So you want to get sponsored as an action sports athlete? Your talent and skills are just one part of the equation to help you get sponsored as an athlete and build your career in action sports. Your athlete brand is the other important ingredient.

What does your athlete brand say about you? What makes you unique? How do you stand out from the competition? 

Developing a strong athlete brand helps you be known for something. It makes it easier for brands to align with you if you have shared values which leads to getting sponsored. And it also helps fans create an emotional connection to you and relate to you. 

There are 4 steps to define your athlete brand and what you stand for and what makes you unique.

1. What Is Your Personal Story?

Your personal story can include where you were born and raised, hometown pride, where you went to school, part-time jobs you had, your family story, obstacles you may have overcome, other sports you played. Your personal story and background give people an insight into where you came from and what shaped you. (Serena and Venus Williams backstory of being taught how to play tennis by their dad on the public tennis courts in Compton, California) 

2. What Are Your Interests Outside of Your Sport?

 What other passions do you have? Photography, video games, art, another sport, an instrument you play, music you are into, volunteering, cooking, school, being an entrepreneur, etc. Sharing your other interests and passions helps make you more relatable to sponsors and fans. (Shaun White was equally talented in skateboarding and was also known for his love of music) 

3. What Is Your Personal Style?

Is there a color you like to wear? Or a hairstyle you are known for? Are your clothes baggy, tight, colorful, monochromatic? Is there a certain accessory you always rock? Your style says a lot about you and can be a part of your personal brand. (Tiger Woods was known for wearing red shirts when he competed on Sundays)

4. How You Treat People and Your Behavior?

How you interact with people and make them feel is a part of your personal brand. Are you the person people want to hang out with? Are you humble? Are you arrogant? Are you selfless or selfish? How you behave and treat others is a part of how you are perceived by others and what you become known for. Be the type of athlete people want to invite on trips and sponsor because you are kind, hardworking, and humble. (Kelly Clark, one of the most decorated professional snowboarders, was known for also being was one of the nicest, most humble people in the game)

Winning is will only get you so far. Establishing a strong athlete brand that people can relate to, that is consistently reiterated through your social media, your sponsorship activations, and how you treat people will take you further! 

Author: Sue Izzo 

Photo: Danny Davis/Burton Snowboards Ad