FAQ - Sponsorship

Here are some of the most common questions we receive here at NPS;

Q. How can I best utilize NPS’ features to show companies what I can do for them?

A. NPS provides you with many different ways to promote yourself. The best way is by upgrading your account and using your NPS Amateur profile to brag about yourself, display good quality unique photo’s, upload good video’s and reports displaying your skills, being regularly active in the NPS community forum, are all great ways to prove you deserve to represent a team in the big league. The only way to make it, is to work harder than the next person.

Q. Does NPS help me manage my sponsors?

A. Yes! NPS offers all Team’s Pro Staff with direct access to their Team’s Calendars, private Team Talk and automatically displays your reports and other activity on your team’s pages without having to manually post it for every one of your sponsors. Promote yourself and your personal agenda while keeping your sponsors happy at the same time in way less time. The harder you work the happier you and your sponsors will be.  

Q. I just applied to a company for sponsorship. How long will it take to hear back from them?

A. Depending on the volume of applicants or the time a company has set aside for this review process, some companies report reviewing and responding to applications weekly, while others can take upwards of two months or more.

Q. The sponsorship resume seems lengthy, what if I don’t have experience in all categories or don’t have a great vehicle or expensive boat?

A. Although companies would love to have Pro Staff that are great at all categories; the reality is that most Sponsored ProStaff are well rounded and very good at one or two things that separates them from everyone else. An expensive boat and vehicle is not necessary to impress NPS companies. Analyze you abilities and find a way to separate yourself from other anglers on your resume and profile. Remember, these companies do not have scouts out there watching people fish, so it’s your responsibility to think of ways to explain and display your skills which can sell more for these companies.

Q. I don’t fish tournaments. Should I bother applying?

A. Although tournaments can be a good way to get noticed, it’s not the only way! Companies make products for all kinds of tournament and non-tournament species of fish and they need help selling their product in other ways. Outdoor writing, online reports, availability for tradeshows, charitable work, relationships with retailers, and use of social Media are just some of the ways you can help these companies while they support you! Think outside the box and work on your angle. 

Q. What can I expect from a company after they sponsor me?

A. Sponsorship isn’t an exact science. Many companies offer discounts, products, and money depending on what you can do for them. The more valuable a company feels you are to them the more you will get in return. Work hard and make sure you go above and beyond what your sponsor demands from you, and you can expect a fair return for your efforts. 

Q. I’m sponsored, now what?

A. Remember, sponsorship in the fishing industry is a business and your sponsor will always expect return on investment. Make sure you do exactly what you said you would when you made your deal and be sure to go above and beyond whenever you can. This will not only keep your sponsor happy but will save you from having to seek new sponsors every year. Also be sure that your sponsor knows what you’re up to and what you have done for them lately. They expect frequent updates. NPS helps your sponsors keep track of your reports and your online presence.

Q. Can I actually get sponsored using NPS?

A. NPS works with real companies that are always trying expand their market share. This means finding and working with quality individuals that can help them sell more products. NPS works with the companies to streamline the sponsorship process and create a standard in the industry. This helps you and the company save time and money and is the preferred way for the company’s to review and select applicants. 

Q. What are my chances?

A. Thousands of individuals apply for sponsorship monthly to various companies. A small percentage of anglers are ever selected to become ProStaff or given a sponsorship. NPS has created a standard template resume companies want to read that you will have to submit, therefore taking the leg work and guessing out of what companies what to know about you. Since you will be submitting the RIGHT information to the company through NPS, and the screening process is made simple for the companies, your chances are greatest though NPS to get sponsored! 

Q. Does my follower rank actually matter?

A. Although the follower rank is not the be all and end all of a great ProStaff, it does indicate the amount of attention and interest the individual draws. The bottom line is companies want to put their Team logo on the person getting that attention. This will not only help them gain brand awareness but will translate into more sales.  

Q. How many times should I fish a week to get sponsored?

A. Every angler is different. Some Pro anglers report having to work much harder than other Pro anglers just to remain competitive. It’s up to you to decide if you feel your spending enough time on the water be competitive and knowledgeable enough to sell a sponsors product.

Q. What if I have no interest in getting sponsored but love to fish? What can I get out of NPS?

A. Since NPS attracts the best Pro Anglers and Amateurs eager to work hard to please their sponsors by providing great content and video’s to the site, the average member is able to take advantage of the enormous amount of quality fishing information flowing through NPS. You are able to create your own custom feed that is supplied from the anglers you choose to follow. These individuals might be good local anglers or just anglers that interest you. That’s what’s great about NPS, it’s your choice and it’s your way!

Q. I have applied to a Team, how do I know the status of my application?

A. In your profile you will find a button on the left called Sponsor management. In the area you can keep track of your current sponsors, sponsors that have requested you, and your sponsorship applications statuses.

Q. Is NPS the only way to get sponsored by the companies on your site?

A. The companies NPS works with have made a conscious decision to use NPS for their recruiting needs. This decision was made simply because we streamline the process for you and them and they get applicant information that matters most. Its saves them money and allows them to make better decisions faster. Your best chance is through NPS!

Q. Do I need an Amateur Profile to apply for sponsorship?

A. Although an Amateur Pro Profile will help you better display your skills and worth as an applicant, you are still able to apply for sponsorship using your free NPS account and filling out and submitting your resume using the resume tool to the company you choose after paying the applicable application fee.

Q. Where can I find current sponsorship and job opportunities?

A. Opportunities can be found on not only the community forum but companies from time to time will post opportunities in thier news section which will also appear on the home page. Be sure to check in regularly to ensure you don’t miss out. Keep in mind that even though a company you like may not have posted an opportunity they are always open and interested in reviewing applications and are taking on new Pro Staff all the time. You never know until you apply!

Q. How can the Share This function allow me to maximize the exposure of my reports and activity on NPS?

A. Share this allows ProStaff and Amateur Pro’s to do all of their reporting and work using their profile and then sharing these activities to other popular Social media sites. By simply clicking the appropriate icon from the share this tool you are able to post your or anyone’s activity on our favorite Social Media Site. (Facebook/Twitter/etc.) 

Q. Why can’t I see who my followers are?

Followers are people that are looking for information. You need to promote yourself, tell people to follow you, and then ensure you are delivering quality content to those people and helping them become  better anglers. Writing fishing reports, product reviews, teaching tips and techniques, are just a few ways you can use this tool to benefit the industry.  Followers are more likely to “Follow” Pros and Amateurs when their identity remains anonymous.  Your followers have the ability to message you directly through NPS so if you want to get in touch with them encourage them to send you a message! Thank your followers by providing them good reports and content!