4 Ways To Break Into Sports by Adding Value

Ryan,
Thanks for your comment. I agree, it is highly unlikely you will be a top VP in the sports industry without any experience. This is true, of course, with any industry. You need experience, or you need to be able to show that you have done something to back up the position. Good points!
Rick,
Thanks for your comment as well. Image is always and important thing to consider when you are trying to leave a good impression on employers, etc. I sometimes feel inspired to shoot videos randomly throughout the day and sometimes I am not always "dressed the part". Content, for me, matters more than the shirt I am wearing... and for most people they make a lot of excuses about something, and are unable to get things done. I could have made the excuse "I'm not dressed the part to do this video right now" and wasted an opportunity for me to share my content.
Imperfect action that gets things done, is better than waiting for things to be perfect to get them done... because things will never be "perfect". I'll be sure to try and dress better next time though. Thanks for the comment!

Another thing Lewis is that if you expect to break into the industry as a top seller or as a VP it isn't going to happen.
Look for opportunities in your area that you can give back and get some real world experience. Your sports business degree isn't worth jack unless you have experience to back it up.
Find a minor league soccer club, or volunteer for a semipro baseball or football team. You never know when you can network with some great people at these organizations and make a huge impact.

Two other things to add to your list that will help people tremendously: 1) When you interview with an organization, follow up with a hand-written thank you. You'll be amazed at how much you stand out from the pack and are appreciated when you take time to write on a piece of nice paper, address and mail a note. 2) Affiliate with professional organizations. Groups such as CoSIDA, NACMA and others have valuable job banks and allow you to communicate with its members. They will know more about what's going on in the industry than most anyone.

Ryan,

Thanks for your comment. I agree, it is highly unlikely you will be a top VP in the sports industry without any experience. This is true, of course, with any industry. You need experience, or you need to be able to show that you have done something to back up the position. Good points!

Rick,

Thanks for your comment as well. Image is always and important thing to consider when you are trying to leave a good impression on employers, etc. I sometimes feel inspired to shoot videos randomly throughout the day and sometimes I am not always "dressed the part". Content, for me, matters more than the shirt I am wearing... and for most people they make a lot of excuses about something, and are unable to get things done. I could have made the excuse "I'm not dressed the part to do this video right now" and wasted an opportunity for me to share my content.

Imperfect action that gets things done, is better than waiting for things to be perfect to get them done... because things will never be "perfect". I'll be sure to try and dress better next time though. Thanks for the comment!

Always helpful suggestions, Lewis. Here's one for you: dress the part. You've been doing big things and I've been watching you grow as a sports networking expert. T-shirts make you look like a college student. I'm not saying you need to wear a suit & tie, but you should look more like a respected professional. Wear a SportsNetworker.com polo shirt in your video clips to help grow your brand. Wear a button down shirt. Look like a professional who takes his work serious and watch your credibility grow.

Another thing Lewis is that if you expect to break into the industry as a top seller or as a VP it isn't going to happen.

Look for opportunities in your area that you can give back and get some real world experience. Your sports business degree isn't worth jack unless you have experience to back it up.

Find a minor league soccer club, or volunteer for a semipro baseball or football team. You never know when you can network with some great people at these organizations and make a huge impact.

Paula, as the powerful brand Nike would say... "Just Do It"

The more you do it in a genuine manner, and actually do it without anyone's permission... it will only put you in a good light with that individual.

good points Steve... thanks!

Ill start doing this asap, starting with the thank you letters.

Lewis,

What is the proper etiquette for recommending people on LinkedIn? Do you ask if the person would like a recommendation, do you let them know you are recommending them, or do you just do it?

Thanks.

I would add to move from the A to A+ player you must transmute to right-brain thinkers in whatever front or back of house operations you decide to focus on in the world of sports and venues to produce added value. Make sure you are a team player who can form the functional areas into silos of collaboration. Moreover, the critical success factor is the u00e2u0080u009cpeople, process, technologyu00e2u0080u009d sequence, if you get them out of order you will not succeed. The sports & venue business is now in the media, content business, data is king, and those with the best data (competitive intelligence, disruptive ideas, i.e.) will win.