Course Content
Introduction to Sponsorships
Hey, I’m Wyatt Lyonsmith — pro motocross racer, certified coach, and founder of Grow Moto. Over the years, I’ve landed sponsorships that helped me cover bikes, gear, parts — you name it. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I also figured out what actually works. This course is everything I wish I had when I was starting out — a clear, step-by-step blueprint to help you stand out, pitch sponsors the right way, and grow your career in action sports. Let’s get into it.
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About Me
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Mindset
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Why Sponsorships Matter?
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How Companies Benefit from Sponsoring Athletes
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Different Types of Sponsorships Explained
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Building Your Personal Brand
In today’s action sports world, being a fast rider is only part of the equation — becoming a marketable athlete is what sets you apart. In this section, we’ll show you how to create a personal brand that makes companies want to work with you, even before you start winning races. You’ll learn how to shift from being “just a rider” to becoming a true ambassador — someone who shares a story, represents clear values, and brings real value to sponsors. We’ll cover how your mindset, attitude, and professionalism directly impact the opportunities you receive, and how to build a personal narrative that makes you an investable brand. We’ll dive into creating a solid social media strategy — from choosing the right platforms (like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok) to crafting engaging content that shows your lifestyle, progress, and personality. You don’t need a massive following to start, just the right approach and consistency. You’ll also learn how to build a sponsorship-ready portfolio, including: - A strong personal story - Social stats & achievements - An expense list and race calendar - A short “About Me” video to humanize your brand Plus, we’ll cover the power of networking — from events and practices to online groups and industry connections — and how mentorship and referrals can fast-track your growth. We’ll even show you how to approach sponsors professionally and authentically, so you’re building real relationships, not just asking for support.
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How to Become a Marketable Athlete
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Social Media Strategy for Sponsorships
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Creating a Professional Athlete Portfolio
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Networking & Industry Connections
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Finding the Right Sponsors
This section walks through how to start your sponsorship outreach by focusing on people already in your network—contacts in your phone, social media followers, and friends who might own businesses or offer referrals. Aim to list out 50 people you know. Most people underestimate how many connections they actually have. Once that foundation is laid, the next step is identifying brands that align with your values and audience. Use social media and Google to research companies, look into their mission statements, and find the story behind the founder. Brands that align with your message and lifestyle make for stronger, more natural partnerships. Social media gives you direct access to decision-makers—use platforms like Instagram to find and reach out to owners, especially those already working with athletes like you. Look at your competitors for inspiration and proof of concept. Finally, organize your outreach in a spreadsheet. Track who you contact, when, and if they responded. Most deals happen after a few follow-ups, not on the first try—so stay consistent and intentional.
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Finding the Right Sponsors
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The Art Of Pitching
In this section, we dive into how to confidently reach out to potential sponsors through cold emails, DMs, and in-person conversations. You'll learn simple messaging techniques that help you stand out—no need for flashy words, just clarity, confidence, and authenticity. We also cover how to approach brands at events without it feeling awkward or forced. The key? Connect over the sport first, then naturally transition into your story, goals, and how a partnership could benefit both sides. Finally, follow-up is where most deals are won. You'll learn how to follow up without being pushy, what to say, and how often to check in. Sponsors often don’t commit on the first message—but persistence shows you’re serious and professional.
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Cold Emailing & Messaging Techniques
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How to Approach Brands at Events
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Follow-Up Strategies That Work
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Delivering Value To Sponsors
Delivering value to sponsors is crucial for long-term partnerships. Start by creating content that highlights products you already use, showing loyalty and offering social proof to potential sponsors. Instead of pushing a sales pitch, focus on how the product has helped you. Use analytics to back up your content’s performance. Metrics like views and reach help prove your value. Even small numbers like 100 views can be impactful. To maintain engagement, check in with sponsors regularly—monthly updates on progress or goals work well. Consistent communication builds trust and can lead to bigger opportunities. When asking for more support, do it tactfully and with appreciation.
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Creating Content for Sponsors
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Maintaining Sponsorship Relationships
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The Sponsorship Blueprint for Motocross & Action Sports Athletes

Following up is part of the process—not a nuisance. Wait at least a week after initial contact, then follow up again at two weeks and a month if needed. If there’s no response after three tries, move on and revisit next season.

To keep the conversation alive with interested sponsors, send occasional updates every 4–6 weeks about your progress and goals. It builds trust and keeps you top of mind.

When it’s time to close the deal, ask directly. Don’t wait—most deals happen because you asked the right question: What would it take to make this happen? That’s how you uncover objections, address them, and turn interest into real sponsorship.

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