Ever since I was little, growing up with skaters and surfers alike, my friends always wanted to find ways to get noticed and obtain sponsorships in the hope of one day turning pro. I cant tell you the countless hours we stayed at the beach, went to every contest, hung out and the skate parks just to see if anyone would take notice. These days with all the social networks available, there is an endless amount of exposure you can get if you just know how to market yourself right. But if you are just putting yourself out there on YouTube, Myspace, Facebook or what not, how are you sure that the key people in the action sports industry will find you. Where can you go to meet people who can point you in the right direction in your quest to someday be a sponsored rider?

One site that I’ve been following and is seemingly still pretty new to many in the industry is the Loop’d Network. Formerly Sponsorhouse.com, the Loop’d network has set it self up as not only a platform for individuals to get in contact and interact with companies, but to join communities and make friends with others that have the same love for their sport and lifestyle. The have communities for a whole spectrum of action sports from skate to surf to snow and everything in between.

The site, which recently underwent a rebranding effort, really focuses on self-promotion so you can #1 get noticed and connected with participating brands who are constantly on the lookout for new team athletes. Oakley, Nike 6.0, Monster Energy, and Fox are just a few of the brands putting themselves in the mix. Loop’d has been so successful that many of these brands have been participating on the site for years. Some even have dedicated websites setup for their hosted communities on Loop’d. From a business perspective, it’s a fascinating model that’s a win-win for both the advertising brands and Loop’d. For brands, they can create their own branded micro communities that have instant access to tap into the larger targeted audience that makes up the Loop’d community.

The site not only is a place to gather with kindred spirits and brands, they encourage you to come back by hosting numerous contests and supporting their partnered brands by linking up to their online stores. And guess who I found on Loop’d’s Myspace page, 5ones’ very own Ruben ‘Studdard’ Najera.

FOX and Unite the United present Shot In the Pit, December 4th 2008 at the Fox Orange County Design Headquarters in Irvine, CA, from 6 – 10 pm. The event will feature the Feelings Mutual, Halos, and DJ Nathanetics. Food, drinks, and a good time will highlight this exhibit that features the photo styling of photographer Erin Caruso. The Shot In the Pit is a touring exhibition that features over 40 band photos from the Vans Warp Tour summer music festival. You will be able to bid on awesome items from the exhibit as well as other musical goodies, art casts, and much more all while knowing you are helping fight a good cause.

The Keep A Breast Foundation has partnered with Fox and Unite the United to present Shot In the Pit, a fundraising initiative through Keep A Breast’s Music For Awareness program combining art, photography, music, and philanthropy to bring more than awareness but hope to fighting breast cancer. Unite the United will also facilitate an online auction of images from the exhibition alongside music memorabilia and breast casts beginning November 26 – December 6th at www.kabmfa.org.

100% of the proceeds generated from the touring exhibition and the online auction will be donated to the our youth awareness and outreach efforts. You can also check out the online auctions at the EBAY store by clicking the link here: http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/unitetheunited_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ

Shot in the Pit is open to the public but you must RSVP! You can RSVP at www.kabmfa.org. The guest list closes at NOON on December 4th. See you there!

The Keep A Breast Foundation™ is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. The mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection and support. Through art events, educational programs and fundraising efforts, they seek to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices and develop habits that will benefit their long-term health and well-being.