The main goal for a bmx rider of any status is this. Get as many sponsors as you can and then go big. But as you might already know, there are thousands of riders out there and just not enough sponsors for every rider to get one. But with this guide, I will walk you through the steps to get you an edge over other riders and will also have some sample sponsorship videos below. Who knows, this might be the boost you need to get a few sponsors and be in the X games in a few years!
Alright, the first thing you need to do is ask yourself. "What makes me different from all the other riders out there?" Once you find that out you need to take that and run with it. For example, if you are great a fakies try to incorporate that into the rest of you tricks. Like maybe do some 180's into a fakie then maybe a boodika. Sponsors like to see riders that stand out. So, in the video that you make, act very ambicous and willing to try anything. Act a little crazy but not enough to the point where the potential sponsor thinks you belong in a stait jacket.
Despite popular beleif, companies don't care about who can nail a 540 off a launch into a no-handed fakie. I know kids who can do that that are not sponsored because they don't take pride in what they do. Because they have a bad attitude the potential sponsors don't think they will represent their company well. I also know a kid who is a very average rider who's best trick is airing out on a quarter pipe, and he is sponsored by multiple companies because he is not a punk and treats his sponsors with respect. That shows how vital your attitude is. Another way to show you really care about the company is to take a lot of time and edit your videos really well. Sponsors could really tell if you care by if your clips just suddenly stop and start and the audio is scratchy and if your video has great transitions with music in the background and rolling credits at the end. It's one of those things that not a lot of people pay attention to, but is just as important as the riding.
Okay so at this point your a good example and you have a great video. Sadly, for most companies this isn't enough. They also want a written proposal on why you should be sponsored. This should be typed and take up a whole page if you do it right. Take a lot of time to edit this and make changes. For really good measure, send in a copy of your report card along with your video and proposal if you have good grades. Companies don't want their product endorsed by flunkies.
Alright, after all that work you can finaly send in all your work to the company of your choice. If the 1st couple of companies say no DON'T BE DISCOURAGED. There are many more fish in the sea, so just add to your video and try again. I hope this guide helped and please, keep on ridn'!
