Sponsorship Case Study “ Team Huntress

People look to others they trust to help them make decisions “ including purchasing decisions

Increasing your business s Web presence begins with forming trusting relationships with your customers. There is a lot of transparency on the Web and the companies that are able to build trusting relationships with customers are the ones who will succeed in the future.

One of the ways to build trust with customers is through sponsorships and becoming involved in creative ways with the people, businesses and organizations your potential customers already trust.

Due to the recent conversation in the HBM Forum on Race Car Sponsorship, I ve wanted to write the opportunities for hunting businesses to gain exposure with new audiences through sponsorships, but I wasn t sure how to approach the topic. Then, a short while ago, Dave Olsen of Pheasant Phun and Team Huntress contacted me and introduced the concept of Team Huntress.

After hearing what the program was about I thought it would be beneficial to look at Team Huntress and the companies who sponsor the program in case study format so you can get a better feel for the opportunity to market your business with sponsorships like the ones offered by Team Huntress.

Let s take a look at the Team Huntress story and the opportunity for you and your business to grow through sponsorships such as the ones other hunting businesses have done with Team Huntress.

Team Huntress

First, a little background (please read the entire description at the Team Huntress Website):

Team Huntress was formed as an avenue to direct and empower women on their path toward outdoor success. By providing exploration and discovery in a safe and secure environment, ladies will be aligned to boost their confidence and self esteem.

Team Huntress also offers:

* Certified Hunter Safety Program

* Instruction for proper firearm (handgun, rifle, and shotgun) and archery use

* Small class size “ 18 or fewer per outing

Read the following reviews for more on Team Huntress:

The Team Huntress secret formula: Guns + Archery + Massages = Happy Women

For $995, you get the best of both worlds that outdoorswomen inhabit “ archery and firearms instruction with tons of spa treatments and tons of cool gifts that you find someone has left on your bed each night (seriously, I came home last time with some great swag from Prois, RealTree, Doeville and Tanka Bar).

Revolutionary Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic

That formula “ instruction, female staff and pampering “ proved highly effective at the inaugural Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic at Pheasant Phun in June. Women who d never fired a gun felt secure taking those first steps and found they really enjoyed what they were learning. By the end of the weekend, participants were abuzz about the shooting sports and the new friendships they d formed.

Interview: Jane Keller, Team Huntress

The end of the weekend, participants were abuzz about the shooting sports and the new friendships they d formed. Participants and instructors evolved into a close network of outdoor friends. It is the goal of Team Huntress to leave you with an I can do anything attitude. I have bonded with friends in the vast outdoors who will guide and support me every step of the way!!!  Team Huntress is here to help empower you for outdoor success, support and encourage you on your journey through life, and always be Your Personal Outdoor Adventure Network of Friends.

Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic

What do the ladies of Team Huntress have in store for you:

* Firearm and archery clinics

* General outdoor safety and first aid clinics

* Outdoor photography

* Wild game cooking

* ATV, GPS and nature walking

* Yoga, massages, wine tasting, star gazing and much more

Team Huntress Sponsors

Beyond the price for attending each outing, Team Huntress uses sponsorships for monetary and product needs. There are a variety of ways businesses can get involved with Team Huntress. Here are a few of the businesses that are sponsoring Team Huntress.

Doeville “ Product Sponsor

As part of the Team Huntress Outings, participants receive gifts each day. Doeville became involved as a product sponsor with Team Huntress by providing a leather hunting diary ($40 value) for each participant in the Team Huntress events.

Hunting businesses that are just starting out are often strapped for cash initially, but the need to gain exposure still remains. One of the ways to gain exposure without giving direct monetary compensation is provide product sponsorships that resonate with potential customers.

By providing a hunting diary for each participant in the Team Huntress event, Doeville was able to get their product and name in front of potential customers. Not only will the participants of the event remember Doeville for hunting apparel, jewelry, and art products for themselves, but the products at Doeville also make for excellent gifts for others.

There is opportunity for your business to provide product or service sponsorships with events and organizations that cater to your target audience. By putting your products in front of your target audience and letting them use the products in a setting where they can understand the full benefits of the product, you re connecting with potential customers while building trusting relationships that can mean long-term business.

