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 Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
  
Location: In the real world | Hi All, My employer is a Pharma Co with an Animal Health Division which sponsors some large barrel races. I am formulating an inter-office e-mail to request that my company sponsor me. I believe I may be the only barrel racer in the company, so I won't have a lot of competition. I know there are several levels of sponsorship, and I would like to present those different ideas to the executive director in charge. So, what are the different ideas I can present? I guess it can go from free product to entry fees? Any ideas or suggestions you have are very very welcome. Thank you all! 
Edited by Lovinbarrels 2016-04-27 12:58 PM
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | I wouldn't ask my employer to sponsor me, that's just too awkward. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
 
Location: Kansas | You can ask them to sponsor you by first providing you with a patch to wear, or something to put on your saddle pad/trailer to catch the eye of other contestants or barrel racers/ropers.....I would do that before asking for any $$$$ from an employer. |
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | I already have in my e-mail that I would be willing to set up a booth or table with a looping video and coupons and product information. So, I would be working for my sponsorship. And, I did mention wearing a patch with the company name on it. I didn't really want to ask for cash. I just want ideas if anyone has been sponsored.
Edited by Lovinbarrels 2016-04-27 1:21 PM
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I would never ask my employer to sponsor me but then again..unless I was barrel racing for a living and was doing very well, I wouldn't have an employer to ask. Why should anyone sponsor anyone to help out with their hobby? Not being mean...being truthful. |
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Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Lovinbarrels - 2016-04-27 1:16 PM I already have in my e-mail that I would be willing to set up a booth or table with a looping video and coupons and product information. So, I would be working for my sponsorship. And, I did mention wearing a patch with the company name on it.
Ok - this makes more sense to me. You're offering them the opportunity to have a representative on site with their product at barrel races. Are you asking them for free product in return? Maybe a percentage of what you sell? Will you primarily be traveling to barrel races or rodeos? |
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | I would be travelling to Barrel Races - No Bull, Ft Smith, BFA, NBHA, Dawn & Clea, and local. Free product would be good for me.
Edited by Lovinbarrels 2016-04-27 1:24 PM
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | What level of barrel racing are you at? Like pro, open rodeos, D's?
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Location: Not Where I Want to Be | They pretty much already do as long as your pay check doesn't bounce.
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Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Lovinbarrels - 2016-04-27 1:23 PM I would be travelling to Barrel Races - No Bull, Ft Smith, BFA, NBHA, Dawn & Clea, and local. Free product would be good for me.
Then I'd highlight where I could offer them exposure and go thru exactly what I would set up. How many hours will you man the booth? How well do you know the product? What is your selling experience?
What would you like them to give you in return for repping at shows?
That's just how I would approach it. |
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| If your employer is in the horse industry and sponsors barrel races on a regular basis then I wouldn't think it would be inappropriate to ask. I probably wouldn't send an inter-office e-mail at first. I would try to bounce the idea off of someone higher above (like a manager) that I may work closely with to just to get an opinion of someone who has a feel for the company. |
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | I am 1D /2D at big shows. 1D at local. These products are not performance enhancing. I work for a large Pharma. De-wormer, vaccines, pain, antibiotics, etc.
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Oh I see that barrel racing is a hobby of your's, I would not ask anyone to sponsor something that I love doing and thats a hobby of mine, be your own sponsor and put money away from each paycheck to pay your own way. |
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | My thinking was that they put up banners, put their name on the barrels, but have no information booth. Since I will be at the shows anyway, why would I not help my company be successful and set up a booth? And, they could help me out while I am putting in the time for the company. |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | And just wondering how long have you been with this company, I dont think I would be requesting a sponsor from my employer that just dont sound to good, I would be asking not requesting. |
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | I have been with the company 16 years. |
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Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Lovinbarrels - 2016-04-27 1:36 PM My thinking was that they put up banners, put their name on the barrels, but have no information booth. Since I will be at the shows anyway, why would I not help my company be successful and set up a booth? And, they could help me out while I am putting in the time for the company.
Since you're offering them something in return, it could be something positive for both of you. If you don't ask, the answer is always going to be no. I see nothing wrong with offering services in return for product.
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Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | Southtxponygirl - 2016-04-27 1:40 PM And just wondering how long have you been with this company, I dont think I would be requesting a sponsor from my employer that just dont sound to good, I would be asking not requesting.
What's the difference in asking and requesting? I'm confused.
