| PCRI Tech Tips
from Oh Pawlak
Tech Tips from Oh Pawlak is a monthly column that deals with the every day
equipment dilemmas that Paintball players face. The opinions expressed within
this article are not necessarily the opinions of PCRI. Have any questions
for Oh? Call 916-482-GAME.
"How to please sponsors above and beyond
what's expected"
Sponsorship is and will always be the key to the success of any paintball
team or any paintball event. Moreover, every serious player should take steps
in improving the relationship with their sponsors. The sponsorship "game"
has moved beyond the traditional relationship of a player using the gear
and waving the banner, to a complicated game of do(s) and don't(s). Here
are a few basic tips to help you win the sponsorship game.
1. Sponsors enjoy the weekly contact with their factory teams and players.
Important feedback on the equipment, trends or even gossip can be exchanged
during these conversations. Therefore, it would be beneficial to you to call
them at least once a week. Last year I fell into the one-call-per- month
trap. I apologize to my sponsors for that.
2. In addition to maintaining a weekly contact with your sponsors, you should
always offer to pick up your sponsors at the airport during a major paintball
function (i.e. NPPL World Cup or ZAP Amateur Open). Just ask Marty Tripes
of SCOTT USA about the numerous times I've picked him up at the airport.
This gives you a chance to talk "face to face" with your sponsors, which
is more personal than over the phone.
3. Along with calling your sponsors and picking them up at the airport, you
should always offer to help set up the vendor's booth at a trade show for
your sponsors. You would be surprised with the amount of headaches sponsors
must endure during a trade show. A simple offer of aide would go along way
in their eyes.
4. Even if your time is limited during a paintball tournament , always offer
to help "run" a booth for your sponsors. Try to make an appearance at the
booth at least once a day during a three day tournament.
5. Don't forget about the holidays and birthdays. At the very least,
send a card and make a phone call. Your sponsorship relationship should be
deeper than just dollars and cents.
6. Sponsors love presents. My favorite gift is a magazine cover-shot
on a well crafted plaque with a personal note (Editors Note: That's my
favorite as well).
7. Try to gather your sponsors at one special function at the end of the
professional season. I invented the PCRI & SCOTT USA BIG GAME with hopes
of being able to celebrate the season with my sponsors at a "fun" event like
a celebrity big game. So far so good.
8. If your are running a special event at your field, store etc., invite
your sponsors even if you think they won't come. They might surprise you
and show up. Even if they don't, at least you gave them a chance to decide
for themselves.
9. Always say "thank you". Kind words can travel miles. Be sincere and nice.
Sponsors are people too. Treat them like you would want to be treated.
As always, I would like you hear your comments about this or any other article
that I've written for PCRI. Thanks for reading.
See you soon.
Oh Pawlak
" Even when the critics say you're not good enough to play this game..PROVE
THEM WRONG!!"
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