Bigger Than Brunch To Host Digital Networking Event

Image via Bigger Than Brunch

For Immediate Release

4/14/2020

BIGGER THAN BRUNCH TO HOST DIGITAL MARKETING EVENT HIGHLIGHTING SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROFESSIONALS

Bigger Than Brunch Digital will serve as an online networking event to provide a space for sports, entertainment, and music industry professionals. Bigger Than Brunch Digital is a flagship event meant for industry professionals to connect and network while staying safe at home with the restrictions that are in place due to COVID-19.

The digital networking event is invitation only and will feature a leading panel discussion with some of the industry’s top and upcoming professionals, followed by a questions and answers session, and a specific digital networking opportunity.

The hour and a half online event will take place on the video conferencing platform Zoom. Bigger Than Brunch will provide panelists and attendees with ample opportunity to meet, connect, and engage with each other over some of the most discussed topics in the sports and entertainment industry.

“Having a background in sports marketing and media, I would always attend conferences, seminars, and networking events. Once I left those events, I always felt like I wanted and needed more engagement and interaction with the panelists or speakers”, said founder Asia McMillan. “We created Bigger Than Brunch to be the direct opportunity between young and upcoming industry professionals and those who have been in the sports and entertainment industry who are open to providing wisdom, knowledge, and creating opportunities for others to become a part of the industry.”

Confirmed guests for Bigger Than Brunch Digital include sports agents, marketing directors, music industry professionals, digital media professionals, entrepreneurs, and sports and business majors from various universities.

Bigger Than Brunch plans to host an in-person event during the Fall of 2020 and expects its first online event to be a significant lead into the sports seasons post COVID-19.

ABOUT BIGGER THAN BRUNCH

Bigger Than Brunch is a new event for sports and entertainment professionals featuring engaging panel discussions, intimate networking sessions with influential industry thought leaders, and of course, Brunch!

 Bigger Than Brunch provides panel discussions and Q&As on some of the most critical topics in sports and entertainment, including women in sports, diversity and inclusion, sports marketing and business, eSports, and entertainment law.

For more information on Bigger Than Brunch, you can visit their website BiggerThanBrunch.com.

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NFL and TikTok Announce Multi-Year Partnership to Bring NFL Content to Fans Around the World

Via NFL

Launch of Official Account with New Content Every Week of the Year

Worldwide Hashtag Challenges Starting with #WeReady to Kick Off NFL's 100th Season

Sept. 3, 2019 -- The National Football League (NFL) and TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile video, announced today a new multi-year partnership to bring the excitement of the NFL experience to TikTok's global community, combining the passion surrounding NFL football with the fast-growing digital platform.

As part of the partnership, the NFL is launching its official TikTok account, delivering content to fans across the platform's global markets. NFL content will include uniquely packaged highlights, sideline moments, and behind-the-scenes footage. Additionally, the NFL and TikTok will partner together around a series of NFL-themed hashtag challenges, inviting members of the TikTok community to express their passion for their favorite NFL clubs and players on TikTok. The NFL and TikTok will also be partnering together on unique marketing opportunities for brands to activate around NFL content on TikTok.

#WeReady Kick Off Campaign
The NFL and TikTok are rallying fans to join in the excitement of kickoff with the #WeReady hashtag challenge campaign. From September 3rd - September 5th, fans are encouraged to show their pride for their favorite team by creating their own unique TikTok videos with the #WeReady hashtag. Popular TikTok creators and NFL clubs will join fans in showing their team spirit and excitement to get "back to football" ahead of the NFL's 100th season.​

TikTok will also be celebrating the NFL's 100th season kickoff live in Chicago on September 5. Attendees can experience TikTok in real life at Soldier Field and create their own unique TikTok videos that show their love for their favorite teams and players in an NFL-themed experience.

"Partnering with TikTok is a natural extension of our media strategy," said Blake Stuchin, Vice President, Digital Media Business Development for the NFL. "The platform reaches a fast-growing global audience of NFL fans and future fans. The NFL programming and hashtag challenges are a perfect way to kick off the NFL's 100th season – with fun, new content that will entertain fans and invites them to celebrate and experience their NFL fandom in a way that's authentic to the unique experience of TikTok."

Sports is a popular and beloved category on TikTok. Sports fans crave authentic moments, and people find that in TikTok's unique and creative short videos that capture the humor, passion, and surprise of the sports world. From the fans and the food to the mascots and players, this partnership will bring the excitement of an NFL game day to TikTok's diverse content ecosystem while involving the TikTok community in the broader NFL experience.

"We're thrilled to partner with a powerhouse in the sports industry like the NFL to bring new life and a fresh perspective to the sports entertainment experience," said Mayan Scharf, Global Partnerships, TikTok. "TikTok is a destination where fans can feel like they are a part of the team and we look forward to showcasing content from the NFL that is exciting, authentic and surprising to TikTok community."

