U.S. Parachute Team ~ Any Funding Idea$ ?

[airtwardo 7]

~Within the discussion on a different unrelated thread, several people voiced some interesting and innovative ideas regarding the USPA's desire to increase funding through corporate sponsorship to assist the 'U.S. Parachute Team' with participation in International competition.


Anyone care to discuss their ideas?








~ I wonder if in the interest of increasing support from within the organization itself, there would be any merit to the idea that instead of having an optional donation box to check on the renewal form...they 'reverse' it and automatically add a buck or two in the itemized column then give the member who is renewing, the option of checking a box NOT to donate any money.

I think if the concept were to be written up and explained a few times yearly in the magazine...with short and positively worded articles geared toward motivating the membership about taking some interest and having an active yet easy role, it could be both well received and rewarding.

Heck throw a bar graph in there monthly at the front documenting progress like they do with a blood drive.

Who knows, it just might create some awareness and reinforce the need for involvement in a positive manner.

For the cost of a beer each, we could add 50-60 grand annually.

Thoughts?

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[monkycndo 0]

Dude, you just went from being part of their problem to being part of the solution.

No good deed goes unpunished.

50 donations so far. Give it a try.

You know you want to spank it
Jump an Infinity

[grimmie 186]

I think the USPA should add $2 to each membership renewal for the team.

I think we have some VERY talented and some VERY connected individuals that could put together an awesome video for corporations to review. DSE comes to mind.

I think the USPA should allow sponsors to put patches on competitors clothing and banners or signs up at competitions.

I think the team members should keep up their own fundraising efforts. What's not to like about taking a slot on Airspeed after winning a raffle.

I think DZO's that sponsor teams need to treat the members that help sponsor those teams better. I know of an individual that gave LOTS of cash to a team and never even got a thank you or a free jump or two from the DZO.

I think USPA should have a big section on the website to give props to the competitors and keep us up to date on who is representing us at the world meets. A Pay Pal or way to donate would be nice so wuffos could donate. I like the fund amount updated in Parachutist idea also.

I think that boogie organizers should get as many top competitiors out to organize at events to give the teams as much exposure to the membership as possible. Lots of newer jumpers don't know who the teams are or where they compete.

I think we should have a USPA team day, like safety day each year. Get the group member DZ's to donate a dollar for every jump made and two dollars for every tandem made that day across the US. Other fundraising things could go one that day also.

That's it, I'm outta thoughts.

[JohnRich 4]

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instead of having an optional donation box to check on the renewal form...they 'reverse' it and automatically add a buck or two in the itemized column then give the member who is renewing, the option of checking a box NOT to donate any money.

Negative. That's taking money through trickery. They shouldn't get extra money unless the jumper actually demonstrates an active choice to do so, by checking the box. They should not force the entire membership to figure out that they have to check a box to prevent USPA from taking extra.

When you fill out your annual tax return, would you like the IRS to automatically take extra money from you for the presidential campaign fund, UNLESS you check a box telling them NOT to do so?

[pchapman 279]

On the topic of whether contributing to the team should be voluntary or part of what the USPA does with its funds, is there any precedent about that in any USPA mission statement, constitution, articles of incorporation or what have you? That may have some influence on the way things are done now or in the future.

[chuckakers 425]

I mentioned this in the thread about the "Championship Team".

I believe the easiest way to fund a US Team would be to solicit sponsorships from very same entities that already put their dollars into team sponsorships.

There's no need to spend big bucks and countless hours of effort doing demos hoping to attract sponsorships when there are companies ready to write checks today.

The fastest way to the money is to simply follow the money. The vast majority of all sponsorship dollars in the sport today come from within the sport. It only makes sense that inside dollars would be the best starting point for future dollars.

The big dogs - PD, UPT, Airtec, etc., already beat the doors off competitive teams' bunkhouses to put gear on their backs, so it only stands to reason that they would do the same thing to back the US Team representing the USA at the world meet.

What manufacturer wouldn't want to say the US Team jumps THEIR stuff????

The concept is simple. Athletes that are invited to join the US Team would be required to shelf any current sponsorships for the duration of their US Team season, and would be allowed to take back up those sponsorships once their US Team commitment is completed. In the meantime they jump the sponsor's gear and the commitment comes with an endorsement deal that pays the athlete for advertising representation, personal appearances, etc.

An exception (or a "no sponsor rule") would be in place for disciplines that rely on specific equipment as a part of the athlete's performance, such as canopies for swooping and CReW.

We - loosely speaking - keep looking for outsiders to spend money on us, but we simply don't have the broad-based appeal needed to attract those dollars. That's why numerous generic-brand sponsorships (Coors, Bud, Coke) have been short-lived over the years.

