The ABC’s of Asking for Referrals

by Frank Agin | July 13th, 2010 | View Comments

There was once a member in a Chapter who sold computer equipment. Just before joining the organization, he had sold dozens of computers to a local school system. Apparently, the state legislature had earmarked a billion dollars for school systems to upgrade their computer equipment and this particular member had come across an opportunity to tap into a small piece of these allocated funds.

After joining, this individual was eager to use the contacts in the organization to identify more school systems that he could sell upgraded computers. As these opportunities represented major transactions for him, each week he focused his infomercials on seeking contacts and inroads into local school systems.

Although articulately said, nothing came from his requests. The problem was that no one had legitimate contacts into school systems (partially because most Chapter members did not have school-aged children). After a year of trying, the member stood at the Chapter meeting when it was his time to speak and proceeded to resign his membership, stating that he had just not gotten any referrals.

Share

How to Land a Sports Internship

by Matt Clark | June 22nd, 2010 | View Comments

The year is 2010 and the economy is not only a burden for those searching for jobs but also those searching for internships. The process of finding an internship has never been considered easy, but currently it is unbelievable the amount of people fighting for work experience and those normally of which go unpaid.

Over the past 10 years the target audience of prospective interns has seen a dramatic shift. Interns used to predominantly consist of college students, normally juniors or seniors, who either through the design of their college program or through there own good will, were looking to gain experience in their field before taking off for the work force. Surely that same concept still holds true with collegiate students, but now not only are they competing against one another, but it is not uncommon for a slightly older generation to be competing against them as well. With the unemployment rate in the United States currently at staggering heights, whether a college student or a college student’s parents, everyone is looking for a way to get his or her foot in the door.

Share

In the Trenches: Building Your Network

by Lewis Howes | February 15th, 2010 | View Comments

(This is a guest article by Cabe Flesher)

As the old saying goes, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and this can’t ring more true than in the wide world of sports, specifically sponsorships sales. We are out there everyday trying to get in the door somehow and we have all heard the phrase, “Oh, I know someone I can call or email”.

Well, speaking from the trenches, it’s best to build on that network as much as possible. Networking now isn’t always about hitting the latest local networking event, which we all know is filled with the same sales people trying to sell each other and vying for the for real buyers in the room. It’s more about reaching out to our peers on a national level trying to develop a bond there that will someday pay off. Let’s face it we got into sponsorships because we want to get paid. So however you can achieve that should be your goal.

Share

10 Ways to Land Jobs at Sports Conferences

by Lewis Howes | February 10th, 2010 | View Comments

SportsBusiness 03 (This is a guest article by Jason Kobeda)

The ability to network has become an essential skill for those seeking employment in the sports industry. When I began pursuing a career in the NFL, I quickly learned how much competition there was. I traveled to the Senior Bowl week of practices and NFL Combine, where NFL personnel congregate during the off-season to evaluate talent. This presented rare opportunities to meet key people and I returned the following three years while completing my degree.

These are a few methods I used to put myself in the same room with the NFL personnel who had the power to hire me. These tips relate to football events, but are transferable to other sports business conference, MLB Winter Meetings, NBA Combine, etc.

1. Write introductory letters: Anytime you know you’re going to see someone that’s important to your career search, always write them a letter beforehand telling them what you want to do and that you’re hoping to meet them at the event. It is then much easier and more effective to approach that person and say, “Mr./Mrs. —-, my name is Jason Kobeda, it’s nice to meet you. I’m not sure if you got my letter last week, but may I have a minute of your time to discuss potential internships in your department?”

Share

Networking at the Ballpark

by Lewis Howes | February 1st, 2010 | View Comments

Werner Kunz (This is a guest article by Chris Rufle)

Putting on a networking event at your venue can be beneficial for you in a few different ways. It can give you the opportunity to sell a weak night, draw in new quality leads, and help other business executives further their businesses all at the same time. As long as you follow a few steps to make sure you plan your event properly it can be a success.

First, pick a night. Since people are primarily coming for the networking event instead of the game, you have the opportunity to pick the date you prefer. This gives you the ability to take one of your weaker nights and sell it while hosting a successful group outing with great potential for future leads.

Share

Find a Job in Sports: Be Your Own PR Agent

by Gail Sideman | January 26th, 2010 | View Comments

a natural sound I’ve decided to take a detour from writing about current issues and events surrounding sports public relations to provide some simple tips to young people entering the business.