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About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire and enrich people's lives by offering a home for creative expression and an experience that is genuine, joyful, and positive. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. www.tiktok.com.​

Media Contacts:
Laura Perez, TikTok
pr@tiktok.com

Brenna Webb, NFL
brenna.webb@nfl.com

adidas Unites Women Who Are Breaking Barriers in Sports

Image via adidas

August 19, 2019 | Portalndo, Oregon

As part of adidas’ She Breaks Barriers initiative, a collection of star female athletes shared their stories of struggle and success in a two-part broadcast called “Change in Play” debuting August 26 on Stadium digital sports network. The programming is meant to increase visibility of role models for women and girls in sport.

Stadium sports reporters and studio hosts Kristen Balboni and Amina Smith lead the in-depth dialogue with a roster of decorated athletes including three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie, WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike, Olympic Hockey gold medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield, Olympic Volleyballbronze medalist Rachael Adams, UFC fighter Paige VanZant and NFL agent Nicole Lynn.

“Women in sports are continuing to do amazing things on and off the court, octagon and field. They’re speaking up, setting examples for young girls and playing with passion. I’m so excited that we’re able to recognize those incredible female athletes that need to share their stories with the world,” said Balboni.

Currently, only 4 percent of U.S. sports media coverage is dedicated to women, despite 84 percent of sports fans expressing an interest in women’s sports . The two-part special is another example of adidas’ commitment to leveling the playing field for women and girls in sport through the brand’s She Breaks Barriers initiative, which focuses on providing better access, removing gender stereotypes and creating visibility for female athletes at all levels and ages.

“In order to be her, you need to see her and right now the stark gap between men’s and women’s sports media coverage has created a lack of visible role models for women and young girls,” said Kelly Olmstead, adidas Vice President of Brand Activation. “Gathering these amazing athletes to share their stories will help inspire the next generation of athletes, whether it’s getting them started or keeping them going.”

The roundtable discussions aim to encourage women to pursue their sports passions by sharing stories they can relate to through world-class athletes. “We’re focused on creating an inclusive future for female athletes and this programming, in partnership with Stadium, highlights our commitment to create that change,” said Olmstead.

Stadium, the 24/7 multi-platform sports network, is committed to increasing its coverage of women’s sports beyond its 1,500 NCAA women’s events annually. The special will air on its digital and social networks; Stadium over-the-air channels, WatchStadium.com and TV streaming services. Since launching in late 2017, Stadium has grown to over 60 million monthly views across all screens with a slate of live games and original programming.

The first discussion will air on Monday, August 26 at 8:00 p.m. EST, followed by the second episode debuting Tuesday, September 3 at 8:00 p.m. EST on Stadium digital sports network.

Tune into the livestream at http://watchstadium.com/ and join the movement to help increase visibility and coverage for women’s sports by utilizing a template petition on the adidas She Breaks Barriers website to connect with your local sports and news networks.

Join the conversation on Instagram via @adidas and @adidasWomen.

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She Breaks Barriers Initiative
Since launching in December 2018, the She Breaks Barriers initiative has supported professional athletes, identified barriers and co-created solutions in partnership with communities and grassroots programs. In March, adidas launched @3StripeLive, the first-ever globally live-streamed series of girl’s grassroots sports on Twitter. The broadcasts have received more than 6M video views to date, and three more episodes are scheduled for this year. adidas also partnered with the Global Sport Institute (GSI) at Arizona State University to identify existing barriers to sport for women, examine how to overcome the barriers and explore what these mean for women in sport.

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About adidas
adidas is a global designer and developer of athletic and lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the best sports brand in the world. As an innovation and design leader, adidas engineers the best in high-performance products to make athletes better, faster and stronger and creates a range of classic and fresh lifestyle and high-fashion lines.

About Stadium
Stadium is the original multi-platform sports network featuring exclusive live and on-demand games and events, extensive highlights, classic games, original programming, and daily live studio programming. Stadium includes a 24/7 linear feed distributed across both digital and broadcast platforms, as well as a comprehensive array of on-demand (VOD) digital content including additional live games and events. Stadium is owned by a collection of industry leaders including Sinclair Broadcast Group, BAMTech, the NHL, the PGA TOUR, and Meredith Corp. To learn more, visit: http://watchstadium.com/

NFL Alumni Central Florida Chapter adds Asia McMillan as a chapter officer.

Image via Asia McMillan/NFL Alumni Central Florida Chapter

ORLANDO, FL. – The Central Florida Chapter of the NFL Alumni Association has added entrepreneur and marketing strategist Asia McMillan to their Board of Directors as Media Director.

“We are very excited to have Asia join our organization,” said Seneca McMillan (no relation), President of the Central Florida chapter. “Her resume, ideas, and her work are amazing, and she can bring a lot to the chapter from an overall media perspective."

