Here are some tips that I have used in determining my decision on an endorsement deal.
I hope they work for you and your decision!
1.Is this a product of good quality?
2. Is this product unique? (Not the typical product that you see often, or is it a product that will enhance, or strengthen your playing or sound)
3. Does it do what it is meant to do?
4. Will I be content with this product in the sense of being “Married” to it?
5. Would I use this product even if I didn’t endorse it?
6. Where I’m at in the caliber of my career am I worthy of being endorsed by this company
7. Is the company at a caliber worthy enough of being endorsed by me?
8. Who are the people who make these products? (No body likes to work with a jerk right?)
2. Is this product unique? (Not the typical product that you see often, or is it a product that will enhance, or strengthen your playing or sound)
3. Does it do what it is meant to do?
4. Will I be content with this product in the sense of being “Married” to it?
5. Would I use this product even if I didn’t endorse it?
6. Where I’m at in the caliber of my career am I worthy of being endorsed by this company
7. Is the company at a caliber worthy enough of being endorsed by me?
8. Who are the people who make these products? (No body likes to work with a jerk right?)
Once you sign the endorsement deal. It its your soul duty to represent the company and manufacturer and the products you are endorsing. There is only one way to get the endorsement. However there are a million ways to loose it. I personally have learned over the years that an endorsement is not about getting free or discounted product or having the “Title” of being endorsed. Its about the relationship between the talent and the company and how you represent the company and its products. Its who you are as a person, and what kind of light can you put the products in. Because after all the company is endorsing a person, not a product.
Here are a few tips on maintaining the relationship
1. Order the product immediately. You signed the deal. You should play the product immediately.
2. Never play the competitors product.
3. Call up your Artist Relations Rep often! (Every single one of my A&R Guys/Girls has become my close friends!)
4. Be very nice person. Nobody likes a jerk right? (Then why would a company have their product publicly displayed with one?)
5. Never regret your decision. Make the right one to begin with. Companies want endorsers who love and believe in the product. Not people who just want the deal because it’s cool. (You are married to the product)
6. If you feel the company has “wronged you” you probably are wrong. Companies always are nice and take care of their endorsers as best as they can. You should do the same.
7. If your A&R person calls you up to see how it’s going. It’s probably because you haven’t called him/her. (You don’t skip out on calling your mom do ya?)
8 Live up to your end of the deal. Everything!
9. One of the worst things you can do is, use a small companies deal to gain another with a competitor.
10. Nobody will tolerate an endorsement-hopping "drum whore" (sorry, there's just no other term for it.)....
11. The most important one of all. Your credibility is on the line. Along with the credibility of the companies too. (don’t destroy it)
I hope this advise answers all of your questions!
Bo Swanger
