last year we did that and ended up with at cost butts and brisket from meat supplier and 2 big bags of RO from the local bbq store. Neither the at cost meat or the charcoal was the top option, free meat and a free WSM were but we were happy with the deals we got.

Keep us updated...My wife and I have been kicking around the same idea for sponsors, but we havent got anything actually done. I don't want to start door knocking or calling up some buddies that have businesses just for free stuff or money and not be able to offer something in return. Someone always wants our leftover meat from the comps which would make a good return. However, leftovers only go so far and not everyone can be promised some if your successful with rounding up sponsors.

There are some very good exchanges on this subject somewhere in the archives. Ray Lampe , myself and many others laid out several firm points that have helped us well over the years. Worth looking up if possible. Ray's description was a letter that he used and was done very well. Would be a great starting point of how to. Main thing is what you can do for them, not the other way around. Also it will be best to personalize the requests, no form letters and have something to offer as in recent contest acomplishments, awards from many forms, ability to serve food to/for them and many more angles that are best looked at and filled where needed. Rookies looking for a free ride not only discredit legit worthy teams but turn off the prospective partner fast. That's true in most proposals of many disiplines and should not be done if you want success. When you think of the relationship being beneficial for both parties, then you're on a more winable goal. Steve.

ssbbqguy said:

Main thing is what you can do for them, not the other way around.

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This is key. So many teams are looking for something for nothing. It doesn't work that way. As a new team, it is very difficult to offer something of real value but thinking outside the box can be key. Possibly something like offering grilling classes for your meat suppliers customers or a BBQ class can do the trick. It doesn't have to be contest related. The most creative you can be usually gets the job done.

It is also wise to have a written contract. A contract should spell out the responsibilities of both parties so there is no confusion. After all a sponsorship is nothing short of a legally enforceable business agreement.

ssbbqguy said:

There are some very good exchanges on this subject somewhere in the archives. Ray Lampe , myself and many others laid out several firm points that have helped us well over the years. Worth looking up if possible.

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