On Monday, I announced that – starting in early January – Courtney, Milligan, and I would be packing everything we own into an RV for a cross-country tour of the U.S.
I also briefly mentioned that we still had a *lot* to do, that we had a company volunteer to wrap our vehicle in a special design, and that I was considering allowing “sponsors” on this site for the first time ever.
The whole goal in this trip is to meet fun people, spread great messages, see fantastic places, and grow our community here. While we are primarily doing this for personal exploration, I also fully realize that there are benefits and opportunities that come along with running this site as well.
In other words, I’m well aware that touring in an RV can help grow this site and my business – in addition to allowing us personal exploration, freedom, and growth. Rather than shy away from this… I embrace it.
…and I need your help!
Creative “Wrapping” Ideas…
One of the toughest decisions (which is also extremely time-sensitive) is how to wrap the RV. We’ve had a company volunteer to do this for us – an amazing offer – but now we have to consider what how we want it to look (and what we want it to say).
For those of you that don’t know what a wrap is, here are a few examples (not necessarily good examples):
I’ll be leveraging the fantastic Dustin from IvyLime Designs for this process, but I need to give some sort of general direction. I know 90% of you are more creative when it comes to design than me, so I need your help!
Here’s an outline of my first ideas:
- A light color – potentially even a yellow-ish tint, that’ll stand out a bit (no neons) – but allow text or sponsors to be clearly seen/read.
- The back would likely be reserved for Man Vs. Debt stuff – potentially even the site banner across the top back. It would also likely mention Facebook.com/ManVsDebt and Twitter.com/ManVsDebt on the back. (Note: We’ll be pulling the Jeep most of the time, so that’ll block a bit of the lower portion of the back).
- I’m envisioning the left side be reserved for 4-5 key partners/sponsors. More information on this later.
- The front would likely be a solid color – potentially with just www.ManVsDebt.com or our tagline above the cab (the part that sticks out). Not sure.
- The right side of the RV (where the door is located) I have a creative idea of my own. I’d like for it to have a surface that would allow people that we meet along the way to be able to sign it in some way. I’m not sure how this would work chemically (what the surface and marker would need to be made of for it to REALLY be permanent – weather pending)… but I really like the idea of finding a way for every day people we meet to be involved.
In other words, I don’t want it to just be about MvD or just about sponsors/partners – I want a way for everyone we meet to have a little part in it (if they so wish).
Do you know of any system that could allow me to have people sign the side (and stay on there in wind, rain, sleet, etc…)? I’m stumped a bit, but know it’s possible.
While I have a general outline of what I may want – the floor is completely open. I’m hoping with feedback from you guys I may find new ideas or refine these ones!
Have any fun, creative, or mind-blowing ideas for the wrap?
Sponsor packages…
I’ve gone back and forth on the idea of having sponsors as part of the trip. It’s popular to do with trips or events of this nature – but I’ve never had advertising and/or sponsorships of any kind on anything MvD.
That said, I do think there is a happy medium – and I’m going to see if I can find it.
For the first time, I’m going to attempt to partner with a few businesses and start-ups on this trip. But I’ll need your help brainstorming up people to approach. Here are my ground rules:
- The company or business has to align with our values and the values of the community. There are enough amazing companies that do this right, we don’t need or want any that don’t.
- The product or service they offer has to be something the Courtney, Milli, or I would regularly use and love. If we won’t use it, we won’t promote it. Period.
- I’d strongly prefer to have 4-5 larger, premium sponsors than a dozen smaller ones. This allows us to really focus on showing appreciation for the sponsors and will ensure that readers, viewers, etc… aren’t overwhelmed by a billion different logos, sponsors, etc…
- Lastly, I’m up for working with even just one large, exclusive sponsor – as a co-branding effort – if they exceptionally met and exceeded #1 and #2 (there are only a handful of companies I’d consider this with).
I believe there are a ton of great startups and companies that would be a genuine fit for this – and that we’d love to partner with.
I’m considering a 6-month package that will include the following:
- A 300 x 100 graphic (approved by me) in the sidebar of Man Vs. Debt. It will be below the fold – a “RV Road Trip Partners” section will replace the “Featured Product I Love” that is currently there. This will, of course, be shown on the main page, every post, and every page on the blog.
- Direct text mentions (with link) in each of the travel update posts. There will be a “These partners who help make this trip possible:” link at the bottom of travel update posts.
- A short plug in the new video intro for all travel update videos – similar to the short intro video I have now for videos – except featuring the 4-5 premium sponsors. Will likely be 5 seconds long.
