How to Become a Fight Promoter

As a fight promoter, you will sell tickets, hand out flyers, buy advertising space and do everything in your power to bring wanted attention to a fighter. It is a job that requires great vision, strong sales and marketing skills and hard work. However, it is rewarding and can be incredibly fun and flexible. Read more to learn how to get in the game as a fight promoter.

Things You'll Need

• Marketing materials
• Client list

Instructions

1. Get ready to pound the pavement. As a fight promoter, you must arrange all promotional materials and direct the marketing campaign of the fighter(s) you represent and/or manage. If you are contracted to promote a venue or arena, you will promote the fighting schedule as a whole. For example, you would compliment the marketing and promotional materials already executed by high-profile fighters in order to announce significant fights at the venue. You may also be instructed to target, direct and promote a brand of fighting or promotional event. In this instance, you would promote and bring attention to themed fights that schedule at the venue. An example is "Friday Night Light Weight Fighters."

2. Understand the sport. As a mixed martial arts, boxing, wrestling or general fight promoter, you will need a strong knowledge of the sport and leading title holders within the sport. Understand the ranking of each division and the requirements for a fighter within each division. This understanding will allow you to answer questions about the sport and the fighter you are promoting.

3. Determine the available marketing and advertising materials you can employ to promote a fighter or venue. Determine if you will promote with written materials (pamphlets, leaflets, posters), media (print, radio, television) or word of mouth (social networking). Pool all available resources to build a comprehensive marketing machine. Employ as many varying marketing materials as possible to reach a wide audience within the targeted audience.

4. Build a client list. Visit local gyms and training facilities to speak with local fighters. Encourage the fighter to work with you on a probationary period (six months). During that time, work with the fighter to build a plan of action. Get specific about the objective of the fighter. Does he want to build a name in the fighting community? Is she an up-and-coming fighter in search of endorsement? Determine the scale and scope of the promotional campaign, as well as how you will promote the fighter. Work with the fighter to create a gimmick or personality that you can easily sell as a brand.

5. Get serious. As a fight promoter, you must promote, promote, promote. You work from commission and will need to get serious about how many ticket holders you can bring to a fight. Additionally, it is your job to promote a brand that sells. You will need to promote and agitate the community with enough enthusiasm for your brand (the fighter) that the community continues to support and buy tickets.

Tips & Warnings

• Socially network as often as possible.

• Get the word out. Tell people when you are in the barber shop getting a cut, walking your dog or picking your kid up from school.

• When just beginning, pass out flyers at local colleges and bars until you are able to buy TV and radio spots.