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| Originally posted by Luke S. Some perspective on sponsorship. 1. You get to test proto gear, this can be cool, but keep in mind you can get the gear early to do photos & video for when kites are released, sometimes with deadlines you have to pull off some big moves in conditions you would prefer not to. 2. You can get discounted kites / free gear, but this comes with responsiblity, you are expected to perform. 3. You can spend 7 nights a week talking to people on the other side of the world networking. It is not all about flying, you have to market yourself also as an individual, a bad attitude will get you nowhere with a sponsor, keep it real, don't forget where you started, you were like the guy you just brushed off on the beach yesterday remember if you don't have the public onside people will diss your brand because they don't like you! 4. Being well regarded and approachable is all part of the formula. Forums have helped this along as it is a way for kite people to interact, compare notes and learn something. A lot of the guys who I share a shelf with don't get on forums (read 5 why) 5. I am not obliged to participate in forums, I do it because I like to, it has made me many contacts, some friends and some critics too. I have found the more you get published it can create an adverse effect from some people, it does happen hence why some of the top guys stay well clear as it can attract undue attention to their sponsor and they just don't need the BS anyway. 6. This is the one that really people don't get, when we produce a video, sure it goes down well, get all the props and stuff associated with some cool moves, but the stakes just got raised, people then expect you to bring out something even more radical, higher, an extra kite loop, faster, longer, before long your having sessions that go past what you would deem remotely sane, that is a downside, happens in every sport. Video attached http://www.vimeo.com/4498420 I set my own bar, and now have to raise it. 7. Don't forget to thank people, this includes your sponsors, magazines, people you have met in the industry, it keeps the door open for when you need a favor, never burn your bridges the industry is too small, which is great in some ways, and lethal in others. 8. Don't pimp, the public won't tolerate it, let your flying do the talking for you, brand identity is not ramming it down peoples throats and especially dissin other brands, that won't wash with people, videos & photos walk the walk, let people choose for themselves. 9. Most important, enjoy your kiting, stand still every once in a while and realise why you are doing it, its because you love to fly, take the pressure off yourself and enjoy it for what it is, thats what gets you their in the first place, loving something you do. Cheers Luke S. Team Flysurfer Rider. |