Gaining Sponsorship from Skydiving Equipment Manufacturers
Strategies for Visibility and Event Weekends
2023-06-05 17:27:39 - Dave Lewis
Introduction
Securing sponsorship from skydiving equipment manufacturers can offer significant support and resources for your endeavours. However, it's crucial to approach this opportunity with the mindset of "What value can I provide to the sponsor?" While winning a gold medal in the national competition may have earned you a couple of pictures in a local magazine, it's essential to consider what else you can offer. In this blog, I will share my experience with sponsorships throughout the years and discuss practical strategies to enhance your visibility, thereby attracting potential sponsors.
Who to contact
Identifying the right contacts for sponsorship is crucial once you feel ready to pursue it. If you aim to obtain a new rig, canopy, and helmet jumpsuit, it's only adequate to approach all manufacturers indiscriminately once someone agrees. It's essential to have confidence in your chosen equipment, so select your favourites wisely. I once witnessed a sponsored skydiver express their dissatisfaction with their sponsored gear, throwing it across the packing shed floor and referring to it as inferior. No sponsor wants to hear you say a preference for a different brand. The skydiving community is small, and manufacturers are well-connected and frequently communicate with each other. Once you secure a sponsor, you'll likely find that they can assist you in finding additional sponsors for other equipment you may need, and vice versa. When expressing your preferences, it's essential to focus on the positives for yourself and avoid speaking negatively about others. Instead of criticising or disparaging competitors, highlight the benefits and advantages of the options you favour. Maintaining a positive and respectful attitude will reflect well on your professionalism and foster better relationships with potential sponsors.
Building an Engaging Online Presence
Creating a solid online presence is crucial in today's digital world. Here are some strategies to consider:
a. Social Media: Utilise platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to showcase the excitement and beauty of skydiving. Regularly post high-quality photos and videos, share testimonials, and engage with your audience to build a dedicated community.
b. Website and Blog: Develop a professional website highlighting your expertise and showcasing past events. Maintain an active blog (cough), offering insightful articles about skydiving techniques, safety tips, and event highlights. This establishes you as a credible authority in the skydiving community and attracts attention from potential sponsors.
c. Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with influential skydivers or content creators can significantly boost your online reach. Collaborate on shared projects, sponsor their content, or invite them to participate in your events. This synergy can attract the attention of equipment manufacturers who want to tap into a larger audience.
Leveraging Traditional Advertising and PR
While digital platforms are essential, don't overlook the power of traditional advertising and PR methods:
a. Print Media: Reach out to skydiving magazines, adventure sports publications, and local newspapers. Offer them exclusive stories, interviews, or event coverage opportunities. This helps you gain exposure within the skydiving community and beyond.
b. Radio and Television: Approach local radio stations and TV channels to discuss your events and the thrilling world of skydiving. Provide interesting anecdotes, human-interest stories, or safety-related discussions. This exposure can attract both sponsors and participants.
c. Press Releases: Write and distribute press releases about your upcoming events, highlighting the unique experiences and opportunities they offer. Share these releases with relevant media outlets, both online and offline.
Hosting Successful Event Weekends
Organising engaging and well-executed event weekends is essential to attract sponsors. If your training strategy solely revolves around borrowing a second kit, jumping back-to-back, and leaving the airfield immediately after, consider whether you would sponsor yourself if you were a canopy or container manufacturer. While training is essential, it is also crucial to plan other coaching and training events.
In my experience, I organised large-scale Formation Skydiving (FS) events. This involved spending days in various European countries; I was engaging with skydivers of different skill levels and providing guidance and support. When considering sponsoring someone, ask yourself whether you would choose to sponsor a team that is only seen in podium pictures after competitions or an organiser who is visible and sought after for advice by everyone.
By organising events and actively engaging with the skydiving community, you increase your visibility and become a valuable resource for others. This approach enhances your chances of attracting sponsors and positions you as someone worth supporting due to your active involvement and expertise.
Consider the following elements
a. Unique Experiences: Develop innovative event formats, such as themed jumps, aerial competitions, or tandem skydives for charity. Offering unique experiences sets your event apart and generates interest from participants and potential sponsors.
b. Professionalism and Safety: Ensure that your events are conducted professionally and prioritise safety at all times. This creates a positive reputation for your organisation and builds trust with sponsors.
c. Networking Opportunities: Organise networking sessions or social events on weekends to facilitate interactions between participants, sponsors, and equipment manufacturers. This allows sponsors to engage directly with potential customers and evaluate the value of your events.
d. Sponsorship Packages: Create attractive sponsorship packages that benefit potential sponsors. These may include logo placement, product demonstrations, brand exposure, or exclusive rights to showcase and sell their products during the event weekends.
Conclusion
Gaining sponsorship from skydiving equipment manufacturers requires a proactive approach to enhancing your visibility and running successful event weekends. By utilising digital platforms, leveraging traditional advertising and PR, and hosting engaging events, you can attract potential sponsors who share your passion for skydiving. Remember, it's essential to establish mutually beneficial relationships that align with the goals and values of both you and the sponsors. With the right strategies and dedication, you can secure the sponsorship support you need to take your skydiving events to new heights. Always end with a pun. It’s the rules.