- An approved logo with website information on the RV itself. Built-in as part of the wrap and large enough for people to clearly see. Likely on the left side (the one people pass on the road).
I’m also open for ideas on this package. Many of you also run websites, businesses, and/or creative teams… what am I missing? Are there more ways I can add value to partners AND the community?
If you are a company who thinks this would be beneficial, email: Baker (at) ManVsDebt.com
Sample Companies/Challenges I’d Partner With…
Once again, I’m interested in creative ideas and or feedback. While many of these premium sponsors will be charged premium rates… I’m also looking for creative ideas and challenges that aren’t necessarily revenue-generating.
For example, I want to pitch Scottevest (a company that makes fantastic travel clothing) on not only being a sponsor, but also partnering on a unique challenge. If they send me enough diversity of clothing, I’ll wear only their clothing 95% of the time for the trip. Obviously, we’d have to iron out the specifics of the “challenge”, but it’s these sort of things that get my blood flowing.
Scott, if you are reading this – email me. ;-)
If Scottevest turns me down, maybe I could approach Columbia or Northface (as examples) for similar fun challenges.
Or maybe I partner with Mint.com or Pocketsmith to track the expenses of the trip with their platforms and share that on a monthly basis.
Other potential Personal Finance companies (in a different challenge) I may approach could be Perkstreet, SmartyPig, and ING Direct.
Of course, there are Travel-based tools and resources such as World Nomads, Good Sam, and various Camping Stores around the U.S.
I also think it could be fun to get a company like Foursquare, GoWalla, or Facebook Places to partner on a cool challenge where we would “check-in” to all the places that we go (and use them to organize the meetups, etc…).
I also like a couple misc. start-ups like DailyBurn, Daily Booth… or even conference like SxSw and Blogworld (I’m already working with the WDS team for June). :-)
Maybe I should also shoot high for someplace like Wal-Mart (very RV friendly), Starbucks, or Apple?
As you can see, the sky is the limit. As long as a company or partner meets my ground rules – and is willing to get creative with a challenge – I’d love to explore the possibilities!
Keep me heading in the right direction! What other fun companies would be a good fit for me to approach?
Can you think of any other “challenges” for me to undertake?
I need your help!
Remember, while a couple of the premium sponsors would be paid spots – I’m not only interested in money. I’m up for all sorts of creative ideas!
What do you think?
What are your best ideas that I can steal?
{ 60 comments… read them below or add one }
Are you already using Square for credit card processing on the road–like if you are selling books or whatever? We just discovered Square and it is spectacular for people who are on the road, like we will be as of next week. They are an upstart at this point and might welcome the exposure.
Sherry, I’ve heard about square (I think a bit ago from something Kevin Rose did), but I’ve never seen it in practice! It’s a great idea – even though I won’t be selling anything physical quite yet.
Check out Camping World. They are nationwide stores of all things RVing…equipment, maintenance, gadgets, etc. (I used to work for them in high school and college and always loved visiting with the RVers that came through on their travels. It’s a little family.)
Yeah, we have a local Camping World in town – I think they’d be a great group to approach (even if a bit big)!
Baker –
I have followed this couple from the beginning of their journey and their travels have been utterly facinating. http://www.bumfuzzle.com/index.html
They began on a sailboat, and with zero experience circumnavigated the globe. Then raced across the country in a 45 year old Porsche Speedster. Lastly, they rehabbed an old VW bus (their version of an RV) and traveled 28 countries / 59,734 miles / 525 days on the road / 371 nights in the bus. All the creative brainstorming ideas you’ll ever need can be found on their blog.
As the writer of a blog on Contrarianism, I appreciate anyone who side-steps the matrix and lives a truly exceptional life.
Good luck ob your journey!
Thanks, Contrarian! Courtney mentioned she’s been on (and is a fan of their blog), but honestly – I have not. I’m going to head over and check it out right away!
Thanks, Baker – I’m glad you (Courtney) are enjoying my blog.
As you can see … my site does not specifically focus on finances or money, although all the topics/articles deal with the personal habits, necrosis, and psychology behind making and/losing money … so in this regard, Contrarianism.net is ManVSDebt’s right-hand man; it’s alter ego, and sidekick.
On another note … have you considered doing a nationwide tour making strategic stops in specific cities to promote your blog and books? This would give you an opportunity to meet many of your readers, generate a buzz around your travels, while simultaneously making your adventure more appealing to potential sponsors?
I’d concentrate on sponsors first since they may want some input on the color scheme.
I’d do Manvsdebt.com/RV on the front and back so you can track hits directly from people seeing you out in the RV.