When considering a product sponsorship opportunity, think about the audience and who they connect with. In the example of Team Huntress, it might make sense for a hunting apparel business to outfit the event with the necessary shooting apparel while also offering an introductory offer on related hunting and shooting apparel that includes men s, women s, and children product lines.

Faini Designs “ Sponsor a Scholarship

Faini Designs became involved with Team Huntress by sponsoring a scholarship for a woman to attend the Team Huntress Event. Faini paid the cost of the outing and the participant was able to partake in the event that she may have never been able to attend without the sponsorship.

Today, as a result of Faini providing the scholarship, the participant is shooting archery nearly every day while being active in the outdoors.

Having your business attached to success stories is most importantly a wonderful way to give opportunities to those who may not otherwise be able to participate in such events as Team Huntress. Also, having your business as the sponsor in a situation like Faini is a way to build trust with your potential customers. Not only did all of the participants at the event become exposed to Faini, they now have a story to tell when they talk to their friends and family about their Team Huntress experience and the name attached to the story is Faini Designs.

Team Huntress also takes time during each event to highlight each of their sponsors and the benefit they provide for their customers. They also offer space on their Websites for sponsorships, which are year round marketing opportunities to expand your audience and build trust with your potential customers.

By attaching your business with stories that your potential customers connect with, you can begin building the trust necessary to acquire long-term, quality customers that can carry your business for a long time.

Look for opportunities to sponsor individuals who can participate in events like Team Huntress. Look for a story that can be shared by your potential audience and look for genuine businesses that can help you build trust with your potential customers.

Other Ways to Sponsor

As an outfitter, Dave Olsen knows that it s difficult for outfitters to offer free outings for businesses who promise video time or reviews for the hunting experience. There can be lots of disappointment as expectations are not always met with such arrangements.

It s for this reason that outfitters need to look for these opportunities to provide access to facilities and hunting property with quality and trusted organizations and businesses.

By establishing clear expectations for return on investment with trusted organization, there is a lot of opportunity to expand your audience by being a host outfitter.

Be a Host Outfitter

Hosting an event like Team Huntress provides great exposure for an outfitter who is looking to expand their audience. By hosting such an event, an outfitter can become part of the story that will be shared by all who take part in the event.

In the example of Team Huntress, Dave hosted an event at his property with Pheasant Phun Outfitters. Pheasant Phun has actually been named the most women-hunter-friendly outfitter in the United States and such recognition can mean business. Such recognitions can increase the level of trust between outfitters such as Pheasant Phun as he looks for hunters who are looking for comfort with a quality hunting experience.

Look for hunters who can provide experiences that include:

* Video

* Podcasting

* Positive, but reputable reviews

* Potential repeat customers

In a situation like Team Huntress, there may be potential for participants to return (possibly with their entire family) if their experience through Team Huntress is positive. This would be an example of building a trusting relationship that provides return for the hosting business.

Hosting an event like Team Huntress provides opportunity for outfitters to market their businesses without providing cash for advertisements and the like. However, there are risks involved with hosting events since the investment of hosting hunters without cash payments is always risky.

Be sure to perform due diligence with organizations and businesses before offering to host an event. Once you re sure you re working with reputable and trusting individuals, work to make their experience a story that can be shared throughout the hunting industry and watch your audience grow as you potentially gain a larger audience and more trusting customers.

Full Sponsor

A final way for a business to fully embrace the sponsorship opportunity is to become a full sponsor with an organization like Team Huntress.  Hunting businesses, especially those in the consumable arena (ammunition, targets, scent, etc.) can become involved with sponsorships and see great return on their investment.

In a situation like Team Huntress, participants are generally new to hunting or are looking to expand their knowledge of the sport and the outdoors. Through the event, participants get a lot of exposure to products like ammunition, for example. This exposure would be away for an ammunition company to build a trusting relationship with potential customers are they become familiar with the products. When the participants leave the event they will look for products from companies they can trust and are familiar with as they continue the participation with outdoor activities such as shooting.

The opportunity to become involved with organizations and events like Team Huntress can mean great reward for businesses. Look for organizations and individuals that look to build trusting relationships with their own audiences. Look for individuals that are passionate and serious about their craft. Passion is contagious and its passion that breeds the stories that customers share.

