Work in Sports: 6 Tips to Get Ahead

by Darren Heitner | March 10th, 2010 | No Comments »

Canadian Veggie Graduating from your undergraduate institution in April or May and want to break into the business of sports (particularly in the representation of athletes) but have no idea where to start? Here’s a list of options. There is no “right” path to success, but the following list provides some insight into ways that you can better prepare yourself for the life as a sports agent and possibly get your first foot through the door.

1. Don’t stop learning. Have you taken the LSAT or GRE? If not, it may be too late to take either standardized test in order to be admitted into a law school or masters program this Fall. If you have taken one of the 2 tests, you may want to consider getting a graduate/law degree. For one, the NFL requires that you have one if you wish to be certified by the players’ association. But even if you just want to focus your practice on basketball, baseball, or some other sport, the knowledge, tools, and connections you will gain from a masters program or law school are very valuable in this field. My own two cents – Go to law school and see if the school allows you to take some out-of-law classes like Sport Marketing.

Sports Debate: What Athletes Should Be Using Social Media?

by Ryan Stephens | March 8th, 2010 | 12 Comments »

Question: Who can benefit more from social media: small-time or big-time athletes?

Ryan: My initial reaction is small time athletes and big-time athletes once their career is in a decline. I will start with the argument for small-time athletes. Upper echelon and mainstream athletes already have significant followings. Many have endorsement deals, sell tons of merchandise, etc. Why do we like certain athletes? Because they’re A) really good at what they do. B) something about their personal life, approach, style, etc. resonates with us.

Big-time athletes have two big advantages: 1) They’re better players. 2) This enables them to be on television more, do more interviews and enable the fans to get more insight into their personality. On both accounts, it’s easier to “like” the more mainstream athlete. Social media helps level the second playing field. Dwayne Wade is always going to be a better basketball player than Charlie Villanueva, but now that Charlie has a presence on Twitter fans get significantly more opportunities to witness his personality in action and grow their affinity for him as a person.

Thoughts?

Sports Business Weekly Buzz

by Ben Sturner | March 6th, 2010 | No Comments »

Bob Arum Says Deal Reached For Yankee Stadium To Host June Bout

Top Rank Chair Bob Arum Thursday night said that Yankee Stadium will host a June 5 bout between Yuri Foreman and Miguel Cotto, according to Dave Skretta of the AP.
Yankee Stadium could hold 30,000-35,000 fans for Foreman-Cotto bout.

(www.sportsbusinessdaily.com)

LPGA renews Blue Diamond, signs Florida’s Natural

By John Lombardo

The LPGA has renewed its sponsorship deal with Blue Diamond Almonds and signed Florida’s Natural Brand citrus growers as an official partner.

(www.sportsbusinessjournal.com)

Fire All the Salespeople

by Bill Guertin | March 5th, 2010 | No Comments »

sunface13 There is a common problem I see brewing in sports ticket sales organizations across the nation. It started about 18 months ago, and has been spreading like a virus, bleeding organizations dry. I’m not sure where it started, but I know how it can be stopped.

Here’s the problem: We’re allowing the economy to lull our leadership into expecting less from the salespeople who are paid to make things happen. Our managers are taking the “economy” excuse and letting our sales reps use it as a crutch, and it’s weakening everyone in the process.

If you’re an account rep, I have a few telling questions for you:

Did you achieve your monthly goals for either January or February? If not, what happened?

Popular Brands Pay a Price

by Gail Sideman | March 4th, 2010 | No Comments »

sean dreilinger This week, Tiger Woods’ college girlfriend defended her Stanford sweetheart by talking to Sports Illustrated and golf.com reporter, Alan Shipnuck.

As I read Irene Folstrom’s take on Tiger during their time as motivated college students with many of the same dreams that others enjoy, I was reminded of the huge public and private responsibility that athletes take on when they turn pro. Even coaches face this problem when they get that first big job, especially if they break onto the scene as the anticipated savior of their sport.

Folstrom’s memories of Woods is quite a contrast to what we’ve read and heard about the famous professional golfer in the last five months, if not 10 years. She talks about wistful talks about the future and the way each were grateful to receive free desserts at a Chinese restaurant that they frequented, the complimentary part being a big deal for a couple of college students.