How about Craigslist, eBay and Amazon as sponsors since they are a big part of your Sell Your Crap ebook?
That’s a good point, Kevin! Also, I thought about those sites, but didn’t mention them because they were so big… but that’s lame! I can at least send an email and see – I use them all the time (and they are a HUGE part of SYC).
As for having people sign the RV along the way… they could sign the underside of the awning (weather protected) which you’ll most likely have pulled out at each stop. You could also have them sign the inside ceiling of the RV. This would not be seen from the outside, but would be a continual keepsake for the family as you travel the States.
I’m not sure I would want strangers walking into/through my home to sign it…
Yeah, that’s a good idea, too – especially if the outside doesn’t work out!
Baker – I’d like to respectfully recommend that you allow your core philosophies guide you in choosing sponsors. As a well-respected minimalist, I’d love to see you choose a company like Patagonia — a triple bottom line company — over North Face, or better still, an independent business like yours.
It would be a model to the rest of us that you can make a buck and support your family while making business decisions consistent with your values.
Thanks, Brigitte. While we will almost always choose a smaller, local business over a larger one – we aren’t anti-big-brand in any way. Courtney wears North Face and we’ve never heard of Patagonia (for example). However, I’m super glad you listed them as I’m going to head and check them out right now (otherwise, how DO you ever find out?).
So I hope to be able to get a bunch of independent sponsors, but using non-independent isn’t going against our core values.
Hi Baker – I’m sorry that my comment implied you were not living your values! Re-reading my comments, I definitely can see how I could have worded my comment better.
May I try again? What I’m thinking is that you might want to choose sponsors that share and model the values and practices you advocate for here on ManvsDebt, whether they’re independent or corporate. That narrows the field, though.
I put out a call to action on my blog to the indie community, and there’s a lot of interest among independent designers to band together — and a few different proposals floating around. Maybe we can talk?
Adam,
This is so exciting, and you are right, SO much to think of in such a short time!
I love the idea of having people to sign the side of the RV! I was part of a community center for underpriveleged youth and they had a wall they could sign, very awesome and cool, but I have not ideas about the weather-proofing of it. Sorry
As far as sponsors go, I am kinda with Brigitte on this one, be particular. I know you need your sponsors, but I would hate to see Walmart plastered on MVD. I do shop there when I have to, but I always look for an opportunity to go with the smaller guy. Just my 2 cents, but I have a feeling others may feel the same way.
Good luck! Can’t wait to see your schedule and when you are headed south!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/you-cant-change-everything/
Thanks, Bernice – yeah – I admit that a huge Wal-Mart add wouldn’t be that great looking (or complete congruent). But truth be told – we do shop there a lot (and they let RV’s park in their lots for free (most of them). I think that’s a huge long-shot anyway and was mainly using it to ensure people would think big, too!
Ah! I think I was kind of reacting to the Wal-Mart, if I’m completely honest with myself. I LOVE the recommendations of eBay and Craigslist so much. Synchronicity is good!
1) About signing the RV – Matt has good suggestions. Make it somewhere where the weather won’t get to it.
If you want it “always visible, though – you might consider holding a spot open on the wrap for signatures, and then having a big, blank magnet that people can sign that you would put up during the stops and take down during transport. That’s one option. Another, and I don’t specifics, there might be some type of quick-drying clear-coat that you could spray on the signatures to preserve them – like Krylon’s Fixitif. I have no idea what product would actually work for that application, just thinking out loud.
2) One other idea for sponsorships would be to offer a location based sponsorship instead of just a time based one that could give package sponsors a chance to up the ante while you’re at a specific location to get more attention from that geographic area or to allow a local company the opportunity to get on board for a short promo.
However this turns out, I know it’s going to be epic.
Thanks, Tyler – two great ideas. I’ve though about the exact same type of “spray on” chemical, but am not sure if it’ll work either!
My hubby, who is an all-around know-how-to kinda guy, says that a sharpie should work. You may want to do it in sections and then after a section is filled, spray it with a clear coat protectant.
Bernice
Yeah, thanks – only one way to test this!
A sharpie is one of my must have items at all times – no joke!
This would definately fall under the “other” category… A few years ago a friend of mine did a bike trip where he traveled across Africa. He dragged a Satellite Dish with him and posted nightly about his adventures. He was linked to schools through out the United States and had conversations with them bi-monthly about what he did and saw. I would be willing to bet that there would be dozens of Middle School students or even Grade School students who would love to know where in the USA is Millie… I know a couple of kids–mine– who would love to follow the adventures of the intrepid adventurers… Just a though
Another good idea – thanks, Carriann.