Opportunity to Reach Women in the Outdoors

When Dave contacted me he brought up an interesting point about the opportunity for businesses to reach a potentially underserved audience “ women who are passionate about the outdoors, shooting sports, and hunting.

Team Huntress is filling a need for women who are looking to empower themselves and become more involved in the outdoors and activities such as shooting sports and hunting.

Is your business exploring the potential in reaching out and connecting with the eager women in the outdoor audience? Perhaps your business could be the one to fill a need like Team Huntress.

Another example of a company reaching out to build trust with the female audience is Harley-Davidson with Women Riders.

Acquiring new customers is difficult and as business owners we look to align our products with audiences and potential customers who have the highest likelihood of connection with our business. Acquiring new customers requires businesses to look at all options and there may potentially be a mutually beneficial option for your business and women in the outdoors.

Conclusion “ Building Trust

There is opportunity for your business to connect with new audiences while building trusting relationships with potential customers through sponsorships.

The form of sponsorship can vary:

* Product

* Scholarship Sponsor

* Host Outfitter

* Big Sponsor

The goal of any sponsorship you consider is that the relationship with the organization and their audience should be about building trust.

Have you had experience with sponsoring events, outings, or other hunting businesses?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.

To contact Team Huntress about sponsorship opportunities:

Jane Keller Founder/Outdoor Concierge
Team Huntress
18526 398th Ave
Hitchcock, SD, 57348

Phone: 605.266.2848
Cell: 605.450.0931
Fax: 605.266.2887
Email: jane@teamhuntress.com

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Please note that no monetary, product, or service has been provided to Hunting Business Marketing or me (Dayne Shuda) for the writing of this article. http://huntingbusinessmarketing.com

Are you a Wild Kinda Gal?

Snuggle up with this warm, fun and fashionable Jacket after the hunt or wear it just because you are a wild kinda girl!  Our CampWildGirls.com logo adorns the back of this cute and functionsl piece. This is a Timberline Ladies Priscilla Jacket with double needle heavy weight stitching with a princess cut for feminine fit.  The 440 gram microfleece will keep you toasty warm. The  microfleece wind flap keeps the wind out while the 2 concealed front zippered pockets  will keep your valuables in. It also sports a 2 sided cinch cord around the bottom. It comes in Raspberry Pink or Navy Blue. Sizes: XS-XXL Just $75.00

 

See the original article at CampWildGirls.com

Team Huntress Relocates Aug Event

Due to range conflicts, the Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic, hosted by Campwildgirls.com in Wisconsin on Aug. 21-23, has been relocated to its home base in South Dakota. After a chauffeured ride from the nearest airport to the OJbar Ranch, located in the heart of South Dakota, our team of ambassadors in the outdoor industry will welcome you. The three-day event includes a fire-pit meet-and-greet, instruction in archery and firearms of many calibers, gourmet meals and spa treatments “ the Team Huntress signature touch. Currently women from both coasts and points in-between are coming together; you don t want to miss this premiere experience. Call today: 605-266-2848 or Jane Keller at 605-450-0931. Follow on Twitter: @teamhuntress

Original Post from www.womensoutdoornews.com

Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic

 

Just because a woman wants to learn outdoors skills doesn t mean she wants to stop being a woman. That s why Team Huntress created the Outdoor Adventure Clinic, a revolutionary three-day event that caters to women who want to learn or expand on their outdoor skills while enjoying beautiful accommodations, spa treatments and the camaraderie of like-minded women.

Following the resounding success of its inaugural Outdoor Adventure Clinic for women in June, Team Huntress has announced plans for its second clinic to be held at the beautiful Buffalo County Outfitters in Mondovi, Wisconsin, August 21 “ 23, 2009.

The Outdoor Adventure Clinic offers training in archery, firearms, wildlife photography, gear, and survival skills from the expert Team Huntress staff of prominent women hunters, while a team of clinicians offers the kind of pampering women love: massages, facials, foot rubs, nature walks, and wine tasting.

