Anyone who has ever seriously competed in a sport has dreamt of the coveted title, “sponsored athlete.” You would be hard pressed to find an exception to that statement. Tragically, the dream usually dies as just that, a dream. Whether it’s due to injuries, poor dedication or just plain ‘ol eventual lack of interest in the sport, the “dream” is rarely accomplished. Unfortunately, most never realize that there are companies out there, DYING to sponsor athletes in all type of sporting events, but are rarely asked!
When you were young and wanted a drink, what did you do? Did you wait till someone finally gave it to you? Maybe you waited until someone asked you, “Are you thirsty?” Hell no, you freakin’ asked for it and if you didn’t get what you wanted, you made life uncomfortable for everyone in earshot until you received your request. What’s different now? Sure, there might be a bit of maturity thrown in the mix now-a-days, but that shouldn’t stop you from succeeding. Most of us compete in sports which pay little to nothing for emerging victorious. We do it mostly for pride, honor and respect from our peers. Don’t let your financial status be the deciding factor for not competing in a sport you dedicate your life to.
Competing in Ft Myers, FL for Roman&Roman P.A.
Now I’m sure you are saying “Who the F*&k is this guy and what does he know about sponsorships?” I’m nobody special, I don’t have an in as the next Gatorade sponsored athlete. I’m just a regular guy who serves in the Army Reserve and trains for amateur strongman shows. Mariusz Pudzianowski or Derek Poundstone, I’m neither, not by a long shot! However, I still manage to market myself to companies who are willing to spend money on ME to do what I love.
How did I pull this off? Easy… I asked!
Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is, sort of. There was some leg work which had to be done before I marketed myself. Since I’m a pretty nice guy and I’m writing this in the Christmas season, I’m going to share my so-called “secret” with you.
Companies want to sponsor athletes for many reasons, but the main two are 1) exposure/advertising and 2) tax write off. The second one will happen no matter what. The first, however, is YOUR responsibility. In order to increase your stock as a potentially sponsored athlete, you must show a large presence in your community and be willing to openly display your talents, as well as your sponsors information, in as many venues as possible. These can include:
Competitions- Compete is any many competitions as possible. The more you are out there winning or placing, the more people know your name. Renown athletes get sponsorships, that’s all there is to it.
Videos- This is one of my most valuable tools in my bag of tricks. I film several of my training sessions, make a short video with some music and small effects then post it for the world to see. Of course, I always include my sponsor’s logo in all my videos, therefore increasing my exposure from local to worldwide.
Social Networking- Would you believe I obtained my first sponsorship by posting an ad on Facebook requesting a sponsor? Now, granted I made sure beforehand to befriend plenty of people in the strength industry as well as local businesses on facebook before I posted my ad, but that took 15 minutes every day for a few weeks, just finding new people in the area to connect with. I also obtained a printing sponsor by posting an ad on a local message forum. Like I said earlier, PEOPLE WANT TO SPONSOR YOU.
Competing in Lakeland, FL in Strength Camp Apparel
Now I cannot promise you that by doing these three tasks you will automatically obtain a sponsor. If it was that easy, every D-Bag with tanktop would do it. However, I can tell you that by just putting yourself out there and asking for an athletic sponsorship, you are ahead of 95% of the pack. Have I been denied a sponsorship? Sure, plenty of times. Sometimes the company couldn’t afford it. Sometimes, I just wasn’t what they were looking for. One thing I’ve recently learned, is to expand my horizons beyond athletic based companies to any local or national company that could benefit from my talents and exposure.
Businesses have plenty to gain from an athlete endorsing their product, so don’t think it’s a one sided deal. Sure they are flipping the bill for you to travel, compete, etc. Remember, YOU’RE the one with the talent and YOU’RE the one doing the hard work. Appreciate your sponsors, just as an employee appreciates their employer, but be sure to reap the full benefits from a sponsorship. If you are doing your part, so should they. Feel free to contact me through my website or facebook account. ( http://www.facebook.com/DonnieKiernan ) with any questions. Be proactive, Stay positive and most importantly, just freakin’ ask them!
PS Make sure to visit www.romanromanlaw.com for any of your Personal Injury Attorney needs 
