Are you looking for a new innovative way to bring qualified account representatives to your sport? Are you interested in breaking into the MLS? Do you want to work in soccer (futbol), but have been told you don’t have enough ‘sales’ experience?
The sports ticket sales landscape in the MLS is currently in an evolution, and Bryant is right in the middle of it. If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Bryant Pfeiffer, you know that he is a talented resource in the MLS Club Services department with years of sport sales experience.
The MLS started their own National Sales Center to help train those who have a specific interest in breaking into the sport industry through the MLS. I had to reach out to Bryant to find out more.
Kristen: So to make sure we get this correct, what is your exact role and responsibility with the MLS National Sales Center?
Bryant: My primary role involved developing the business plan and selling it in internally at MLS.
Fortunately, Don Garber (MLS Commissioner) is a very forward thinking person and embraced the concept immediately. From there, it was taking the project from ideation to development. We set a goal of launching 30 days after we received the approval and funding from MLS so it was a mad scramble.
We were fortunate to hire a talented individual named Brett Zalaski who does most of the day to day heavy lifting as head recruiter, trainer, coach and placement officer. I travel heavily with my regular responsibilities with MLS Club Services so am not in the NSC every day, but try to have a regular presence as my schedule allows adding to the curriculum, support Brett and the students.
Kristen: Let’s get right to it! Most sport organizations create their own entry level opportunities for sales representatives. What is the vision behind the MLS National Sales Center? Why start your own sales training center?
Bryant: At its core it is a talent development program. The goal is to accelerate trainee’s learning curves in ticket sales so that when they are hired by a MLS club, they can hit the ground running and make a much quicker impact to the club’s bottom line, and their own pocketbook. [click to continue…]
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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The Top 5 Sports Commentary Moments
by Thomas van Schaik|February 7th, 2011
A week ago, a British sports commentator was fired because of a sexist comment made when he believed the microphone to be off. The story was widely covered around the world and shows that being a sports commentator comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Fortunately the profession also offers some very unique opportunities. While some of the best sports commentators are genuinely admired and appreciated for the drama, humor and passion they bring to the game, the very best of them are simply never forgotten!
What defines great sports commentary? Simply sharing your insights and knowing when to shut-up are clearly not good enough. Truly memorable commentary, the kind that firmly engraves itself in our collective memory, can only stands out because when the commentator is as passionate about the game as the audience itself. [click to continue…]
About Thomas van Schaik
Thomas studied Communications in Amsterdam and has been working in international sports for over 15 years. He started his professional career at the Amsterdam Admirals in the NFL Europe and moved to Dutch professional soccer champions PSV Eindhoven in 1997. In 2001 he moved to Southern Germany to join Adidas. He's filled a variety of roles with the sporting goods brand, including 'Head of Global PR'. In 2011 he moved into the role of Global Brand Director.
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