April 2011

Shooting a Good Sports Image for Social Media

by |April 29th, 2011

One of the biggest problems I faced when working with corporate clients in media was convincing them of the importance of using only quality photographs to help convey their brand correctly.

I can never understand why businesses and sports persons will spend thousands on ‘flash websites’ but never invest a few hundred dollars in a quality media portfolio that can be used time and time again. Professional athletes often use amateur photos in social media. This is also the case for those who are not yet earning money in their sport but seeking to become professional.

So this article is for all of you sports execs or athletes who need to upgrade! Your brand and business have to be in alignment and this includes everything in your media portfolio, in particular social media photographs which are becoming more and more important also. Everything should be considered part of your overall brand alignment even if you don’t consider your social media accounts to be as ‘official’ as your website. [click to continue…]

About Claire Kelly

Claire Kelly is a freelance writer, communications consultant and Australian beach volleyball player based on the Gold Coast, Australia. Experienced in social media marketing, conducting interviews, ghostwriting, editing, generating publicity and photography, Claire is passionate about about helping athletes and businesses grow through the power of the media and the internet. Follow Claire on Twitter @clairelkelly

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Self-Care for Busy Sports Professionals: 5 Tips to Increase Efficiency

by |April 28th, 2011

Whether we choose to call ourselves entrepreneurs or self-employed sports professionals, we all need to maximize our efficiency, increase our daily energy, and care for ourselves on several levels. The 5 tips below will propel you forward toward a healthier vocational life.

1. Think Nutritional Plan, NOT Diet

A diet is associated with deprivation. A nutritional plan is choosing the right foods so your body and mind can operate at maximum efficiency. As a sports professional, you have freedom to plan your weekly meals much in the same way you started your own business. You didn’t go into business haphazardly; you proactively planned, you purchased the right equipment, and you had a vision of what you wanted your business to become. [click to continue…]

About Michelle Hill

Michelle Hill, the Strong Copy Quarterback for Winning Proof, is a sports and fitness copywriter. My mission is to help pro athletes, coaches, and sports agents increase their success score in their entrepreneurial endeavors with my writing expertise and creative turn of mind.I write website content, client letters, media pitch letters, sponsorship proposals, and brochures for sports-related companies. www.winningproof.com

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Infographic -The Economic Impact of the NFL Lockout

by |April 27th, 2011

As the labor dispute between the NFL and the players’ union continue to press on, many fear the impact the lockout will have  not only on the future on the NFL, but on the small business and cities that rely on NFL-related revenues.  Here’s a breakdown of the economics of the NFL lockout.  What are your thoughts?

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If you want to stay more up to date on the NFL Lockout talks, make sure to head over to Darren Rovell’s Sports Business Blog to learn more. This Infographic was originally posted on Focus.com and was created by our good friends at Column Five Media.

About Lewis Howes

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Tapping into Team Supporters Outside Your Zip Code: Role of Social and Digital Media

by |April 26th, 2011

Professional sport teams each have fans that not only live in within arena zip code, but there are others who live in other states and even in other countries.  Many of these fans have never been able to be communicated with by their favorite team…until now.  The next question is not, “Why should I care,” but instead, “How can I capitalize on this market for additional revenue for our sports franchise?”

On the surface this photo above looks like a pretty typical fan at a baseball game holding up a baseball. Average photo except this is a picture of my brother wearing an Atlanta Braves jersey, at a Los Angeles Dodgers home game with a ball tossed to him by the Braves first baseman, Freddie Freeman. (click the link to be sure to follow Freeman on Twitter) [click to continue…]

About Kristen Sonsma

Kristen Sonsma has spent most of her sports career in ticket sales with experience in the AFL, MLS, and NHL. Connect with her on LinkedIn or on Twitter

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2 Things You Must Do to Break Into Sports

by |April 25th, 2011

Some people get overwhelmed — even frustrated — when they wrestle with the concept of breaking into sports. That’s understandable. After all, sports is one of the most difficult industries to break into. And to make things worse, there’s not a guidebook that shows you how to do it.

Well, I’ve got some good news. This coming fall I’ll be releasing the world’s first book that will show you step-by-step how to land your first job in sports. You can find it here: www.sportslaunch.net

But this post isn’t about my upcoming book. This post is about simplifying the sports career launching process — in your head. [click to continue…]

About Chris McKinney

Chris McKinney is the president of SPORTS LAUNCH™, a career services firm dedicated to helping college students and career-changers launch sports careers. Chris' new book, How to Land Your First Job in Sports: 7 Simple Steps can be found on www.SportsLaunch.net.

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Why Every Sports Team Needs a Mobile App Today

by |April 21st, 2011

It’s no secret that mobile is taking over.

My only question is why are sports teams and leagues waiting around in order to miss the boat?  Some sports teams are starting to use mobile marketing and are getting great results, but a lot of teams just don’t understand the value… yet.

This video is a great representation of how artists and their fans are connecting via mobile, and it is exactly the same way sports teams, leagues, and pro athletes should be connecting to their fans as well.

Let’s go over some important mobile statistics:

  • There are over 5 billion mobile phone users in the world.
  • More than 450 million Smartphones will ship in 2011
  • By 2013 more people will access the Internet from a mobile phone than a computer.
  • By 2014 7 billion devices will be connected to the Internet.
  • The Smartphone market will grow 4x faster than overall mobile market.

