How to get SPONSORED by Red Bull
You might not know this, Red Bull hats are exclusively for their sponsored athletes and there is no exception. Let me share 5 years of my experience and how you can be sponsored by the most sought after brand in extreme sports.
I was hanging out with a local RedBull Manager watching their rowing event from a rooftop. After sitting and chatting for a while he said he “I want to play a video for you" and we went downstairs. Ryan Doyle, Red Bull sponsored Freerunner, appeared on a projector and said “welcome to the family”.
I was congratulated and handed my very first hat with the iconic two bulls. I couldn’t believe it and wore my new cap like a crown, that’s how proud I was. Since then, my life has changed and largely because of it, but that’s a different story.
I know lots of you share this dream I’m living now and I wanted to give you some insight on how to get there, so let’s jump right into it and get real practical.
What is Red Bull looking for?
You probably know what you want RedBull to do FOR YOU, but do you know what you want to do FOR THEM? Think about what can you do for RedBull that nobody else can do better and why would they be interested in it? Below are some key points they look for in every athlete.
1. A Leader in their sport
Being an INTERNATIONAL leader in your sport is ESSENTIAL to being considered a candidate.
Doing the hardest tricks is one way you can do this, but just ONE way. I want you to know, I was never doing the most difficult or craziest tricks, but I managed to lead with style and creativity. Look at what makes you special and become a leader in that.
RedBull doesn’t need another Jason Paul or Travis Pastrana, they already have us. So instead of following our steps, you need to find your unique style and become a leader to others.
2. At the beginning of their career
I’m not sure how essential this is, but Red Bull gravitates towards younger talent. Instead of simply supporting the already established and successful dogs, they like the idea of finding young talent and supporting them towards the peak of their career.
3. The right personality
All the skill and talent in the world won’t get you anywhere, if you’re a dick. You’ll be representing their brand to the world, so being a standup dude with the right values in place is key.
Be able to represent yourself to others in person and on camera. The skill of talking to the camera or a reporter is important and speaking english is helpful. Of course, you don’t have to be perfect right from the start, they are there to help you grow and learn.
4. Drinks Red Bull
No brainer, if you don’t enjoy drinking Red Bull there’s really no point.
So how do I get their attention?
So you fit the profile and the only problem is that RedBull doesn’t know about your qualities, yet? They try their best to keep an eye on sports, send people to local contests and watch their communities, but of course there are ways to stand out from the crowd. Here is how and remember, nobody said it will be easy.
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Social Media is more and more important in today’s marketing world. If you have a solid following on social platforms, it’s proof that people have interest in you, your relevancy and how you can carry a brand to the world.
You can show what content you produce on your own term which is super-valuable to them. Don’t even think about buying followers or any tricks, build a real audience that cares about what you do, Red Bull knows their shit.
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Contests are the obvious way to prove your skill and dedication. Luckily, RedBull hosts their very own Art of Motion and winning one of these is a pretty safe bet that they will notice you. The proof is in the pudding, I believe winning the Art of Motion was substantial to my, Ryan Doyle’s and Dimitris Kyrsanidis’ sponsorship.
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The Athlete Manager is the guy or girl looking after the athlete’s in their country. They are ultimately who you want to be talking to, because they can propose a new athlete international RedBull.
Who they are isn’t always obvious, so get creative. I was lucky enough to be working with a manager who had another athlete signed to them and that’s how we started talking.
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Community Projects are a great way to reach out to Red Bull. Are you organising or involved in a local event or jam? Reach out to your closest Red Bull office and find out if there’s a way to collaborate.
Usually getting some Wings Girls to visit with their Mini and give out free cans is achievable and can be a great first step to building a relationship.
- Be Creative there are a million other ways to do this and putting in effort for something special will be noticed.
Red Bull doesn’t fuck on the first date
So you are actually talking to Red Bull and think you have a good chance? My last advice is to romance a girl and take it step by step. You are going for a long-term relationship here and not a One-Night-Stand.
It can take months or years, before Red Bull moves from collaborating with an athlete on to sponsorship. Above all Red Bull cares about making cool content and experiences happen, find out how you can be a part of that and things will take it’s course naturally.
They take great care of you and the opportunities are endless once you’re in, so it’s worth it. Of course, this is just my personal insight and I’m in no way speaking for RedBull.
If anything I said above makes you feel like this goal is out of reach for you: Remember, there’s always an exception to the rule! Good Luck!
