In sports, business and in life….rejection is inevitable. This especially holds true for NIL, specifically when current or former athletes seek out partnerships with brands. Even the most marketable athletes hear “no” from brands, sometimes more than they hear a “yes.” But a “no” isn’t the end of your NIL journey; it’s an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. Learning how to to pivot and come back stronger from a ‘no’ can help you build mental fortitude that is necessary for success in life. If you’re an athlete looking to grow your brand, boost your income, or simply learn how to bounce back from rejection, here’s how to turn a brand’s “no” into a stepping stone toward future success.
When Brands Say No: How Athletes Can Pivot
1. Ask for feedback- the right way. When a brand declines your partnership pitch, don’t take it personally. Instead, thank them for considering your proposal and politely ask for feedback. You might say something like: “Thank you for taking the time to review my pitch. I’d love to know what I could improve for future opportunities.”
This small gesture shows maturity, professionalism, and a genuine desire to learn. Some brands may not respond, but the ones that do can offer insights that help you refine your approach for the next pitch.
2. Maintain the relationship. Just because a brand says “no” now doesn’t mean it’s a forever “no.” Circumstances change- marketing budgets shift, campaigns evolve, and new opportunities arise. Stay connected by:
- Following the brand on social media and engaging with their posts authentically.
- Sending a quick thank-you note or DM showing appreciation for their time.
- Updating them months later if you’ve grown your platform or completed a successful campaign with another brand.
Building long-term relationships in the NIL world is often more valuable than any single deal. When brands remember your professionalism and follow-up, you’ll stay on their radar for future opportunities.
3. Use “no” to sharpen your pitch. A rejection can actually reveal gaps in your NIL strategy. Take time to audit, adjust, and test:
- Audit: Revisit your pitch deck or email. Is your value clear? Do you show how you help brands reach your audience?
- Adjust: Maybe you need stronger engagement metrics, updated visuals, or a clearer brand fit.
- Test: Try different pitches for different brands — local businesses, niche companies, or community-based partnerships.
Think of every “no” as data. The more you test and refine, the more effective your outreach becomes.
4. Explore alternative opportunities. If national brands aren’t saying yes (yet), start local. Local businesses often appreciate working with college athletes who have strong ties to the community. These smaller deals can lead to:
- Content collaborations on social media.
- Barter arrangements (like free meals, gym memberships, or gear).
- Event appearances or local sponsorships.
These partnerships still count as NIL deals and help you build experience and credibility that attract larger brands later.
5. Strengthen your emotional resilience. Rejection is tough – especially when you’ve spent time crafting pitches and building your personal brand. But remember, even top athletes, influencers, and entrepreneurs face rejection regularly. Use it as motivation. Each “no” teaches you something about your strategy, your audience, or your mindset. Keep showing up, learning, and improving. NIL success isn’t about perfection – it’s about persistence.
A “no” from a brand doesn’t define your NIL journey – your response to it does. Stay professional, learn from feedback, and continue building authentic relationships. Over time, the athletes who view rejection as redirection are the ones who win in the long run. So next time a brand says “no,” take a breath, regroup, and get back to work – because your “yes” might be one pitch away.