#3 Get into the Food Industry

Author

Grant Sapkin
September 29, 2024

Welcome to the 3rd edition of The NIL Athlete.

We’re getting into the food industry!

Four Iowa State players, Audi Crooks, Kelsey Joens, Addy Brown, and Alisa Williams, have signed an NIL deal with the Iowa Pork Producers Association. This partnership will see them promoting pork, a product with personal connections for several players.

Audi Crooks, an All-American last season and the first freshman to earn that honor in Iowa State women's history, received the IPPA Top Producer Award during her high school career.

Meanwhile, Kelsey Joens grew up working at her family's restaurant, Joensy's, known for its pork tenderloin.

Even more commendable is that each player has chosen a food bank or pantry to receive a $1,000 donation from IPPA as part of the deal.

How can you land a deal with IPPA?

  1. IPPA has a very active Instagram account. Before approaching the company, start posting food content to build credibility and an audience in this industry.

  2. Examples of content to post -

    • Share your favorite nutritional snacks and how they support your sport.

    • Create a "day in the life" video showcasing what you eat as an athlete.

    • Promote your favorite campus restaurants.

    • If videos aren't your style, consider starting a blog or newsletter in the food industry.

  3. After posting content consistently for 30 days, follow IPPA and send a DM - “Hey IPPA team, my name is {FIRST NAME}, and I play {SPORT} at {SCHOOL}. With my passion for the food industry, I’d love to find a way to collaborate on a partnership that will drive more exposure to your association. Look at some of these food content examples I’ve created.”

    {link 2 of your highest performing posts below}

  4. As a student-athlete outside of Iowa, you can still secure a deal with IPPA by showcasing content you've created related to the industry.

  5. Here are 5 other food brands you can use this strategy to land a NIL deal.

If it’s a food brand you are already a fan of, start posting free content promoting their products and tagging the company.

The more contextual content you post, the more the right people will start to pay attention, bringing you one step closer to landing the deal.

See how simple, yet effective this strategy is? Time to go out and execute!

Cheers to your success,

GS