* Signing the RV*
I recommend Car Paint Pens – usually used to fill in and cover scratches in your paint.
if you have a light enough base color you can use black, blue, green, and red car paint pens to have people sign the RV once it dries it should stand up to rain and sleet etc. as it’s car paint. that being said wear, tear and oxidation fading will **eventually** happen with out a clear coat sealant to protect the finished product.
All car paint pens are generally the same no matter what company you buy them from but the ones below are a good place to start looking into it.
http://www.paintscratch.com
http://www.autovisuals.com
http://www.automotivetouchup.com
Happy Trails!
Wow, this is a great lead on this – Jacqueline. This may be the best solution I’ve heard yet. We could have them all sign it and spray it with a protective coat every once and awhile.
Definitely, checking into this! Awesome.
Baker,
I’m so excited for you and your family to take this on!! You are a kick ass inspiration!
Every one has such great, practical suggestions – wonderful.
For sponsors, I love Starbucks and Facebook Places. Also consider REI or Coleman, and National Geographic. AAA would be a great sponsor too – they are conservative and fiscally responsible. I would be happy to put you in touch with their Brand Manager, who is a personal friend. Let me know.
Much love to you and the family!
Stephanie
Nice, didn’t think of National GeoGraphic or AAA, but I think where you are thinking. I’d definitely like you to introduce the concept to your friend – I’ll email you soon.
I absolutely love this idea and the “outside of the box” comments that are flowing in. I’m curious to know what a sponsorship on your RV would cost? I would love to have VEMMA as one of your sponsors – “Health and Convience – Together at Last”. One product in a formula for every age group, I think it would be a great addition and work well with your ideology. You help people financially and Vemma helps people physically (as well as financially, if they so choose). Just a thought… Whoever your sponsors are, I’m sure that this will be an epic adventure – one that your family will never forget! If you are in the St. Louis area, I would love to sign the RV!
Thanks, Jonathan! I’m not sure Vemma is a good fit (and I’m finalizing prices today anyway) – neither Courtney or I have ever used the product. I’ll also likely shy away from any MLM. I’ve been involved in them before and realize there are a few good ones – but there are unfortunately too many bad apples that sour the industry.
One second thought, we’d love to stop by St. Louis – it’ll likely be very late in the year if we do it (it’s not too far away from us now)!
Another vote for St. Louis here, I’d stop by and say Hi wherever you all park for the night!
I don’t like vemma. Cheap vitamins packaged into an expensive package. Hits the stomach like lead. Good return policy tho.
As above be picky w sponsors. Does Starbucks really represent MvD? Some are so addicted it’s become part of their debt problem! They do treat and pay employees well tho.
Thanks for the feedback, Amanda. Addiction to anything is bad – and I do agree that for some Starbucks is a bad financial habit. I’ve spent too much there, as well – but I *love* the work environment. I work at least 25% of the time out of a Starbucks – and have friends that are employed by them.
It’s a tough call, but being honest – I’m actually a bit of fan.
Hey – I’m still very connected with a ton of folks at Intuit – whom I believe own Mint.com now – if you’re interested I can see what I can do about getting you to one of their Marketing heads… or possibly even a meeting with Scott Cook, who loves this kind of stuff and is Founder of Intuit. Silvia
Silvia, I’ll be sending you and email. I’d like to check this as a possibility for sure!
Baker –
Here is a few thoughts.
1) For the right side, I could see a giant “MvD” – white block letters with an outline. Would pop nicely against your background color and serve as a place for people to sign…
2) Speaking of which, I thought I had seen where various politicians were just having folks sign their campaign RVs with Sharpies… not sure why that wouldn’t work, just clean that surface before having folks sign it.
3) Since you’ll be towing the Jeep, consider at least temporary signage on the Jeep to make up for that lost space.
Sounds like this will be one great adventure – hope to see you coming through Michigan!
Great ideas! Yeah, with enough people thinking Sharpie may work – I’m going to try it out. The MVD block letters are an awesome idea, too – Courtney wants to have a space that they fill in – and this is a great example of that.
Dollar signs. Everywhere.
No seriously though, I think wrapping it is a fantastic idea and I can only second the thoughts about about signing the RV. How cool is that. I would avoid anything with your face on it though because that might just be begging for a defacing. A acquaintance of mine travelled with a politician in his RV/Bus thing and he had to replace the face portion three times on the campaign. Maybe the vandals read-up on car paint pens, but I would imagine spray paint would do a number on the vinyl too.
