So you’ve traded in the jersey and gym bag for… well, what exactly? If you’re an ex-athlete looking to bring that drive and hustle into a new arena, welcome to entrepreneurship – a sport that’s just as competitive but way less sweaty (usually).
Before you jump in, let’s talk strategy. Business is a bit like sports: there are different “positions” to play. Do you want to be the solo superstar? The team player? The power forward of passive income? Let’s break down some of the main business models to help you find the right fit, so you can go from scoring points to scoring profits.
1. The Solo Hustler: Freelancing & Consulting
Freelancing is like being the star athlete and the coach rolled into one. Got a skill – writing, marketing, fitness coaching? As a freelancer or consultant, you can turn that expertise into cash without a boss barking at you (and yes, you can finally make your own rules).
What It’s Like: Imagine running solo drills all day – you’re handling everything: finding clients, managing projects, even sending invoices. But every win? All yours. And if things go south, well, that’s all on you too. Freelancing is satisfying, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
Best For: Those who thrived as solo athletes or loved calling their own shots on the field.
Pro Tip: Start on platforms like Upwork or LinkedIn to get a few clients and build your business muscles.
2. The Assist Leader: Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is all about recommending other people’s products and earning a commission. Think of it like making the perfect assist – you don’t score directly, but you get the credit (and cash) for the setup.
What It’s Like: Picture yourself on the sidelines, pointing people toward the right gear or tools. You’re not dealing with any customer complaints or shipping mishaps, but you’re still in the game. It’s a slow burn – you’re not going to be a millionaire overnight, but if done right, it can bring in a solid passive income.
Best For: Athletes who always knew how to share the glory and liked being the playmaker.
Pro Tip: Stick to products you genuinely believe in. Nobody likes a teammate who’s just pushing products for a quick commission.
3. The Product Powerhouse: E-commerce
Got a genius product idea? E-commerce is about selling physical or digital goods online, whether it’s fitness gear, merch, or digital downloads. It’s like running your own pro shop – you’re creating products, handling logistics, and playing in the big leagues.
What It’s Like: You’re in charge of everything from product development to customer support. E-commerce can feel like a full-court press, but when it works, it’s like hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer – exhilarating. Just be ready for the grind; you’ve got to handle inventory, shipping, and occasionally some “fans” who aren’t shy about their opinions.
Best For: Those who loved creating and strategizing, and maybe always had a side hustle selling something on the team bus.
Pro Tip: Start small with a test batch to see if your product idea is a slam dunk before investing big.
4. The Coach’s Corner: Online Courses & Coaching
You know those coaching vibes from the locker room? Bring them to your own business! If you have knowledge in fitness, sports psychology, or even mindset training, you can package that into online courses or coaching services. Think of it as getting to be the head coach – but without the 6 AM practices.
What It’s Like: You’re calling the plays, motivating people, and teaching them how to succeed. Coaching can be incredibly fulfilling because you’re literally helping others reach their goals (and getting paid for it). Online courses let you take this further – you can create once and sell forever.
Best For: Those who thrived as team captains or loved mentoring rookies.
Pro Tip: Build a community around your knowledge first – that audience will be your first students and biggest fans.
5. The Content Creator MVP: Influencer & Social Media Creation
Time to bring that competitive edge to content! If you’re a natural in front of the camera (or just love sharing your story), becoming a content creator could be your next career play. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or even TikTok can be your new “field.”
What It’s Like: You’re the star, coach, and social media manager. It’s your job to entertain, educate, and inspire. Building a following takes time (and a little shameless self-promotion), but if you can connect with an audience, the rewards are big. Think sponsorships, affiliate deals, and maybe even your own merch line.
Best For: Athletes who love the spotlight, sharing stories, or have a personality that can keep an audience engaged.
Pro Tip: Be real. Fans connect with authenticity, so don’t just show the highlights – share the struggles too.
6. The Networker: Network Marketing
Network marketing is the business world’s version of a team sport. You’re selling a product and building a team of other sellers. It’s like coaching – but instead of winning games, you’re racking up sales and commissions.
What It’s Like: You’re recruiting, training, and motivating people to succeed. If you love teamwork and don’t mind putting yourself out there, network marketing can be lucrative. Just make sure you genuinely like the product, or it’ll feel like passing drills with no game in sight.
Best For: Those who loved team sports, the camaraderie, and being the motivator on the field.
Pro Tip: Find a product you can get excited about – passion is key in network marketing.
7. The Franchise Game: Franchising
Want the excitement of business but with a playbook already set? Franchising lets you buy into a successful brand and run your own branch of it. Think of it as joining a championship team – the hard part is done, but now it’s up to you to keep the legacy going.
What It’s Like: Franchising gives you the support of an established brand, but it also comes with a rulebook. You’ll have less freedom to innovate, but you’ll be working with a proven system, making it lower risk.
Best For: Ex-athletes who value structure and love being part of something bigger – and are willing to follow a playbook.
Pro Tip: Choose a franchise that aligns with your strengths and interests. Some franchises are heavy on customer interaction, while others are more behind-the-scenes.
8. The Techie Dream: SaaS (Software as a Service)
If you’ve got a knack for tech or spot an unfilled need in the market, creating a SaaS product could be your all-star move. SaaS involves developing software people subscribe to monthly – whether it’s an app for fitness, finance, or project management.
What It’s Like: Building SaaS is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re creating software, managing updates, and improving constantly. It’s a challenge, but when done right, it’s a massive win. You’ve got the potential for recurring revenue without constant selling.
Best For: Those who thrive on strategy, problem-solving, and long-term thinking.
Pro Tip: Start with a minimum viable product (MVP) to test demand before investing in full-scale development.
Choose Your Next Winning Play
Transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur is all about finding your next big passion project. Think of each business model as a different position on the team – pick the one that lets you play to your strengths. And remember, the path to success is all about experimenting, learning, and pivoting when necessary.
Reach out today and schedule a call with me—I’d love to chat about how we can turn your strengths into a winning strategy in business. Just like on the field, all it takes is the right game plan. Let’s get started!