Enter Mobile Roadie  [click to continue…]

About Lewis Howes

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Why I’m the Best Boss I’ve Ever Had: A Checklist for Employers

by |April 21st, 2011

Whether you work in sports or in the corporate world of widgets, there are usually employees to hire, fire, and manage along the way. In my former life as an employee, I learned some valuable lessons on employee management.

Treat employees like grown-ups. Yes, even if we act like kids sometimes. We don’t want our dignity insulted. We don’t want our every move monitored or recorded. We are adults and deserve to be treated as such.

Allow a high level of personal accountability. Absolutely, positively, DON’T micro-manage us. We understand the need for a certain amount of accountability. After all, you are our employer and you have responsibilities to your Board of Directors or shareholders.

Micro-managing drives everyone crazy. [click to continue…]

About Michelle Hill

Michelle Hill, the Strong Copy Quarterback for Winning Proof, is a sports and fitness copywriter. My mission is to help pro athletes, coaches, and sports agents increase their success score in their entrepreneurial endeavors with my writing expertise and creative turn of mind.I write website content, client letters, media pitch letters, sponsorship proposals, and brochures for sports-related companies. www.winningproof.com

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Is 3D Technology Here to Stay in Sports Broadcasting?

by |April 19th, 2011

Two recent announcements would suggest that 3D technology in sports broadcasting is here to stay.

Last week, rugby union, which stages its seventh World Cup in just over 140 days’ time, appointed 3DLive as Official 3D Broadcaster for the New Zealand tournament. The Auckland-based company will deliver a live 3D feed of the Rugby World Cup 2011 Semi-Finals, Bronze Final and Final.

In March, The All England Lawn Tennis Club announced a 3D deal with Sony. For this year’s Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament, the Mens’ Singles Semi Finals, the Mens’ Singles Finals and the Ladies’ Singles Finals will all be screened in High Definition 3D, from a BBC feed, at hundreds of cinemas around the world.

The use of 3D technology in sports broadcasting is relatively new. [click to continue…]

About Chris Conway

Chris is a strategic programs analyst at the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) focusing on, amongst other things, sponsorship research, analytics and acquisition. He holds a MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Business (AGSM). Chris took part in the school’s exchange program by completing a semester at Stern business school, NYU where he studied sports marketing and sports economics. Connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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The Best Part of Pursuing a Sports Career: Freedom to Choose

by |April 18th, 2011

The best part of pursuing a career in sports is the freedom to choose. You don’t have to be stuck selling tickets, if that’s not your thing. Instead, pursue your passion!

The Sports Industry is Monstrous

The sports industry is so enormous that nearly every profession is represented.

You can be a Doctor, a Lawyer, a Writer, an Architect, an Accountant, a Financial Advisor, a Broadcaster, a Fashion Designer, a Sneaker Designer, a Graphic Designer, an Event Producer, a TV Producer, a Filmmaker, a Photographer, a Chef, a Nutritionist, a Fitness Trainer, a Web Master, an IT Professional, a Marketer, a Manager, a Brand Manager, a General Manager, an Advertising Executive, a PR Professional, a Personal Assistant, an Agent, a Salesman and of course, an Entrepreneur.

As you can see, the list of professions in the sports industry runs the gamut. [click to continue…]

About Chris McKinney

Chris McKinney is the president of SPORTS LAUNCH™, a career services firm dedicated to helping college students and career-changers launch sports careers. Chris' new book, How to Land Your First Job in Sports: 7 Simple Steps can be found on www.SportsLaunch.net.

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Interview With Katrina Chambers, Founder of Tomboi, a Magazine for Women Who Love Sports

by |April 15th, 2011

 

Every once in awhile, I come across a sports resource so innovative and dynamic, I just have to share it with the sportsnetworker readers. Katrina was referred to me by Jacinta Fisher, wife of retired NFL linebacker Levar Fisher, and when I saw Katrina’s website, Tomboi, I had to let you know about it.

 

Katrina was gracious enough to allow me to interview her on short notice and you will definitely be the benefactor of our conversation.

 

Michelle: What inspired you to start a sports website exclusively for women? 

 

Katrina: All my life I have been involved in sports, both as an athlete and as a spectator.  It’s something I’m very passionate about.  And, as I thought about my close circle of girl friends, I realized that some of the best times we’ve had have involved sports – Superbowl parties, little league games, NBA All Star Weekend(s) and the list goes on.  I knew there were more women like us and as I looked for the group(s) online, I didn’t find them.  I only found sites about women who played sports…nothing for the spectator.  Nothing for my 72-year old grandmother who’s been a NASCAR fan for decades.  Nothing for my next door neighbor who’s been a fan of Texas A&M football since she graduated from there almost 20 years ago – and I knew there were more…that was my inspiration! [click to continue…]

About Michelle Hill

Michelle Hill, the Strong Copy Quarterback for Winning Proof, is a sports and fitness copywriter. My mission is to help pro athletes, coaches, and sports agents increase their success score in their entrepreneurial endeavors with my writing expertise and creative turn of mind.I write website content, client letters, media pitch letters, sponsorship proposals, and brochures for sports-related companies. www.winningproof.com

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