Sponsorships - Part 1 of 2

It really is funny, people write blogs all the time. Some daily, some weekly or monthly or even less frequently. When i write, I usually do it as a form of self-therapy. Relaxing, thought provoking, whatever it may be, it almost always happens after a long period of printing clothing or designing. Stressed? Naaa, but whatever it is, it eventually relaxes me.

Before I get into some of the processes we use for printing and choosing our clothing, I thought I would discuss something that really seems to get asked a great deal lately.

SPONSORSHIP. For being such a relatively young and smaller company, I seem to get a fairly large number of requests a week asking for us to sponsor individuals, bands, events. I would love to say it is a reflection of our totally awesome lines and though that may be true, it is also a sign of our economy and to a lesser degree, the demographics of the people asking.

The fitness industry is vast and there is a huge number of people making a fairly healthy amount of income. Generally that group making the big money does NOT include the athlete. Of course some athletes, the very elite of the elite make a decent living. But the majority toil in the gym, follow super strict diets and programs and at the same time, work full time and possibly a second job to be able to afford supplements, gym memberships, competition costs and travel expenses.

It is these people we targetted when deciding to sponsor athletes, I knew the lifestyle and people in it. I figured that, in general, this group tended to like clothing and designs of my styles and that I would have a way of giving back. It also allowed me to stay connected to the fitness world. By offering incentives, taking a percentage of sales and putting in a fund under each athlete's name, it would be a way of giving actual cash towards all the expenses amateur athletes incur.

Good theory in point. Of course, this assumes the facts A)The athletes would try and sell the line and B) People would like the designs and clothing. Most athletes get that BUT as in society, there is always going to be those who want everything with the least amount of work and effort. So what to do, we offer a varied amount of clothing and accessories to each new sponsored athlete, we talk with them, get to know them. Even with that, sometimes things just don't work out(pardon the pun) and my least favorite part of all this happens, I have to let someone go. Not fun, not easy, some handle it with class, others not so much.

So what's the answer or solution to getting the perfect match of athlete and sponsor? Don't think there can be just one solution, each situation is different and requires different problem solving. It does happen though, some matches work out better than anything we could have planned.

The next blog, in a few days, will explore some ideas we have come up with to help us with sponsoring athletes or bands. I love the fitness world and the dedication of the athletes and know that we wish to continue sponsoring athletes but in order for it to be viable, both sides have to benefit. Stay tuned for the follow-up article.....