From the Seat of the Scorekeeper

by Lewis Howes | March 2nd, 2010 | No Comments »

sarowen (This is a guest article by Cheryl Robinson)

Shoot, pass it, red zone, see the ball, defense, you have to line your bananas up. After a decade of sports management, aka scorekeeper, I’ve heard practically every phrase in sports terminology used to motivate a team or individual, inspire them to do their best and win. Being anything except number one is grounds for feeling like a loser. I have been honored to have been a part of winning teams with extraordinary seasons; one team even played in the televised Division III NCAA Championship Game for men’s basketball. One of the perks is I am the only girl who gets to travel with a group of guys.

Sell Your Ideas, Not Tickets

by Lewis Howes | March 1st, 2010 | 1 Comment »

rmcgervey (This is a guest article by Josh Feinberg)

Raise your hand if you are a salesman (you all should have your hands up). We are all in sales, whether you are selling yourself, selling your product or service. Are you in the business of selling ideas, passion, or events? I am…it’s called Minor League Baseball. Sales in Minor League Baseball can come in many shapes and sizes, be it groups, mini-plans, and of course season tickets. More often than not, Theme Nights held at the ballpark will come into play. Try to sell an idea before you attempt to sell tickets.

Theme nights translate into ideas, passion, and events. Is your passion dogs? Then organize a “Bark in the Park” event for fans and their pets. Maybe your passion is music and performing. I have a great idea for your local schools, why don’t you bring your chorus out to sing the National Anthem or “Take Me out to the Ballgame”. I bet there are some Chess fans out there. Use some open space on the concourse to host a chess tournament during a game.

Should teams look beyond Facebook & Twitter?

by Ash Read | February 25th, 2010 | 12 Comments »

We’re now starting to see more and more teams getting involved with social media. This is great, but I think it’s time they start to look beyond only utilizing the major platforms (Twitter, YouTube, Facebook) and really start to embrace more emerging and niche platforms (Ustream, Tumblr, Flickr).

Every platform offers something different and therefore appeals to different types of people. Facebook and Twitter are (currently) more popular than others and should demand more time and resources, but surely the fans that use these emerging platforms deserve some love too? And surely there is value in these platforms for teams?

Reputation Management: Athletes Facing Controversy

by Lewis Howes | February 23rd, 2010 | 1 Comment »

(This is a guest article by Wesley Mallette)

Athletes in trouble. We see it every day in the news and find ourselves wondering aloud, “Wow. Did they really just say/do that?”

The vast majority of athletes will face a crisis of some proportion during their career or post-career. How they handle it is everything, and who manages them through it plays a major factor in the outcome, hence the need for true strategic communications professionals (i.e., seasoned PR people) on their team of advisors.

Too many athletes rely on less than qualified “handlers” to counsel them through the eye of the storm of controversy. They are foolish enough to follow the non-expert advice of, “We can handle this. Here’s what we’ll say/won’t say and this is what we’ll do. This will blow over.” Their reactions and responses will range from avoidance, vehement denial, finger pointing, and… the answer that is really not an option, “No comment.” Bad advice or no advice, we’ve seen it all too often and athletes are left wishing they could do it over again. Ask Tiger. Ask Roger Clemens. Ask Gilbert Arenas. Take your pick. There are hundreds of case studies in what NOT to do.

Tips on Apologizing for Salespeople

by Bill Guertin | February 22nd, 2010 | No Comments »

LexnGer Tiger Woods delivering his 13-minute speech was finally what hundreds of millions of people were waiting to hear. “I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you,” said Woods. “I have made you question who I am and how I could have done all the things I did. I am embarrassed I have put you in this position. For all that I have done, I am deeply sorry. I have a lot to atone for.”

Tiger screwed up, and he finally was doing what anyone who screws up badly should do; take ownership for your mistakes, and let people know what you plan to do to fix them.

As responsible salespeople, we can learn from Tiger’s example. On occasion, we’re going to screw up an order, type in a wrong seat number, forget some paperwork, or fail to follow up with a phone call we promised to make. Rather than run and hide, the sooner we can recognize our mess-up, the better off everyone will be.