Creating your brand for NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness)

When it comes to the NIL policy, many people have questions. The policy, rules, and opportunities are all new. This brief overview organizes the learning for this section of the course.

This lecture describes the NIL policy from the NCAA and defines key terms. Before you can build and brand and make money with NIL partnership deals, you must understand the basics of the policy and how to follow it.

There are a wide variety of NIL deals. In this lecture we discuss types of NIL sponsorships and partnerships, plus how you receive the benefits ($) from these publicity events.

In this portion of the course we discuss the various ages of athletes from high-school to collegiate and post-graduate. For each group, we discuss how the NIL policies apply.

Okay, so you don't have an agent knocking on your door? What do you need to do to get NIL deals? This quick video covers the three basic elements student athletes cannot overlook when trying to get NIL deals. Don't forget to cover the bottom line basics before seeking the top line deals.

Cast a vision for your future NIL deals. Download the VISUALIZE worksheet and write down your future dreams, including the NIL deals you would love to have. Writing down your ideal future helps you to set your mind for the course ahead and strategically target a path forward. Get this download and get to work.

This video intro for Section 3 of the course will give an overview of the COACH materials for personal branding.

A personal brand includes features about yourself, such as your abilities and attributes. You are an athlete AND so much more. Learn about the elements of a personal brand in this video.

There's only one YOU and that's what we're interested in. The public doesn't want to see another cookie-cutter version of what an athlete is SUPPOSED to be. No, your fans will admire you for being real and authentic. Be YOU! 

Want to see some success stories? Here are a few examples of athletes with NIL deals, showcased on social media. This includes brand ambassadors, self-promoted music releases, sponsorships, clinics, donations, and NFTs. If you can think of a form of publicity that you like, you can probably do it under the current NIL policies, so get creative! 

Putting together a brand is not a mystery, it's a formula. In this video, you will learn the "MATH" of a personal brand:  1 + 3 + 1.

This is THE VERY BEST DOWNLOAD of the entire course. The whole course is based around this download. In this workbook, you will find all you need to formulate your personal brand statement, including the 1 + 3 + 1 brand math, sample words and phrases, and a grid you can personalize with your statement colors and images. Get it now. Get creative. Make it personal! 

Your personal brand image is a way for the world to see you; it's one piece of your identity as an athlete and as a business-person. Spending time putting the components together will move you toward the NIL success you've been hoping for.

The next step on your entrepreneurial NIL journey is to consider ways to grow and strengthen your brand. In this section of the course, your key business questions about branding are answered. Rather than thinking of a single deal or transaction, the goal of this section is to help learners recognize the value of brand management as a business proposition. Recognize that the decisions you make for your brand have both risks and benefits, and your decisions should be evaluated and considered for maximum brand impact.

"Okay, you convinced me to create a brand package, but now I don't know where to use it." This video answers your questions on where and how to use your brand in a variety of settings and contexts, including (but not limited to!) social media. Not everyone wants to be the kind of "influencer" you've heard about on Instagram or Tik Tok, but the heart of an NIL deal is using your influence in many public arenas to shape public interest. Learn more in this video.

"SoOooOoooo, now I'm getting a few NIL offers, but I'm not sure if I should take them all." This video answers your questions about decisions related to which opportunities to take advantage of. You may not have the time, energy, or interest to participate in every partnership opportunity that comes your way. Instead, you'll need to weigh your options and make smart decisions each-and-every-time.

"Wait, so why WOULDN'T I want to do every NIL deal that I could possibly fit into a 24/7/365 year?" This video answers your questions about some risks and benefits to your brand (or your "public image" set up as a business entity) when taking too many deals or the strange, awkward, and unsavory partnership opportunities. Learn more about when you need to say "No, thank you" to an NIL offer.

"Is there a download that can help with NIL decision-making?" YES! Get it here.

"Why do these decisions matter?" Because these decisions can have a lasting impact on how the public sees you. Here's a question back to you: What do you want to be known for? Once you decide, then you can strategically select the best NIL deals to help you create a lasting impression.

In this section of the course, we shift the focus to the future and discuss how you can make a plan to use your brand for the long-haul. Think you'll only be a collegiate athlete for a few years?! Yes, that might be true, but your legacy and impact can last much longer. Learn more about the thinking work, networking, documenting, and storytelling that makes sense for every NIL-minded athlete.

It's all in your head!  Yes, that's the most lucrative tool we have- our brains and our decision-making capabilities. In this video we discuss the hard work of "thinking work" and what you can do to carefully consider your NIL moves, way before you ever make one. Success starts with strategic thinking work....But can others see your thoughts? Can you remember what you thought about yesterday? Writing down our strategic thoughts and decisions is a smart way to create an artifact of our thinking work. Bonus: it can be shared with others and looked back on later to remind us of the journey we're on.

Can you create great NIL brand deals by staying in your dorm room all the time and never talking to clients or people who can offer you brand deals? No! You have to reach out! Learn more in this video.

The lesson here is twofold: Document your life and document your efforts toward NIL deals. Learn more about how to get it all recorded and documented...in the most satisfying way!

Have you heard the saying "Scattered efforts are the best way to succeed?" Yeah, me neither! That's because it's exactly the opposite that tends to be true (though we make an exception for that random viral video that grabs success for no apparent reason). This video discusses the benefits to consistent brand growth through sustained, mindful efforts.

Have you ever been sucked in to someone's funny story about their day or an adventure they went on? Well, you can be a great storyteller and draw people in. Audiences crave great stories and your life is full of them. Learn more about storytelling (with a key example!) in this video.

Grab the WIN: Action Planning Worksheet Download and start making smart decisions for your future and your brand related to NIL deals and plans. This worksheet can help you set your intentions for the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Once you've gotten that out of your head and onto the page, you have more mental space to go do the things you need to succeed. Win and make a plan, then follow through. Start today and watch it unfold tomorrow and for years to come! 

If you can dream it, then you should pursue it! Not everything is in your control, but you can set your mind and heart on a goal and run toward it enthusiastically. That's an admirable ambition. This video wraps up Section 5 of the course and provides some inspiring thoughts for you to consider.

You've reached the Conclusion of this course! Congratulations! Let's recognize your achievement.

As you consider the NIL journey ahead, remember the way your brand is put together piece-by-piece like building blocks. And never forget that you have choices for yourself and your brand! 

NIL deals are governed by rules. Don't forget to follow the rules and pay your taxes! Put in the hard work to maintain the brand growth and long-term, consistent success you want to see.

Remember, choose the schools and the deals and the brands and the strategies that are just right for YOU!  There's nothing an expert can help you with if it doesn't ring true for you or add value to your life. Congratulations on completing this course. Best wishes for a successful collegiate athletics program and NIL branding experience ahead!