If USPA wants to capitalize on "Champions", it seems to me that the easiest pitch would be to companies that have already demonstrated their willingness to support them - and even those who are in the "wannabe" category.

There are a variety of ways to make it happen. If big-time cash doesn't work, USPA could sell a package that puts gear on the athlete's that can be sold after the season is complete. A full set of gear retails for $6K plus these days. That gear could be marketed as "US Team gear" at the end of the season and the proceeds would more than cover the cost of the athlete's trip to the world meet. Creativity could also be employed to hold an auction that could gross much more than the gear is even worth. Those possibilities are endless.

BTW, those sponsorships could also be pitched to DZ's, energy drink makers, hotel chains, and other industries that DIRECTLY benefit from our teams and our industry.

No need to reinvent the wheel. Big bucks are being spent on teams now. Take those bucks to the next level and leave our for-profit demo teams alone.

Chuck Akers
D-10855
Houston, TX

[skyjumpenfool 2]

I hate to beat a dead horse, but......
"As the Dropzone Turns"

How about the USPA Sponsor a reality show? Call it "As the Dropzone Turns".

It could feature a DZ and all the crazy characters related to most DZ's I've ever visited. Like.....
-Limpy, the DZ owner who's always looking to cut costs and find new sources of revenue.
- Brett, a TM who likes to “fondle the equipment”.
- Skillz, that 100 jump wonder that will not hear what is said.
- The Twins, …not two people, just a name we use for Suzzie the TI.
- Candy, the video production assistant who just broke another nail.
- Rong Vay, the Asian pilot…. nuff said?
- Crash, the cool, hotshot, ladies man swooper.
- Jillian, the pretty manifester who drinks too much and is always falling in love with a camera guy.
- Shutter, the camera guy that just broke up with Jillian.
- Stitch, the old rigger who lives in the canvas tent down by the tree line
- Land Mine, the appropriately named DZ dog.

Then, every week you bring in new “talent” as this week’s Students.

We'd surely gross more than the Kardashian's. Any Ghost Writers out there? Please PM me...

Birdshit & Fools Productions

"Son, only two things fall from the sky."

[Anvilbrother 0]

I don't agree with funding any team, if you want to be a champ, raise your own money not my membership or jump prices.

Postes r made from an iPad or iPhone. Spelling and gramhair mistakes guaranteed move along,

[DSE 5]

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I hate to beat a dead horse, but......
"As the Dropzone Turns"

How about the USPA Sponsor a reality show? Call it "As the Dropzone Turns".


We'd surely gross more than the Kardashian's. Any Ghost Writers out there? Please PM me...

NYou truly believe skydiving in at any level could match the teenie bopper and younger age, gender, income level, race and ethnicity opportunities that the Kardashian's get from clothing, perfume, accessory sponsors? Not by the longest shot the imagination could take.

If a reality show could garner prospective ad $$, a demo, competitive, or publicity team should be able to come up with solid corporate sponsors on their own. Problem is, I haven't seen anyone (yet) explain specifically how their presence and performances are going penetrate the mass market and give sponsors bang for their buck. If you tell Sony or Microsoft that you're gonna reach 35,000 people with their 20K sponsorship, they'll laugh hard, cuz anyone saying something along those lines could only be joking. Mass penetration of 250k marketshare is the bottom, bottom line.
BTW, Big name corporate has been interested in sponsoring skydiving for quite a while... The bottleneck isn't at the big name corporate level.
FWIW, Sony already sponsors aerial sports. You should see the wingsuit they bought me.

[popsjumper 2]

CaryQ could give you some helpful hints on raising money.

My reality and yours are quite different.
I think we're all Bozos on this bus.
Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239

[Ron 10]

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I don't agree with funding any team, if you want to be a champ, raise your own money not my membership or jump prices.

Well, one small problem is it IS part of the USPA's original charter to support a US team.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[Ron 10]

Since it *IS* part of the charter of the USPA to fund a US team:

1. Raising dues a dollar would add ~30k to the US team fund.

2. At the Nationals you could charge an additional 10 dollars per individual and have that money go to the US team fund..... Just using 4 way that would have been 3,200 extra dollars.

Both would be inline with the USPA charter.

Another thing would be doing EXACTLY what they are doing.... Go after corporate sponsorships, I have a few ideas on this myself. A large corporation will drop thousands on a one time ad. With the support of the USPA some of these corporations will be MUCH easier to approach.

The idea of official US team rigs is interesting... But I fear we would lose the team sponsorships. Why would Sunpath sponsor Airspeed if Aerodyne rigs had to be worn at the World Meet?

