What is the biggest mistake athletes make when sending sponsorship requests to brands?

The biggest mistake is sending the same generic deck or proposal to every company without customization. All panelists emphasized that blanket-sent proposals that aren't personalized show a lack of research and effort. Brands want to see that you understand their company's DNA, brand identity, and what they stand for. They also want to see that you've identified how you specifically fit a need they have. As one panelist noted, 'We expect people when they're asking for money and support that they know who we are.'