Welcome to Marketing 101.....
Believe it or not, Marketing wins over accomplishments...
I will let you think about that for a moment or two....
People buy from people that is a fact. When a fan is in the stands watching their favorite rider go round and round chasing down the checkered flag; they are not looking at the patches on your leathers or the decals on your bike; in fact if they are like me, they can't see them.
You could be a winner, a champion carrying the number one plate but if you don't have marketing in your program why would someone invest in you?
FACTS
1. The Better you can market yourself, your sport and your sponsors the more successful you will be.
2. Marketing does not stop after the season ends. It is a year round job.
3. Marketing should be a part of your budget.
4. If you can't or don't have time , find someone who can (Mom/Dad, girlfriend, wife, friend or a professional.)
5. At the very least, you should have a firm contact at your local newspaper who will publish your race results and active press releases in a timely fashion.
6. Your resume should include how you are going to market the company you represent. ( should be more than just a patch/decal if you want to survive in the sport).
7. It is up to YOU to promote YOU and your sponsors. The sanctioning body promotes themselves, the promoter promotes the race.
8. There is so many people out there that can help you, but you must want the help.
9. Welcome to the world of internet.... Where is your website? If you have one make sure that it is updated and include it on every press release/race report and promotional item. Drive people to your site, drive them to your sponsors. If you don't have a site.. get one...NOW.. Its only $100-$200 a year.
10. This site will help you in your marketing plan. USE IT.. It's free
Marketing 101 will provide you will the following:
- Press Releases: How to write them, who to send them to, when to send them
- Race Reports: How to write them, who to send them to and when/why
- Promotional ideas: Why to get them, how to use them, how to market them
- Website: How to get one, why have one, how to get the most out of your site
- Autograph Sheets: who has them, who gets them, why is it important
- Pictures: Photographers info, why support them, how to get good pictures for your site and include in all of what you do
- Public Speaking: what everyone needs help on; what to say and what not to.
- Flyers: why use them, who to send them to, where to get them, how to make them.