Good luck and I can’t wait to hear more about it – don’t forget to let us in on the process of getting ready to go..
best,
Lisa
Good point, I’m 50-50 about putting out face on it, but we’ll see. I’m not *as* worried about defacing as we’ll likely either always be in it – or have it parked in an RV campground of some sort.
However, it would really suck to have someone destroy it in some way. I’m just glad I’m not a politician.
As for the wrap: the one that I had to pull along side of and take a picture was on the back of a semi trailer done up like the front. So crusing at 70 it looks Luke they are going backwards. You could do something that looks like wall studs as you peel away misconceptions. Or the one I want to do is put funny pictures on the windows like the kids jumping on a bed or the dog glued to the window.
Hahahaha, that’s awesome! I wish I could have seen that one!
Great ideas Baker! You up for making a detour into Alberta, Canada?
Yeah, hopefully in mid to late Summer! (Maybe)
Awesome! That’s where we are for the moment – might be moving. But if you are planning a detour to Canada, I would be happy to help out in any way! I’ll keep checking in to see where your fancy RV is docking…
Best of luck!
For such a road trip, You should definitelly sign a contract with sponsors. 4sq, or Facebook sound good
I wish You luck, and can’t wait to read about Your journey 
Whoo-hoo! (By the way, I first read your name as “Pearl Jam”!)
Above the cab: Since yours has windows, I’d do a tag line. Something short + sweet.
Back: Site banner would be cute on the back – the photo of you + Millie, right? Throw the tag line on this section. Make it high enough that people can see at least part of it above the jeep.
Sides: Having worked on events with multiple sponsors, I’m going to throw this out there – any of the big companies are going to want to approve the layout/design of the side. They’re going to want to see how their logo looks and who they’re placed next to. It could be a pain. However, if you accept sponsors for just portions and display them on their own, then you can avoid some of these politics.
On sponsors: yes, be intentional. find the people who align with you. the synergy should be obvious, but be able to explain just in case.
Whether you have sponsors or just deck it out in MvD imagery, I’m sure it’ll be amazing.
Great, points! On the sponsorship issue – one thing we were thinking about doing was just having 5 pre-made spots available. Obviously this would sell for less than a big, exclusive “be part of the design” partnership, but would still allow them some exposure to a similar-minded audience.
On the front, you can never go wrong with flames or Von Dutch pin striping. Very “hot rod”.
Hahaha, the second time I’ve laughed out loud on this comment thread!
Hi Baker, I don’t have any ideas yet but am super proud of you and your family! I am also a blogger and as soon as I can afford it will hire you for momentum consulting.
For now, can you tell me who you used for graphic design for your book covers and website? Andrew Norcross for the site but covers too?
Thanks and continued success! Jim
Jim, hop on the blogger self-promotion bandwagon and link your comments to your site!
Don’t want to be the negative voice but you need to consider that putting commercial signage all over your RV may make it a “commercial vehicle” and subject to different state laws and regulations. Also your insurance may be different if it is a commercial vehicle. If you need any further info on the “full-timing lifestyle please feel free to contact me. I live full time in an RV and also run a business by remote control.
Hi Baker,
This is going to be interesting. I have never see any other blogger do this before and I bet you must be the first one.
I’m not sure about specific companies that will be a good fit for your sponsors but those that produces traveling goods seem like a good idea.
Cheers,
Vincent
Hi there…
We’ve been on the road for 3 1/2 years with our kids, and our first year was a public sustainability tour, where we wrapped the RV, had sponsors, etc. You can see that tour at http://www.livelightlytour.com, but we currently blog at http://www.happyjanssens.com.
I’d be happy to answer any questions you have…shoot me an email
Sara @ Happy Janssens
Excellent ideas. Sure you shouldn’t have issues getting sponsors. Here’s another idea. You can get a magnetic holder for business cards or brochures on what your trip is about for curious people where you park. This magnetic holder would be affixed to the side of the van and passer by traffic can take materials at their leisure.
Dwight Anthony
Financialy Elite Blog dot Com
I don’t remember how he did it, but during Mitch Daniels’ campaign he had everyone he saw sign his campaign bus. It may have been just sharpie.
Email @jw or @sanlei at @Gowalla on Twitter. I think they work with the Travel Channel, so who knows!
Hi Baker,
Just discovered your website and wanted to turn you on to another site I have been following for awhile. http://www.livelightlytour.com/ great site on traveling the country in an RV with kids. They also wrapped their RV. Maybe you can drop Sara an email and she may have some ideas and life experience that she can share. Love your site.
Jennie
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