If anything I said above makes you feel like this goal is out of reach for you: Remember, there’s always an exception to the rule! Good Luck!
Comments
Teresa - April 23 2018
I would like to talk to the person in the athletic manager position please. I have tryed to touch base many times with no response back. I was contacted last week thou email stating red bull wanted to look at my son that the seen I sent an email awhile back and they were sorry they didn’t get to me sooner. They asked for info and video of my son including red bull in video so we did this . My son is so excited and proud I haven’t had the heart to say anything yet. This guy that said he works for red bull asked a lot of questions. I Have all emails coresponding with him and would like to speak to someone at red bull about this please thank you
Ritchie Lewis - April 10 2018
I’m BIG fan of Red Bull I’m a mover in Colorado Springs Colorado and i know the real meaning of vitalize body and mind on a good day i can drink up to 120 oz’s in one day that just what I have tried but I am wanting to see if I could get sponcored by Red Bull©
Thanks for your time
Ritchie Lewis - April 10 2018
I’m BIG fan of Red Bull I’m a mover in Colorado Springs Colorado and i know the real meaning of vitalize body and mind on a good day i can drink up to 120 oz’s in one day that just what I have tried but I am wanting to see if I could get sponcored by Red Bull©
Thanks for time
Daryll noche - March 29 2018
I would like to sponsor the redbull stuff even im not stronger enought to win the competition im always wearning redbull stuff in short im obsces wearing redbull products hope to plug in soon
Reggie - March 21 2018
Hope all is well with you My name is Reggie Gebhuza from Mosselbay KwaNonqaba Western cape . Am from Bayethe Cycling Academy None Profit Company Reg 2018/098985/08 income tax Ref Number am the Club Administrator we currently asking help for sponsorship anything we will appreciate.even old kit for our organization will be much more appreciated . or second hand bikes .we want to make change in the entire communities and the world .our generation youth is involved in drugs and abuse have nothing to do educating youth and expanding into cycling is such a great initiative.changing lives through diabetes and cancer and alcohol abuse
we will appriciate anything to to marking in redbull cycling kit branding redbull and bicycle and helmets .we running a development project in our community
We looking forward for you positive feedback
Raju dhar - January 28 2018
Most humbly sir,we are going to organise our annual techno cultural fest “ABEYAANTRIX’18”… where we will be conducting lots of events….so sir we want you to sponsor our event “JOGA BONITO” which is a 5 on 5 football tournament…..since about 40000 students will gathering from all over the north east…. So sir it would be a perfect stage for the players and your company..
viveksurwase - January 13 2018
we need sponsorship for our techfest in pune.
Anubhuti Tewatia - December 22 2017
I am a representative of Debating Society of GARGI COLLEGE (QED) DU. We are organising a Parliamentary debating tournament name WAX in January 2018. This is one of the most prestigious tournament of du which happens every year. So we would be glad if you like to sponsor this tournament and would be very happy if we can help you in any way you want eg. Marketing your product .
Nimrod kipkorir - December 22 2017
I’m an athlete from Kenya running 3km and 5km I will really like to take red bull to a next step in Kenya .I really love red bull and given a chance I will be able to tell people in my home country about red bull because most of our people think red bull is a alcoholic drink because it mostly being sold in the wines and spirit shops . I will wish to educate them and doing this I think this will push the market of red bull high
James - November 21 2017
I m international player and coach as well so I organiza international championship of all sports in other other countries and I need ur name only
Faisal hanafi - November 16 2017
Nama sy Faisal hanafi, usia 37th, saya telah bergabung di club motor byson selama 3th, saya sangat suka dg redbull sampai" di tangki motor saya bikin cuttingan redbull, saya ingin d sponsori oleh redbull untuk memudahkan saya setiap ada acara touring. (Ig, faisalhanafi81), satu kehormatan besar buat saya apabila redbull mau menjadi sponsor tinggal saya.
Ryan Fleck - November 15 2017
Hi I’m ryan Fleck. I have been riding/racing enduro dirtbike races for about 7-8 years now. I am 13 and I love Red Bull. I really want a sponsorship bad. I am just obsessed with all the Red Bull athletes. Like just how god they look and everything. I race the novice class right now for hare scrambles and enduros. I normally finish top 10 and on a good day up there in the top 5 and a bad day could be down to 15th. But I jus let idolize all Red Bull athletes and just can’t wait for you guys to respond. I am from omaha Nebraska and think this would just be so cool and such an experience to have the opportunity to be sponsored by such a big brand. Can’t wait for u guys to respond