As an athlete, you're focused on how to better your performance, what you should be eating, and when the next race is going to be.
Have you ever taken a moment to think about what happens once you reach the elite level? How do you build a brand for yourself? How do you keep sponsors coming? It's an important aspect of being an elite triathlete, and yet it's rarely discussed.
Game Plan
It's expensive to be a pro triathlete. Before you launch your pro triathlete career, make a plan.
More: 5 Rules to Train and Race Like Pro
What equipment do you need and how much is it going to cost? How much will your travel arrangements cost? Make a budget of everything and create a plan to help finance your racing career.
Create a Following
Map out how you will brand your name to gain sponsorship. Brands have loyal fans and you'll want to begin building a public presence to attract your own supporters. Use social media, start a blog or build a website that documents your successes and training.
More: 10 Pro Athletes Who Have Done an Ironman
Potential sponsors want to see that you have some influence within the racing community. Building a public presence online will show them how many people will see their name. They're interested in numbers such as Twitter followers or Facebook friends.
Be active with your fans, listen to them, interact with them and people will follow you. A top five finish might get you noticed, but you'll generate a fan base by how you race. How you act before, during and after the race can be just as important as your finishing time.
More: When Should I Turn Pro?
