Networking is so important for athletes, especially for those looking to build their brand and boost NIL earnings. Former athletes can also benefit from having strong network, especially when it comes time to look for jobs outside of sports. When I first started working, I didn’t realize how important having a solid network would be for my career. Having individuals who were like-minded, ambitious and good at making connections helped me build my professional brand, led me to new opportunities, and helped me make more money. Below are a few reasons networking is a must for any athlete looking to grow personally or professionally.
Why Networking is Key for NIL Success
- Mentorship. Having a network filled with industry experts is a great way to improve your own expertise. Working with a mentor, or many mentors, can help you grow as an athlete, a business owner, and an NIL earner.
- Partnerships. Networking can help secure partners or collaborators, which are huge perks when working in the NIL space. Not only can the right partnerships benefit both sides, but the right collaborations can help athletes achieve their business goals and build their brand.
- Ideas. People in your network can bring new business ideas to the table- allowing you to fast-track your journey. If you’re stuck and trying to figure out new revenue models, content ideas, or ways to partner with more businesses, your network can facilitate new leads or introductions, helping you reach that next level.
- Access. A large and diverse network can give you access to new trends and valuable information. Access to specialized information and experts can make a huge difference in the opportunities you get and the money you make.
- Job opportunities. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you expect, so a solid network can help athletes looking for new jobs or additional income streams. Perhaps, your business is growing so fast and you’re looking for new team members to meet demand. Your network can serve as a resource provider and an outlet to advance your career.
- Builds awareness and brand. If you’re an athlete promoting your name, image and likeness, it’s very likely that your personal brand will shape how people will remember your business, your products or your services. The more you interact with folks in your network, the more they’ll associate your brand with your business. Better yet, the more authentic, genuine and helpful you are, the more likely others will associate positive characteristics with your business.
- Valuable insight. Using the example of sports and entertainment: talking to other people within athletics can help you learn about the latest opportunities, challenges and trends within the NIL space. Having fresh ideas and the ability to address problems with helpful solutions can give your brand and business a huge competitive advantage.
- Support. It takes the help of others, especially in such a new world of NIL, to become successful. Nobody does it alone, so having a diverse and experienced network can come in clutch when it comes to receiving the support you need.
- And remember- it goes both ways! Offering helpful, genuine assistance to your contact proactively can establish strong relationships for both sides. By engaging regularly (and not just when you need something), you’ll find a true, supportive network that can help you grow your business.
- Credibility. The more legitimate connections you have, the more credible and reliable you’ll appear. Having the backing of peers in your network can help you grow your business while becoming respected in your field. With more respect comes the potential for new clients and more earning potential.
- Long-lived relationships. Another benefit of having a network isn’t just making new connections, but being able to nurture long-lasting relationships. Knowing people who can share your journey, relate to your wins, struggles, your goals, aspirations and more can be a huge benefit to your health and the longevity of your career.