NOOKA is totally flattered when we get hit up for sponsorships – it shows that we are doing a great job of presenting our brand as a global cultural leader and we LOVE your recognition. the reality is that we are a self-funded start-up brand. this means we do not have the funds nor the staff to implement sponsorship programs like g-shock, nike and adidas has [some history: casio was founded in 1946 and released the first g-shock in 1983, nike was founded in 1978, adidas in 1948. NOOKA was founded in december 2004]. as you can see, we are the new kid on the block.

so, when you see a celebrity wearing NOOKA, be assured that they are doing so because they love the design and what the brand represents – not because we are sponsoring them. this makes us very happy.

that said, as we do get asked to sponsor rappers, musicians, bands, athletes a few times everyday, i would like to offer some advise that will be key for any company to consider your proposal:

1. [this is an important tip for all entrepreneurs]. get on people’s radar – not in people’s face! if you are truly an influencer, just keep doing what you are doing [DO NOT talk about what you are going to do, what you can do...just do shit and do it well]. sending emails and tweeting is NOT a good way to get on a company’s radar. like us, most staff members are dealing with customer service issues most of the day and it is not their job to figure out who the next rising star in ________ is. the simplest thing is to wear the products you love and let the brand discover your photos and press in the real world.

2. have a proposal.“yo! give me a watch, i tell lot’s of people about you guys” is not a professional proposal.

3. know your metrics [also known as: do the math!]. type in your web or blog address into www.alexa.com and see where it ranks. get a google analytics account – it’s free, as is the stats for facebook fan pages. if you know your metrics, you can do the math, and i’ll offer you a free equation. if 1 to 3% is considered a good conversion rate for marketing, and you can influence 1000 people, that means maybe 30 of those people will buy a product you endorse. if most companies make a 10% operating profit how much money is the company going to make from the association? know your metrics – know your value. put that info in your proposal from point 2 above.

4. be professional and be real. if i have to explain this, you’re not going to advance to the next level in this game.

5. if you have 1 – 4 covered: be persistent and be consistent. business people are busier than ever in this new economy, and like us, they appreciate when someone is politely and professionally persistent. especially since situations change daily and what was a “no” one day can become a “let me think about this” or a yes another. even if it takes a year or more, building real connections with people and brands takes time. at the very least you will get promotional items and discounts from the company – a best case scenario can change your life.

there you have it.