Because the majority of the teaching staff is female, the environment is particularly welcoming for women who are interested in learning outdoor skills but may be intimidated by the overwhelmingly male nature of the shooting sports. Team Huntress understands that women want and need a supportive and pleasant environment for learning “ no ribbing about missed shots, no competitive bravado, and no substandard accommodations that make a woman cringe.

Instructors for the Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic include: Terri Lee Pocernich, Camp Wild Girls; Kirstie Pike, Prois Hunting Apparel; Barbara Baird, Women s Outdoor News; Stacey and Hawk Huston, A Focus in the Wild; Holly Hesyer, NorCalCazadora; and Jane Keller, Team Huntress.

The Team Huntress formula “ instruction, female staff and pampering “ proved highly effective at the inaugural Outdoor Adventure Clinic at the Pheasant Phun/OJ Bar Ranch in Hitchcock, S.D. in June.  Women who d never fired a gun felt secure taking those first steps and found they really enjoyed what they were learning. By the end of the weekend, participants were abuzz about the shooting sports and the new friendships they d formed.

The Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic is the ideal gift, whether it s a woman treating herself to something she deserves or an outdoorsman who s been looking for a way to bring his wife, daughter, or girlfriend into the lifestyle he loves.  The clinic is open to women ages 18 and over who want to learn or expand their outdoor skills.

Buffalo City Outfitters is located at Mondovi, Wisconsin, 25 miles south of Eau Claire and 1 ½ hours from the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.  Airport pickup and return is provided for the clinic.

Cost of the weekend clinic is $995, which includes instruction, meals, spa treatment, gifts (clothing, skin care, and food) from sponsors, lodging, and airport transportation.  To learn more or book your spot at the clinic, contact Team Huntress founder Jane Keller, jane.keller@yahoo.com, 605-450-0931.

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See the original article at OutdoorMediaResources.com

New women s hunting gear takes extreme measures against cold

Coming to our Camp Store Soon!

The experts at Próis® Hunting Apparel create every detail of their high performance clothing lines to provide the ultimate in comfort and utility. Let’s face it – if you’re a serious hunter, at some point you’re going to be out in the cold. Now you won’t have to feel the bite of Mother Nature’s chilly teeth during long hours in a blind or stand, or while trekking across icy terrain – thanks to new Próis Xtremeâ„¢ pants.

These ultra-tough, super-heavyweight pants are precisely designed to stand up to extremely cold conditions. They’re constructed with a 100 percent polyester 8000/5000 waterproof, breathable shell – it’s whisper soft and silent, insulated with an industry-leading 200 Gram 3M Thinsulate, and lined with sleek nylon tricot – so while you might be braving the elements, your mind will be on the game, not on your goosebumps.

These custom designed pants feature an elastic waistline with an additional elastic drawstring and cordlock to keep them right where you want them. Próis Xtreme Pants are built for long days in the field, with roomy cargo pockets complete with pillow top enclosures, along with 9″ boot zippers to make them as easy to get in and out of as they are to wear for hours on end.

Próis designs are specifically created to meet the needs of serious women hunters – so every detail, from the incredible fit to the extremely durable, high performance fabrics and styles – anticipate the conditions you’ll face in the field. These unique pants come in Realtree AP HD® and Advantage Max-1 HD® in sizes from XS through XL – so a wide range of hunters can fit into them, and then slip into the background while waiting for the moment of truth. The Próis Xtreme Pants are available as of August 2009 and, like all Próis gear, they are proudly manufactured in the U.S.A.

For more information about the Próis Xtreme Pants or any of Próis’ innovative line of serious, high performance hunting apparel for women, contact: Próis Hunting Apparel, 28001-B US Highway 50, Gunnison, CO 81230 ¢ (970) 641-3355 ¢ Or visit www.proishunting.com.

See the original article at CampWildGirls.com

July s Woman of the Wild-Tanya Poppe

I have had the pleasure of knowing this gal since she was about 4. Tanya Poppe is an inspiration to everyone I know. She has the most amazing sense of humor and she had me rolling while she was telling me her turkey hunting story!