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[airtwardo 7]

I think USPA should have a big section on the website to give props to the competitors and keep us up to date on who is representing us at the world meets. A Pay Pal or way to donate would be nice so wuffos could donate. I like the fund amount updated in Parachutist idea also.

~~~ Good point, I don't think the USPA gives anywhere near enough attention to positive PR in the way of putting the team 'brand' in front of us.

I kind of 'know' that the team fund is there and that to some extent they are always looking for donations...but until the Demo Team discussion I hadn't realized how poorly funded they truly are.

I didn't 'know' that between the 60 people we send, the amount of support for each equals about 1/2 a plane ticket...stand-by in coach.

Creating awareness and a positive image are basic to getting sponsorship, it's quite possible the organization has failed to do that actively enough even just among the USPA membership.

The magazine & website are obviously the quickest and most readily available vehicles with which to reach the members (target market) to creatively encourage 'in-house' support involvement.

A small 'box' in the magazine every month...3x5 inches lets say, with a bar graph showing the annual goal, the donation total for the prior month and the total for the year...with a simple reminder that for the cost of a big mac, you can help achieve the goal and be a part of sending members of the 'family' represent us.

Creating positive awareness is crucial, the more often people see it in a non obtrusive way the more likely they will be to take a moment and do something. If you don't see it. you don't think about it and nothing get done.

'In-House' sponsorship is the first and easiest avenue the USPA should be addressing, they haven't done that enough OR very effectively. A few bucks each and that's 90 grand a year...not chump change.

A few bucks is a lunch tip at Friday's, it's nothing...the reason the US Team doesn't get my 'spare change' is because it's not 'easy' to toss 'em a few bucks, and it's not something I think about except at renewal time...that should be addressed.



I think that boogie organizers should get as many top competitors out to organize at events to give the teams as much exposure to the membership as possible. Lots of newer jumpers don't know who the teams are or where they compete.

~~~ Another excellent point, it goes back to 'positive exposure'.
Here's the thing...if you are trying to get something ($) from someone, you need to make them 'comfortable' about it so to speak. You create an image that is recognizable, favorable and acceptable without thought.
Your goal is to get people to 'respect' you...or at least the 'image' of you and what you represent.

It's not easy, it's a job and ya work at it, take the Golden Knights for example...I've literally met hundreds of them over the years, the image is basically of 'one person', someone clean cut, well spoken, helpful and outgoing.
Those guys 'train' to project that image, they are selling the ARMY and every time you see one you think 'good guy' ...go Army.
Makes ya wanna buy some Army so to speak.

The US Team could focus on it's 'public image' to an extent.
Some quick & easy 'media training' and 'charm school' stuff to get everyone on the same page as far as creating and propagating a
marketable 'image'.

Being 'available' isn't enough, fostering the thought that the availability has value and is special is what you're after...an opportunity to jump with, receive training from, listen to a seminar from one or more of the 'good guys' goes along way toward creating that positive awarene$$.




