In true "no rest for the weary" fashion, the 2016 AFM season had barely wrapped up and I was already having to move forward with 2017 plans. A few decisions were made by the end of the year, the big ones being that I was going to be moving up to Expert, and also finding a new bike, most likely the 2016/2017 Kawasaki ZX10R. It was time to start pursuing sponsorships and lining up who I'd be working with going forward.
As my racing has continued, and as my goals have begun to grow, I've continued to focus in my sponsorships. Of course, there were some products and companies that have been great already, and who's stuff I would use regardless of sponsorship. There was also the desire/need for some additional help in areas that, before, weren't really a problem, primarily the bike and getting the bike set up. This was also going to increase my expenses, so anything along that line would be huge as well.
All that being said, I'm one of those people who really, REALLY values my sponsors. I feel like representing them is another part time job, both on and off the track, online, in forums, etc - and I don't just mean a signature line or a hash mark. So, off to find sponsors who I could benefit as much or more than what I would benefit from their help. I need to believe in their products and services - for me, having that personal connection to what they have is HUGE, and I know that translates when I refer people to them - I'm not selling out of a requirement, it's because I truly believe it.
Thus far, things are moving along rather nicely, and I'm really excited about some of the partnerships I've been able to line for the coming year. In addition to already renewing a couple of long-standing sponsors, I've also locked in some major help with the mechanical and support side of things, and have a verbally accepted offer on some help with the bike. I'm excited for the coming year, and look forward to working with some great companies, some new, some old, but all amazing products and services that I'm stoked to be representing!
As my racing has continued, and as my goals have begun to grow, I've continued to focus in my sponsorships. Of course, there were some products and companies that have been great already, and who's stuff I would use regardless of sponsorship. There was also the desire/need for some additional help in areas that, before, weren't really a problem, primarily the bike and getting the bike set up. This was also going to increase my expenses, so anything along that line would be huge as well.
All that being said, I'm one of those people who really, REALLY values my sponsors. I feel like representing them is another part time job, both on and off the track, online, in forums, etc - and I don't just mean a signature line or a hash mark. So, off to find sponsors who I could benefit as much or more than what I would benefit from their help. I need to believe in their products and services - for me, having that personal connection to what they have is HUGE, and I know that translates when I refer people to them - I'm not selling out of a requirement, it's because I truly believe it.
Thus far, things are moving along rather nicely, and I'm really excited about some of the partnerships I've been able to line for the coming year. In addition to already renewing a couple of long-standing sponsors, I've also locked in some major help with the mechanical and support side of things, and have a verbally accepted offer on some help with the bike. I'm excited for the coming year, and look forward to working with some great companies, some new, some old, but all amazing products and services that I'm stoked to be representing!
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