Tanya had a malignant brain tumor when she was just eleven years old. After having surgery to remove the tumor, she then had to endure chemo-therapy and radiation treatments. After going through all that she then suffered a stroke. Tanya has gone through many health setbacks throughout the years but she just keeps moving forward with an unbelievable resolve and a tremenously positive attitude!

Tanya comes from a big hunting family. Every place you look in their house there are mounts. Her Mom, Dad and Two brothers and sister-in-law, all hunt. Tanya did not want to be left out so she started hunting a few years ago. She has harvested her first doe. This past year, she decided that turkey hunting would be fun. She asked her Uncles if they would take her on a turkey hunt. They said yes and she applied for her permit and drew for the last WI season.

Everyone jumped into action to get this huntress into the woods. Let me tell you this little gal has so much spunk and everyone loves her so much, that somehow, someway, it was just going to happen. Tanya uses a wheel chair most of the time, but someone forgot to order the 4 wheel drive model! (Just kidding, Tanya) This was no problem for Team Tanya, they rose to the occasion and built her a rickshaw, to cart her out to her stand.

The local NWTF scrambled and ordered a swivel shooting table that fits into a blind with shooting holes for her to use. Next the local welding shop designed a special gun vice to hold her shotgun and built it just for her. They found a place where she could be almost certain of shooting a Turkey and they were set. Well almost.

According to Tanya she was decked out in everyone else’s clothing. She had no camo of her own so it was kind of like when you get married, except it was something old, nothing new, everything borrowed, but it will do! She said it brought her luck! And luck it certainly did. Her turkey weighed 25 lbs. and it had a double beards, 12 1/4 and 6 3/4 long. The spurs were 1 1/8 inches long.

You will hear more about Tanya’s story in the weeks to come. I will be adding a video of her telling the story about her turkey kill. I have tried to write the story several times but nobody tells it like she does!

See the original article at CampWildGirls.com

May s Woman of the Wild-Jane Keller

Guns and Fun! Growing up in Rural South Dakota, I have always sought after outdoor adventure. We were snowed in during the winter way more than I ever wanted. Guns and amunition were accessible in every vehicle we owned and binoculars every window. Opening weekend of pheasant season was our big family reunion. Next to Christmas, it was the only time I saw many of my relatives. The landscape provided a never ending opportunity for target practice and fun with a variety of weapons. Looking back hunting was our entertainment. I really didn t know any different. It was our lifestyle. We openly shared this way of life with our family, our neighbors and many others. People came from all over to hunt with us. Even my very first suitor and I scoured the country side stalking a variety of prized game. 

I attribute my deep appreciation of the outdoors to my parents. My mother s nurturing way and my father s continued encouragement to open my senses; to really see and enjoy nature around me. Their conservation efforts of my youth are proudly evident and thriving today. It is my joy and honor to continue in their legacy, to promote and preserve this passion for future generations.

The Quest for continued adventure in my life and the joy of sharing with others were the foundational factors supporting the development of the Team Huntress.

Team Huntress was formed as an avenue to direct and empower women on their path toward outdoor success. By providing exploration and discovery in a safe and secure environment, ladies will be aligned to boost their confidence and self esteem. Feel the Enthusiasm and Passion unfold as illumination in time honored practices are delivered from professionals in the outdoor industry. Unite with a group of kindred spirits as we encourage each other to progress and advance to a new level of proficiency in the great outdoors

The Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic is debuting June 11-14, 2009 in northern South Dakota hosted by Pheasant Phun at the OJ Bar Ranch offering hands-on outdoor skill building amid a spa pampering resort experience. Our emphasis is in the three core skills of archery, gear and firearms.

·         Firearms       

o    Hand guns

o    Shotguns

o    Riffles

·         Archery          

o    Re-curve

o    Compound

·         Gear              

o    Apparel for women

o    Optics  

o    GPS

o    ATV 

Part clinic/ part retreat Team Huntress members will gain skills and knowledge for outdoor success each day plus some well deserved pampering and relaxation time.Team Huntress empowering women for outdoor success!

It is my endeavor to enhance your desire for adventure. It is my hope with the tools and skills gained through your association with Team Huntress you will be better prepared for the hunt of your life. 

Join the Adventure Team and open a new chapter in your life; let The Huntress begin.

 

See the original article at CampWildGirls.com