Okay, so today I’m gonna spill the beans on this thing I’ve been messing with: getting sponsors like Carlos Sainz does. It’s not as easy as it looks, trust me.
First, I started by looking at Carlos’s car and gear. I mean, stickers everywhere, right? I made a list of all the brands I could see: Shell, Estrella Galicia 0,0, Richard Mille… the usual suspects. Then I tried to figure out why these brands were sponsoring him. What’s in it for them?
I realized it’s not just about slapping a logo on a car. It’s about reaching a specific audience. Formula 1 is a huge global sport with tons of viewers, and Carlos is a popular driver. So, these brands are paying for that exposure.
Next, I thought about my own “brand.” What do I have to offer? I’m a pretty average guy, but I do a lot of DIY projects, and I document them online. I figured maybe I could target companies that sell tools or building materials.
So, I made a list of those companies, and then I started crafting emails. I didn’t just ask for money. I explained what I do, who my audience is, and how their brand could benefit from working with me. I even put together a little presentation with some stats from my website and social media.
Sent out a bunch of emails. Got a lot of “no”s, or just no replies at all. It was kinda discouraging, but I kept going. I tweaked my pitch, tried different companies, and followed up with the ones that seemed interested.
After what felt like forever, I finally got a bite! A local hardware store agreed to sponsor one of my projects. They gave me some tools and materials, and in return, I featured their brand in my videos and blog posts. It wasn’t a huge deal, but it was a start.
Learned a lot through this whole process. It’s not just about having something to offer. It’s about finding the right partners, building relationships, and showing them how you can help them reach their goals. It takes time and effort, but it’s definitely doable. I’m nowhere near Carlos Sainz level, but hey, everyone starts somewhere, right?
- Research: Figure out who sponsors your idols and why.
- Define Your Brand: What makes you unique and valuable?
- Target the Right Companies: Focus on brands that align with your niche.
- Craft a Compelling Pitch: Explain the benefits of working with you.
- Be Persistent: Don’t give up after the first few rejections.
Biggest Takeaway?
Sponsorship isn’t just about getting free stuff. It’s about building a mutually beneficial relationship. You need to offer value to your sponsors, just like they’re offering value to you.