I think we should have a USPA team day, like safety day each year. Get the group member DZ's to donate a dollar for every jump made and two dollars for every tandem made that day across the US. Other fundraising things could go one that day also.

~~~Yup, awareness again.
How about a monthly DZ raffle for a slot on the sunset 'sponsors' load, everybody getting in on the jump gets a 'US Team sponsor' tee-shit and a pic of the formation gets published in the magazine.

Make the 'special' tee's cool and ONLY available is ya do the sunset sponsor dive...ideas like that create awareness among the membership, and awareness will quite often lead to action...$$

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[beowulf 1]

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The idea of official US team rigs is interesting... But I fear we would lose the team sponsorships. Why would Sunpath sponsor Airspeed if Aerodyne rigs had to be worn at the World Meet?

I agree with you on this. Does the World Meet have any over all sponsors? One thing that would help is better coverage of the meets. I didn't think the Nationals coverage was very good this year.

Better coverage and advertising of the meets would help generate more spectators among skydivers and if done right possibly get some general public spectators. The more people paying attention to the meets would make getting sponsorships outside of skydiving easier.
I could see Sony advertising as the most used camcorder in skydiving.

[matthewcline 0]

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The idea of official US team rigs is interesting... But I fear we would lose the team sponsorships. Why would Sunpath sponsor Airspeed if Aerodyne rigs had to be worn at the World Meet?

What about doing some thing like the NSL rig? But a design adapted to all the US manufacturers, some of the proceeds go to the US Team fund. Same could be done with Gloves, clothing etc.

Matt

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!

[beowulf 1]

Also along lines of meet coverage, having a standard website for Nationals that is used every year would help a lot. If that standard could be used for other major meets like World meet, it would be even better. Standardizing the format would make it easier for people to understand what is going on at each meet. I would love to see all the videos uploaded. That kind of thing could generate advertising money.

[Ron 10]

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Also along lines of meet coverage, having a standard website for Nationals that is used every year would help a lot.

YES.... The USPA talks about us not having an image, yet they are not doing anything about it. The USPA should have a website with every score from every Nationals and World Meet going back as far as we possibly can.

Omniskore has a good idea and it goes back to 1998... Why not make an official USPA Nationals website?

Further, the coverage is crap.... We had "Skydive TV" out there interviewing people... Why wasn't the USPA doing that?

They say they want to increase exposure... One way to do that would be to self promote and we do a crappy job of that.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[Ron 10]

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What about doing some thing like the NSL rig? But a design adapted to all the US manufacturers, some of the proceeds go to the US Team fund. Same could be done with Gloves, clothing etc.

A good market driven suggestion.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[airtwardo 7]

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Quote

I don't agree with funding any team, if you want to be a champ, raise your own money not my membership or jump prices.

Well, one small problem is it IS part of the USPA's original charter to support a US team.

~ I disagree Ron, that's not the 'problem' it's the motivation...the PROBLEM is understanding and addressing why people like 'Anvil' are unequivocally against giving any support.

This is nothing against you Anvil, you certainly have the right to fore-go involvement regarding donating...and no one should think twice about your decision.

What I'm curious about is WHY you feel that way...

You are a 'sample' of the membership and addressing 'your' thoughts, your reservations on personal involvement with the issue also touches part of the 'target market' as a whole.

Now if you are against donating because money is tight and the kids need shoes...your priorities are right and that's admirable.

On the other hand, and I think it might be more the case in this instance, since you (Anvil) said in your post you think they should pay to compete with their own funds...That leads me to believe that possibly for some reason, there is a negative trigger within that shuts down any interest in helping 'those people'.

THAT's what I'd like to address...

What exactly is it about the team, the people, the competition...that turns you off?

There is no wrong or invalid answer...there is a 'problem' with how some members perceive the team and it's needs.

Something about the 'image' of the whole thing has left a negative taste in your mouth.
I'm curious as to why...THAT's part of what needs to be fixed if the USPA wants to promote the US Team, both in house and on the corporate stage.

For me anyway, until I more fully understood the actual needs of the team, what is available to them and what they as individuals have to DO in regard to personal commitment and sacrifice in order to put themselves in a position to even compete internationally...I kinda felt the same way.

It took my researching somewhat into what the 'real' story is...

When I made myself 'aware' of the inner layers of the onion, I was kind of taken aback...in truth those guys have a pretty tough row to hoe in the quest for world class recognition of their skills.

Skill is one thing, a lotta people have skill...it's the commitment and sacrifice that goes hand in hand with being a part of the elite group that amazes me, and though it took a while and a lot of personal research...I've developed a new found respect of them and what they ALL are doing.

On my BEST day I've never had the willingness, drive, discipline or motivation to basically set all things aside to reach a 'goal' in the way that many of those people do.

~ I wasn't 'aware' of the actual facts, my 'perception' was completely different 3 months ago than it is now...I find myself looking at the people and the program in whole different light, I have a tremendous amount of respect for the achievement of US Team selection and how special an individual needs to be just having the balls to chase the dream.

...AWARENESS changed my complacent attitude, gaining the factual knowledge regarding the whole picture has instilled a certain amount of respect. I now, at least in my mind...have given some kind of 'value' to who the team is and what they do.

