What is the biggest mistake athletes make when reaching out to potential sponsors?

The biggest turnoff for sponsors is when athletes just send an email or DM saying 'sponsor me, here's my deck' with their hand out. Instead of immediately asking for sponsorship, athletes should first reach out to build a genuine relationship. Show authentic interest in the brand and product - buy the product, use it, talk about it, and share about it on social media. Brands, especially smaller ones, notice when people genuinely engage with their products. Come in being genuine about your interest in the brand before asking for anything.