Competition Rising

Outsmart college costs

Ready for next semester? June is a key time to assess how you’ll cover college costs. And considering federal aid often isn’t enough, you might have to consider private student loans.

You’re just in time, though—most schools recommend applying about two months before tuition is due. By now, colleges start sending final cost-of-attendance letters, revealing how much you’ll need to bridge the gap.

Understanding your options now can help ensure you’re prepared and avoid last-minute stress. View Money’s best student loans list to find lenders with low rates and easy online application.

See Money’s Top Lenders

Getting Noticed & Getting Paid Post House

Build Your Network

Your first NIL deal most likely won’t come from a major marketing firm. It’ll come from someone who knows you, your family and is part of your hometown community. These are business owners who watched your games in high school and follows your coaches and athletic department on Facebook.

These are not strangers, even though you may not know them. It’s not difficult to create a list of twenty or thirty businesses that are connected to you. Once you know your target, make a plan to get their attention. Let them know that you are doing great things and they should be part of it!

You can use email, DMs, stop by their shop and drop off a schedule for the season.Stay connected to the businesses that you want to support you. When you are building a relationship with a potential partner, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You have to take time to build a relationship that shows them you have similar values and can generate income for their business.

And when you get your chance, have your pitch ready. KNow what you bring to the table, and know exactly what you can offer. Make sure you ask for a deal that you can deliver and offers real value to the business.

When you take your time, build relationships and offer real value, any athlete can land an NIL deal. No, it won’t be seven figures, but with a consistent approach you can generate substantial income to offset the cost of your education.

One more thing….

Be Aggressive

If you’re serious about NIL, stop waiting. Nobody is coming to find you. Posting once a week is not enough. Post your workouts, your highlights, your mindset. When House eliminated all those roster spots, it didn’t eliminate the number of athletes competing for them.

Be Engaged

Comment on school posts. Tag local businesses, brands that you admire. You’re not just an athlete anymore, you’re a brand, and brands that sit quietly and wait don’t get signed.

Be Strategic

Reach out to alumni. Attend school functions, local business events and introduce yourself to local business owners. Do your research and target businesses that you know are right for you.

And most importantly, don’t worry about what people think. They’ll call it self-promotion. That’s good. That’s exactly what it is. You’re building something. Be relentless.

In a flooded, competitive market, silence is surrender. Always remember the athletes who win aren’t always the most talented, they’re simply the ones who refused to be ignored.

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