Tuesday, November 15, 2011

My first sponsorship rejection

This isn't what you think. It's not related to New Balance and it wasn't a negative experience. In fact, I now feel like a person who is making progress with one solid rejection under my belt. It seems like you should have many rejections on the path to anything. Bring them on I say. This one was a practice run of sorts.

You may remember my post about bandanas. If you didn't catch it, you can check it out here. I had been looking for the ultimate technical bandana and discovered Buff. I was so taken with the potential of the product that I emailed them to tell them. I also got a little carried away and suggested that they may want to sponsor me.

I got an automated email back from Buff immediately telling me that a proper proposal needed to be sent for sponsorship applications. Since, I didn't really have a proposal other than me being me, there wasn't a whole lot I could do about it. I then got a really lovely email from Erin from the Buff Marketing Team in the US. She said that she thought my blog was entertaining and gave me some sponsorship advice. It was quite honestly, the softest let-down I have ever had. My hat is off to the nice folks at Buff. Just because some person asks to be sponsored, has no proposal and has a site all geared-up to pursue New Balance doesn't mean you can't be nice.

This outcome was no surprise of course. I didn't have a proposal. Also, Buff doesn't have the resources of a brand like New Balance and their sponsorship dollars need to be spent wisely. They are going to put their money behind an initiative that is going to get them publicity and reach as many people as possible. I can't give them that yet. Maybe one day.

Last night, I dropped-off my two older kids at kung-fu class and took the little one with me to REI to return a jacket. I noticed Buff is there now. They seem to be pushing onward in their US marketing efforts. This US website has a fun way of demonstrating the many ways you can wear a Buff. Check it out.



When I try their product, I will post my honest experience with it. On paper, it sounds like a perfect fit for me.

2 comments:

  1. Awesome. It reminded me of this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM5A1K6TxxM

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow. That's a hell of a comeback. Reminds me of the Eric Liddell comeback in Chariots of Fire. Nice one.

    ReplyDelete

Come on, give me a little comment.