Not saying that is, or should be the case for everyone...just that 'my' perception was wrong. I am impressed with the character of what it takes to be there.

Why wasn't I aware of these things prior to diving into researching facts because of the 'demo team' proposal?
That's what the USPA needs to look at, somehow making more of us aware and wanting/willing to 'respect' the whole thing...believe in it and that it's worth our attention and support.

If they can't create positive awareness even 'just' among the organization, doing it on the corporate level will be next to impossible.

Any constructive ideas as to how we can change THAT?

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[chuckakers 425]

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The idea of official US team rigs is interesting... But I fear we would lose the team sponsorships. Why would Sunpath sponsor Airspeed if Aerodyne rigs had to be worn at the World Meet?

They wouldn't be sponsoring Airspeed at the World Meet. They would be sponsoring the US Team at the World Meet. Airspeed - and any other team that represents the US at the World Meet - would, by commitment, give up any "team" name for the purpose of representing the US.

Want to represent the US at the World Meet? Then hang up your regular season nickname and put on your "United States Parachute Team" uniform and US Team gear.

This is already done with team events at the Olympics. There are no Lakers, Celtics, or Mavericks on the team. They are the "US Olympic Basketball Team".

Same with swoopers who are on teams. At home they represent as the "PD Factory Team" or "Alter Ego". At the World meet they are "US Team of Canopy Piloting".

Regular season sponsors would simply have to understand that "their" team isn't "their" team during the world meet. It's the "US Team", belonging to USPA (who select and fund them) and the sponsors they attract. And why would they still want to sponsor the team before and after the World Meet? Because once the world meet is over, they can go right back to having "their" team back. Do you really think no one would sponsor Airspeed, XP, etc., just because they were going to wear something else for 2 months? Big time teams WILL have regular season sponsorship. If one company doesn't want to play, another one will. They may not like not getting the extra exposure of the World Meet, but where there's a national champion, there WILL be a sponsor.

And the reason a gear maker would want to sponsor the US Team is pretty simple. It is THEIR gear on the backs of the US (and possible World) champions instead of the other guy's.

Is the concept essentially double-dipping into the sponsorship game. Damn straight it is. And it would work.

Chuck Akers
D-10855
Houston, TX

[DSE 5]

Notice how slick the Dubai International championships appear on Facebook, YouTube, etc? This is a shining example of promotion. They've hired interviewers, doing the same kind of thing PIA has hired people to do each year. It generates a lot of traffic, interest, and raises brand awareness in addition to the sport. The promo video for DDay is very nicely cut, very pro, yet it's not an inordinate amount of time and doesn't contain any expensive graphics, models, 3D, etc. While this doesn't generate revenue on its own, it generates significant interest. The Phoenix-Fly Need for Speed videos have set viewership records on many hosting sites; with 10M viewers clicking in, it promotes wingsuiting very nicely. There isn't a day go by on the DZ that someone doesn't say "I got into skydiving so I can wingsuit like those guys." Small-time promotion like PF and Dubai's DDay go a long, long way to inciting interest from not only new skydivers, but also manufacturers.

[matthewcline 0]

I agree! Put those nicely done vids on the USPA youtube page, as well as other pages, and if it garners enough hits it makes money too!

The marketing money USPA is spending should already be developing and delivering this!

Matt

An Instructors first concern is student safety.
So, start being safe, first!!!

[DSE 5]

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I agree! Put those nicely done vids on the USPA youtube page, as well as other pages, and if it garners enough hits it makes money too!

The marketing money USPA is spending should already be developing and delivering this!

Matt

THey're fine on the USPA site, but let's face it, the USPA site is not a destination site. USPA might consider developing the videos (like PIA does) and then blasting the social media networks with the video content. There will be some kinds of video that gather more interest than others, but if it's nicely done, templated work (like Dubai, the PIA vids, the Skydive Elsinore Wingsuit School vids). then it's fast, easy, consistent. People will subscribe, but more than that, "outsiders" like media bloodhounds will find the content and use it as filler in newscasts, etc. Look at the Chris Brewer jump from the Bridge. In and of itself, it's unremarkable, but it's hit CNN, EXPN, the Onion, and dozens of small air and webcasts. USPA becomes a source of qualified content, and yes, generates small rev streams.
The promotion part of all of this is relatively easy. The one press release USPA has updated on their website for 2011 doesn't justify the $$ that are being spent on marketing.

[edit] This is still skydiving, and Yves is or has been a USPA member. This kind of promotion is worthy of a press release, with or without cooperation of the manufacturer that paid (very few) dollars to produce this package.

[rehmwa 2]

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~ I disagree Ron, that's not the 'problem' it's the motivation...the PROBLEM is understanding and addressing why people like 'Anvil' are unequivocally against giving any support.

This is nothing against you Anvil, you certainly have the right to fore-go involvement regarding donating...and no one should think twice about your decision.

this a huge mis-representation of Anvil's position IMO

You can NOT say he is opposed to providing support.
He is opposed to not having the personal CHOICE to provide support.

I also do NOT want a "donation" forced on me through dues or hidden increases in jump prices. - This is simply NOT a "donation" as there is no choice. You can't call it a "donation" - that's completely wrong.

However, I have no problem with choosing to make a real donation personally and directly. - This is voluntary and is a real 'donation'. Nothing wrong with that at all.



you want to encourage people to CHOOSE to donate: raffles, marketing, fundraisers, training camps, gear sales, etc are all great ideas. Ideas on how contributions can be forced out of the membership - horrible ideas.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[diablopilot 2]

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I think the USPA should add $2 to each membership renewal for the team.

No thanks.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.