I recently read a query from a college-age man who is set to graduate this spring. He asked for advice from the panel about how to get a job in sports the sports industry. I asked myself, “What took you so long to ask?”

My post today is an effort to help people who are preparing for this stage of education not have to ask that question. You’re read it right – as a second-semester senior in college, you will hopefully not have to ask how to break into your field of choice because you’ll have already done your research, laid a foundation for your own brand and even completed an internship or two. In essence, you must create your own public relations campaign and pitch yourself.

Share

Create Your Own Sports Networking Event (Plus London Recap)

by Lewis Howes | January 20th, 2010 | View Comments

Last night I hosted the first ever Sports Networker event in London along with my good friends over at iStadia. It was a big success with nearly 200 top sports professionals in the area who attended (along with two world record holding athletes… see images below).

It was fun for me to throw an event over seas, seeing that I hosted close to 20 events in the U.S. last year. I was amazed when a few people told me it was the best networking event they had ever been to (they must not go to many networking events in London

The venue was extremely nice, but too small, and nearly impossible to find since there was no sign on the door and it was down a dark alley. There was a major traffic jam in the doorway as people were trying to find their name tags and head on in. And we were unable to make any announcements, as previously planned, due to the loudness of the venue and no mic to communicate with.

I guess my point is, you don’t have to have everything perfect to create an event where people find massive value in. As long as you bring quality people together, and help them make positive connections, then you have done a good job. I doubt there has been one event produced where everything went as planned.

Make sure you start bringing people together locally, nationally, or globally. We already do this online through our various blogs, and social networking sites, but let’s get more personal, intimate, and build stronger relationships by connecting face to face. What do you say? Watch my video below where I share more on this topic, and I would love to hear your thoughts about throwing events in the comments section.

Here are some images from the London Sports Networker Event. Thanks again to Eight Club, and David Fuller for giving us the venue. And thanks to our sponsor Tim Gentles from Brands in Football and Football Fans Census for helping make it an even greater event! Here are some pictures from London.

Share

Create a Presence: The Influence of LinkedIn Groups

by Tyler Johnson | December 17th, 2009 | View Comments

Last May I was kicking back with Lewis Howes at a Chicago Cubs game, not knowing in two weeks time I would be doing the same thing with another colleague, Jude LaRose. Still digesting the LinkedIn knowledge Lewis dropped on me, Jude and I ended up not paying much attention to the play on the field and instead spent most of the time hatching a plan.

In working with LinkedIn, I have started to see the value in being a part of different groups and organizations that can benefit my career. With a desire to become more actively involved, we decided to start a group in Chicago for sports professionals working in the area.

Share

Sports Networker Event: London

by Lewis Howes | December 14th, 2009 | View Comments

: Sports Networker Summit NYC

Sports Networker is taking their next networking event to the international level. Sports Networker and iStadia are co-hosting a sports networking event Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at the Eight Club in London. This event is not only open to sports professionals but it is free to attend.

iStadia is the global community for those in professional sport and exercise to network, promote themselves and develop business. Organized locally on a global basis, iStadia brings together athletes (beginners to elite), coaches, sport scientists, academics and businesses involved in sport and exercise. Also creating new opportunities for referrals, jobs, projects, business development, access to expert support or advice, research and shared learning.

istadia

This event will be a great opportunity to meet new people in the sports industry face to face. The evening will be mainly informal with one or two assisted networking activities.

There will be more announcements to come regarding the program, so check back for updates. It is free to attend this networking event, but you must pre register on the LinkedIn event link here to attend. We look forward to seeing you January 19th at the Eight Club!

Share

How to Network at a Sports Symposium

by Darren Heitner | December 1st, 2009 | View Comments

darren 02 We are about to enter Sports Symposium season. This Friday is the granddaddy of them all: The Princeton Sports Symposium. Amongst the panelists are former Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox general manager Roland Hemond, Sports Illustrated senior writer Tom Verducci, President of Ponturo Management and chairman of the Leverage Agency sports marketing firm Tony Ponturo, IMG agency’s executive vice president of sports programming Barry Frank, etc.

Other fantastic symposiums that are right around the corner include the UF Sports Law Symposium on January 29, 2010 and the University of Miami’s 13th Annual Entertainment and Sports Law Symposium on February 5, 2010. Travel costs in this economy are not always easy to justify, but these events are some of the best places to learn about the business of sports. They are also the premier spots to network with the sports industry’s leaders.

Share