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 Expert
Posts: 1367
Location: mi | Something to keep in mind. Alot of times if you have any type of booth set up there is a fee to the show grounds or sponsors or..... for the space for that booth. So you might have some costs in that involved. and might also need permission just to set up.
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | They are already paying for banners and the barrels, I would bet a booth would be included if they had someone to man a booth. But, yes, often the facility fee for the booth is separate from the sponsorship.
Edited by Lovinbarrels 2016-04-27 2:01 PM
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | I have to go to the dictionary to see the difference between requesting and asking. |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Lovinbarrels - 2016-04-27 2:02 PM I have to go to the dictionary to see the difference between requesting and asking. Requesting your employer to pay for your hobby sounds like you think that they owe you, but asking is more of a nicer way of wanting to be sponsored by your employer.
Same word I reckon, but just sounds nicer, I think.
Edited by Southtxponygirl 2016-04-27 2:23 PM
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | I understand. I did just look up the definitions, and although they are pretty much the same, I see where you are going with that. |
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 Expert
Posts: 5293
| A request is more mandatory
Asking is optional
I work for a school district. If the principal calls and requests a student be sent to his office, I best better do it. If he ASKS if I am willing to send the student its my choice..
My only concern about asking your specific employer is conflict of interest. I might offer to do product promotion as part of my job, not an outside sponsorship maybe. Lets say I was employed by Professionals Choice and My job is to sell promote, whatever their products. Instead of asking for sponsorship maybe ask for " Additional overtime hours" by working a booth at the races etc as part of your JOB. THen use that additional cash for your own personal barrel racing expenses.
Edited by FLITASTIC 2016-04-27 2:19 PM
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | It's a large company. Animal Health is a different division with a different budget. My job is not in sales. But, I appreciate your thoughtful response. And that is something I didn't think about. That could complicate things. |
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Does your company sell to the end consumer or do they sell to retailers? What you are proposing to them sounds more along the lines of a sales/PR position moreso than a sponsorship, which is ok, and something you should be compensated for if it's something they wanted to pursue.
Given that you have been there for sometime, I think an email is ok if sent to the people in charge of advertising/sales/PR department to find out if this type of marketing is something they are interested in. They may feel that the investment at those events is already on the top end of the potential return with the barrels, banners, etc. It's all about return on investment.
In regard to sponsorships, I encourage anyone seeking a sponsorship or endorsement from a company to put together a sponsorship request packet. Please include accomplishments, pictures of you competing, and a well written letter to the company you're seeking a sponsorship from, personalized and addressed directly to them, not just a generic form letter. It should be like a resume or cover letter seeking employment, as you will be representing that company, so you would essentially be an employee. I have seen so many emails, facebook messages, etc from people seeking endorsements that have poor grammar, bad punctuation, and are just overall poorly written. Treat it as a resume to get your foot in the door with a potential employer and you'll have much more success in securing sponsorships.
Sorry, OP, this wasn't directed at you, as I know your situation is much different considering you have worked for that company for several years. I just felt like this needed to be said for anyone else considering seeking a sponsorship/endorsement. :)
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Chairman of the BHW Armadillo Roast
Posts: 4390
Location: In the real world | You know, Herbie, you have a lot of good points. I was pretty much doing what you said regarding the package (by e-mail). I think I will trash the e-mail and provide a professional package with my proposal. Working in a large company, we are so "e-mail minded", we forget that there are other ways to communicate. I think the impact of a printed package will go further. Thank you so much for your positive attitude and suggestions without judgmental opinions.  |
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Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Lovinbarrels - 2016-04-27 2:46 PM You know, Herbie, you have a lot of good points. I was pretty much doing what you said regarding the package (by e-mail). I think I will trash the e-mail and provide a professional package with my proposal. Working in a large company, we are so "e-mail minded", we forget that there are other ways to communicate. I think the impact of a printed package will go further. Thank you so much for your positive attitude and suggestions without judgmental opinions.
You're very welcome. Hope it works out well for you! I think it's a good opportunity for you to expand yourself within the company, just have to present it the right way.  Keep us posted! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1304
| I don't see any problem in asking. If you're benefiting the company as well then that's great! |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Lovinbarrels - 2016-04-27 2:12 PM I understand. I did just look up the definitions, and although they are pretty much the same, I see where you are going with that.
Good luck to ya |
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Asking my employer to sponsor me