Every athlete dreads the idea of asking people for money. Their other professional working friends aren’t posting “fundraising goals” online to do their jobs, why should athletes have to? There is something about having to succumb to the “help me achieve my goals, please donate!” post that can feel desperate and demeaning. But, a lot of times this is the only option in order to keep the lights on and wheels turning. So, athletes grin and bear it, and post. There is an alternative to GoFundMe, and one that requires zero handouts or crowdfunding requests, but rather is a mutually beneficial partnership.
A sponsorship is no novel idea. Athletes have sported brands in exchange for products, compensation, and appearances for years. Think: Michael Jordan and Nike. Their partnership was so successful that they created an entire new line within Nike. Higher profile athletes of the sort have agents that manage these types of partnerships and if they’re well-known enough, sponsors flock to them. However, athletes in lower profile sports, or up and coming athletes, have to manage their own partnerships and income as they strive to make it to Michael Jordan status. This isn’t an easy process and many struggle for months to track down the right contacts on the other end of the phone to even begin conversations with.
Crowdfunding is quick and produces results in a matter of a few days - which means instant $$ for athletes. As undignified as asking for money can be, this is one of the reasons GoFundMe is so appealing. It eliminates the six month hassle of stalking on social, tracking down brand representatives, and negotiating deals like the traditional practice of acquiring sponsorship income. The alternative to GoFundMe is simple and centralizes all parties in one marketplace so partnerships are made quickly, with no begging necessary.
Open Sponsorship is a centralized platform that works as a two sided marketplace for athletes and potential sponsors to connect and create mutually beneficial partnerships. This alternative to GoFundMe gives athletes an easy access point to income and support, while removing the need to ask loved ones and others on social for help. All an athlete has to do is create an account and then they can instantly start connecting with brands. Deals are made in a matter of days and both parties benefit from the partnership.
Athletes - below are the easy steps to creating an account:
- Go to https://opensponsorship.com/
- Click the button that says “I am an Athlete, Team or Event”
- Enter your name, email, phone number, and create a password
- Login and create a profile (Link to your social media!)
- Click on the “Campaigns” tab and browse/apply
It really is THAT easy. Let’s help each other and get the word out!
Tags:
sponsorshipJuly 18, 2017