Need help w/ approaching organizers

Ok, I've searched (POTN and google) and really didn't find what I was looking for. How do you guys/gals approach organizers re: being their go-to company for the event photography? I have some phone numbers, some e-mail addresses and some mailing addresses. I want to make contact with them to make the "sales pitch." How do you start the conversation/letter? I have samples of my work that I feel is more than sufficient to prove my capabilities. I have resources (read additional shooters and logistical support) to handle the event. I am confident that I have those angles covered or nearly do. I need to know how to get the gig. This is not T&I, these are action photos. Thanks in advance. If it's been covered and my google-fu is weak, please post the link so that you don't have to spew it all out again. Thanks.

I have found no way that is guaranteed to work other than to continue to contact possible clients on a regualr basis. Also why should they add your service or change photographers? I always include that statement.

eigga wrote in post #8768194
I have found no way that is guaranteed to work other than to continue to contact possible clients on a regualr basis. Also why should they add your service or change photographers? I always include that statement.

Sounds like a good approach. Thanks for the insight.

I usually just start out with an email to the organizer that simply asks if they have a photography company covering their event. I then see where it goes from there.

I've found that one of the biggest things is to have some good references and to let your former customers know that you're available for their events. I've gotten most of my tourneys from people that attended other tourney's that I was shooting. The sports world is typically fairly small and the people that organize a tourney one weekend are attending another one the next weekend.

I have one advantage in this area though. There really isn't anyone that does this around here.

I have also developed a relationship with the booster club president of one of the bigger schools in the area who also happens to be the vice president of that school board. Networking is so important.

I also offer back ~10% to the organizers. Typically the tourney's are fundraisers for the schools or specific school related events, so I don't mind doing it. I also feel that it gives the organizers a reason to help promote me.

DDCSD wrote in post #8768473
I usually just start out with an email to the organizer that simply asks if they have a photography company covering their event. I then see where it goes from there.

I've found that one of the biggest things is to have some good references and to let your former customers know that you're available for their events. I've gotten most of my tourneys from people that attended other tourney's that I was shooting. The sports world is typically fairly small and the people that organize a tourney one weekend are attending another one the next weekend.

I have one advantage in this area though. There really isn't anyone that does this around here.

I have also developed a relationship with the booster club president of one of the bigger schools in the area who also happens to be the vice president of that school board. Networking is so important.

I also offer back ~10% to the organizers. Typically the tourney's are fundraisers for the schools or specific school related events, so I don't mind doing it. I also feel that it gives the organizers a reason to help promote me.

Thanks, Dereck. The one organizer I spoke with re: a lacrosse tourney hasn't gotten back to me. He said he would be in and out of the country the next couple of weeks on business so I'm not pressing the issue. I offered 10% to be given back to the organization. It's a small tourney, but could really turn into something much larger in terms of social networking. I really don't have customer referrals, per se, in regards to shooting events, just my previous work. Thanks for the advice.

asysin2leads wrote in post #8768600
Thanks, Dereck. The one organizer I spoke with re: a lacrosse tourney hasn't gotten back to me. He said he would be in and out of the country the next couple of weeks on business so I'm not pressing the issue. I offered 10% to be given back to the organization. It's a small tourney, but could really turn into something much larger in terms of social networking. I really don't have customer referrals, per se, in regards to shooting events, just my previous work. Thanks for the advice.

Work your email list for your past customers. You might be surprised who has purchased from you that either is organizing something or is somehow involved in a tourney (takes tickets, helps set up, etc) that can get your foot in the door.

Many of the tourneys also have a committee that has meetings. Try and contact someone in the committee and see about maybe showing up and giving a sales pitch. It helps to show people that you're not just some creep with a camera.

DDCSD wrote in post #8768731
Work your email list for your past customers. You might be surprised who has purchased from you that either is organizing something or is somehow involved in a tourney (takes tickets, helps set up, etc) that can get your foot in the door.

Many of the tourneys also have a committee that has meetings. Try and contact someone in the committee and see about maybe showing up and giving a sales pitch. It helps to show people that you're not just some creep with a camera.

Great points. I didn't think of that. Thanks.

If securing a photography contract is anything like finding a job, then networking is your best approach along with developing a reputation as someone who always produces top notch products and is reliable.