Decisions decisions decisions.

[All Weather Griller]

You're spot on Eddie, it does get quite pricey.

When I approach a sponsor I base it on a balance of what I can offer them vs what I want from them. I don't overegg what we do or lay claim to things that we can't or don't do. For example, when I spoke with Ashwood Smoking Chipz, I agreed that I would be happy to promote that we use their wood chips and would have their logo's put on out team tops and website, in return they have provided me with wood chips for the last two seasons and will provide me with logs for the Jambo.

We also agreed that if they would like to us to attend some events and do some public cooking demo's with their products that we would do that also. In addition, Toby is fine with us letting people know on this forum who is "Sponsoring" I think "Supporting" is perhaps more appropriate. They know that the circuit is small so for them the return is likely to be minimal, but the outlay for them is at this stage minimal.

Our Beef Farmer, we promote locally, have created a Facebook page for them (Banks Beef and Lamb - Checkit out) and post recipe information and pictures on their behalf. The I.T Facebook, twitter world is unknown to them so for a good price on our meat we deal with the dark arts of the interweb, thingy for them.

It is really about finding small people that have as much to gain or lose as you do and make sure that the level of back scratching is mutual.

My golden rule is if I say I am going to do something I make damn sure I do it, and I never tell them I will do things I have no intention of doing or would be unable to do.

It really is at my level about helping to relieve the burden of some of the costs. Sponsorship in the US is a whole different story, but the exposure of teams in the US is much much wider.

[Eddie]

Cheers bud, the evangelical preacher has spoken and one of his flock has listened. I am truly one of your disciples.

Eddie.

[All Weather Griller]

Alleluia

[Eddie]

After I spoke to you at rudgwick and saw your ribs, I was instanty converted.

Eddie.

[Steve]

Adie and I share a common approach when it comes to sponsors. I am always very careful with what I offer and I make sure I deliver on anything I promise.

I try to explain exactly how the circuit works so that the potential benefits are understood and not oversold. My sponsorship deals mostly involve free or discounted kit and in return we promote the brands and offer other services. For instance I do some cooking demos to help out some sponsors and I do the odd bit of catering for them.

As for finding sponsors, last year I approached the sponsors to get deals. This year I've not chased any new ones but have had a couple come calling. Nothing has been finalised yet but we're hoping a couple of things may come off. We're also working hard to maintain our relationships. We were down at ETI (Thermapen) on Friday and i have to say they're great people, it's good for us to know our sponsors so we can work well with them.

[clairbare]

You're spot on Eddie, it does get quite pricey.

When I approach a sponsor I base it on a balance of what I can offer them vs what I want from them. I don't overegg what we do or lay claim to things that we can't or don't do. For example, when I spoke with Ashwood Smoking Chipz, I agreed that I would be happy to promote that we use their wood chips and would have their logo's put on out team tops and website, in return they have provided me with wood chips for the last two seasons and will provide me with logs for the Jambo.

We also agreed that if they would like to us to attend some events and do some public cooking demo's with their products that we would do that also. In addition, Toby is fine with us letting people know on this forum who is "Sponsoring" I think "Supporting" is perhaps more appropriate. They know that the circuit is small so for them the return is likely to be minimal, but the outlay for them is at this stage minimal.

Our Beef Farmer, we promote locally, have created a Facebook page for them (Banks Beef and Lamb - Checkit out) and post recipe information and pictures on their behalf. The I.T Facebook, twitter world is unknown to them so for a good price on our meat we deal with the dark arts of the interweb, thingy for them.

It is really about finding small people that have as much to gain or lose as you do and make sure that the level of back scratching is mutual.

My golden rule is if I say I am going to do something I make damn sure I do it, and I never tell them I will do things I have no intention of doing or would be unable to do.

It really is at my level about helping to relieve the burden of some of the costs. Sponsorship in the US is a whole different story, but the exposure of teams in the US is much much wider.

A very good post for all us newbies looking to enter the whole competition circuit Adie - thank you

[All Weather Griller]

It's funny you mentioned evangelist... I actually said that in an interview last year.


Skip to 5 mins 32Secs LOL

[British BBQ Society]

[quote="All Weather Griller"]It's funny you mentioned evangelist... I actually said that in an interview last year.


Skip to 5 mins 32Secs LOL
quote]

definitely skip the first part lol

[Eddie]

come on lads, its all good. Inspiring the BBQers of GB you are.

Eddie

[All Weather Griller]

Cheers Eddie, Clair n co.

Another little phrase I have coined which I think is poignant to UK BBQ is "we have to breed the cow before we milk it". I would love to be competing in a circuit in the UK the size of the ones in America but I think that is a way off yet.