The beauty of receiving an NIL deal is that it doesn't have to take up too much time. A lot of people think that having an NIL deal is insanely time-consuming but it actually could be a pretty quick job. Of course, NIL can also be time consuming which then makes it a struggle to juggle everything around. Here's how to make the most of your NIL deal and balance your brand with your other obligations as a college athlete.

Related: Two Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed By a Shady NIL Deal

Consider the Job Description

Make sure you know what you're signing up for with a NIL deal. When you look at a job as an influencer, for example, the time commitment will vary for different people. It could be as simple as posting something on TikTok or it could be a photoshoot for a company that you're involved in. Others may involve in-person photoshoots, autograph sessions, and more. School should be the priority for college athletes, so remember before signing a deal, that you need to find time to squeeze in this extra work. Consider the time commitment involved and other factors (e.g. Do you need to travel? Are you getting enough in return for your time?).

Keep Your Time Organized

You have a lot going on as a college athlete, so staying on top of your plans is key when adding NIL into the mix. The best way to do this is scheduling everything out on an app. Microsoft Excel is one of the best ways to do it efficiently but there are many apps or just the Calendar App on your phone where you can do it. 

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Now anyone can make a schedule, but not everyone will follow it, so don't let yourself be sidetracked by other events or else the whole point of the schedule is meaningless. When you plan your week, you should try and do the hardest tasks (like homework) first. Obligations like practice and competitions should also be prioritized before NIL or even social plans that can give you a much-needed break from your daily grind. A little prep work here can save you a lot of stress, and over time, you'll develop a system where you have time for school, sports, and your NIL deals built into your weekly schedule.

NIL is great, so don't let it overwhelm you. Be sure that you have the time and bandwidth for your NIL pursuits and remember: school comes first!

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* Originally published on September 27, 2022, by Chris Russo