We all know how difficult it can be to be a youth or young adult shooter trying to get a sponsorship. Archery isn't a huge sport as it is, but the number of shooters out there outnumber the amount of available sponsorships out there by the masses. This makes it incredibly hard for even the best of us to get a sponsor, because of the so little knowledge that the general public has on the subject. Well, after countless hours of research, advice from pros, and talking to those who are sponsored themselves, I have a plan of action for you.
The key part in this process is really just to be very good... As much as us average joes wish we could get onto a pro staff, it won't happen unless we work for it and earn it. So if you really want to take this seriously, practice, prActiCe, PRACTICE.
The next step you will want to take after you have accumulated the skills you will need, is to get out there and show of your skills. You need to get yourself out there, and break out of your comfort zone. Enter States. Enter Regionals. Enter Nationals. Go and win yourself some competitions, because that works with the next step.
That next jump is to make yourself a résumé the same way you would as if you were applying for a job, because this IS essentially a job. If you don't know how to make a résumé, it is as simple as opening up a template on Microsoft Word. Although, you do not want to stick to the template, jazz it up because the whole goal is to get noticed. Add pictures, add anecdotes (short stories that apply to the topic), and most importantly add why this sponsorship would mean so much to you. Pull on the heart strings as much as possible.
After you are done with your résumé, send it out to different companies that can be potential sponsors. While doing this make sure that the companies you reach out to are ones that you are knowledgable on, and you would not mind endorsing. Also, when addressing your letters, never, I repeat, NEVER, address them to "To Whom It May Concern", doing that is not personable and very generic. It shows dedication and knowledge when you address the letter to the actual person in charge of the pro staff team and sponsorships.
After you send out your résumé, all you can do from there is wait, but there is one last step that is also the most important. You need to have complete confidence in yourself and you can't be afraid to be said no to. This ideal was best said to us by Olympic hopeful, Brandon Tenner.
"Sponsorship is all about being confident in yourself and your abilities. Create an archery résumé of all of the competitions you have done, accomplishments you have made, etc. Contact the company you are interested asking if they sponsor shooters and what the requirements are for consideration. Pick a company you use and are familiar with, one you truly believe in and would support. Don't be afraid of rejection, every company out there gets flooded by people that want free stuff. I truly believe you don't get what you don't ask for. Have faith and confidence in yourself and others will too."
Well if that doesn't say it all I don't know what will... The staff here at HNL wishes you all luck in accomplishing your goals, and we hope that we have been of service in writing this article.
Happy Shooting
HNL Staff ->>--->
Written by Amber A.
The key part in this process is really just to be very good... As much as us average joes wish we could get onto a pro staff, it won't happen unless we work for it and earn it. So if you really want to take this seriously, practice, prActiCe, PRACTICE.
The next step you will want to take after you have accumulated the skills you will need, is to get out there and show of your skills. You need to get yourself out there, and break out of your comfort zone. Enter States. Enter Regionals. Enter Nationals. Go and win yourself some competitions, because that works with the next step.
That next jump is to make yourself a résumé the same way you would as if you were applying for a job, because this IS essentially a job. If you don't know how to make a résumé, it is as simple as opening up a template on Microsoft Word. Although, you do not want to stick to the template, jazz it up because the whole goal is to get noticed. Add pictures, add anecdotes (short stories that apply to the topic), and most importantly add why this sponsorship would mean so much to you. Pull on the heart strings as much as possible.
After you are done with your résumé, send it out to different companies that can be potential sponsors. While doing this make sure that the companies you reach out to are ones that you are knowledgable on, and you would not mind endorsing. Also, when addressing your letters, never, I repeat, NEVER, address them to "To Whom It May Concern", doing that is not personable and very generic. It shows dedication and knowledge when you address the letter to the actual person in charge of the pro staff team and sponsorships.
After you send out your résumé, all you can do from there is wait, but there is one last step that is also the most important. You need to have complete confidence in yourself and you can't be afraid to be said no to. This ideal was best said to us by Olympic hopeful, Brandon Tenner.
"Sponsorship is all about being confident in yourself and your abilities. Create an archery résumé of all of the competitions you have done, accomplishments you have made, etc. Contact the company you are interested asking if they sponsor shooters and what the requirements are for consideration. Pick a company you use and are familiar with, one you truly believe in and would support. Don't be afraid of rejection, every company out there gets flooded by people that want free stuff. I truly believe you don't get what you don't ask for. Have faith and confidence in yourself and others will too."
Well if that doesn't say it all I don't know what will... The staff here at HNL wishes you all luck in accomplishing your goals, and we hope that we have been of service in writing this article.
Happy Shooting
HNL Staff ->>--->
Written by Amber A.