Asia currently serves as the Multimedia Coordinator for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) where, in her first month in the position, she executed a social media campaign that generated an increase of over 40 thousand percent engagement. Asia is also the founder of Sports Marketing Perspective a platform that provides content from the perspective of sports marketing students and young sports marketing professionals. The Florida native is a graduate of Full Sail University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Marketing and Media.

“I’m excited to join the NFL Alumni Association. I’m thankful and blessed to have the opportunity and look forward to learning from some of the best in the business, while also networking with other industry leaders and organizations to help build up the Central Florida chapter", said Asia McMillan.

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About the NFL Alumni Association

Founded in 1967 by a small group of successful retired NFL players, the National Football League Alumni is the oldest, most well-known and well-respected retired player organization in professional sports. Membership includes thousands of retired players, coaches, front office executives, spouses, cheerleaders, and avid fans. A primary mission of NFL Alumni is “Caring for Our Own” as we inform, assist, and serve players in their post-NFL lives.  Alumni are offered a diverse package of medical, business, and legal services to help keep them and their families healthy, productive, and connected to the league and their former teammates.

NFL Alumni also has a traditional mission of “Caring for Kids” across the country. Player alumni give back in their local communities by raising funds for youth-related charities through their 35 regional chapters. It is a tradition that has existed for more than 50 years.  Alumni support typically raises more than 1.5 million dollars for worthwhile causes.

For more information visit, nflalumni.org | @nflalumni | @nflalumnicfl

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About Sports Marketing Perspective

Sports Marketing Perspective (SMP) is a place that offers unique content surrounding the marketing of sports and through sports, with many different perspectives. The overall goal of SMP is to help its readers and viewers understand the business and marketing objectives of a sports league, brand, company, marketer, sponsor, and consumer of sports and everything that shares a connection with sports.

For more information visit, sportsmarketingperspective.com | @smperspective

Where Have I Been? Cornhole Championships?

via American Cornhole League

When I thought I knew the majority of sports, or what most people consider sports, here comes something that proves me wrong. Some people do not consider certain games a sport unless it requires some form of physical contact. I'm the opposite. In my opinion, sports can be both physical, mental and can also develop from a hobby where strategy is involved.

This weekend I was watching ESPN (as always), and the Johnsonville Cornhole Championships caught my attention. For those who are not familiar, Cornhole is game and a sport that carries a lot of weight at your weekly sports tailgates, and some may refer to it as bean bag toss. Now, I'm not new to the game. I have played it many times, but it took me by surprise to learn how popular this game and sport is.

Just off the bat, the marketing, advertising, and promotion that goes into a cornhole tournament are on a grand level. Having Johnsonville as the presenting sponsor is smart and caters to the demographics of the game of cornhole. If you take some time to research or watch a cornhole tournament, you will immediately notice the amount of marketing and advertising dollars that goes into the event, especially considering that they are free to attend. From the jersey sponsors to the partner and sponsor activation, on a collegiate and professional level, the cornhole championships took me by surprise and also made me feel a bit disappointed that I did not know a game I have played for so long has developed into a broadcasted sport.

via American Cornhole League

If you are a young marketing professional like me, the American Cornhole League (ACL) proves that there is not an event, game, or sport that is exempt from the benefits of knowing your target audience and gaining partners and sponsors to help reach your event or business goals.

Being immersed in the marketing industry, I cannot watch a sport or go to a sporting event without noticing the sponsors and the sponsor activations. With that said, below is a list of activations that I saw while watching the Johnsonville Cornhole Championships. Let me know of other activations that you can think of for a tournament or event similar to the cornhole championships.

Key Activations:
- Johnsonville and ACL branded cornhole boards and accessories
- Johnsonville Big Taste Grill (the world's largest grill) and stage
- Event info and registration using the ACL mobile app
- Cornhole on the Field
- Tickets to games hosted by partnering sports/leagues
- Free gear from multiple sponsors

From My Perspective
The American Cornhole League can benefit from exclusivity. Adding particular sections or exclusive packages for sponsors and attendees can add an extra stream of revenue for the league without taking away the fun for all aspect of the game. Additionally, featuring more original content on their website and social media platforms, from the professional and collegiate players and attendees, can give the ACL another level of digital activation to attract more sponsors and partners.

American Cornhole League

Athlete Branding At The Professional Basketball Combine

Estimated reading time: 3 minute 19 seconds

via PBC

Sports combines, team workouts, and various clinics and camps can be a "win or go home" marketing and brand strategy for many young athletes looking to make it to the professional leagues. Stay with me as I explain how and why.

via PBC

Over the past two days, the Professional Basketball Combine (PBC) has been taking place at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, featuring LiAngelo Ball (and Lavar Ball), Brandon Sampson, Victor Sanders, Egot Koulechov, and many more great athletes. Unlike the NBA Draft Combine, the PBC gives athletes who did not receive an invitation or could not make it to the draft combine or who are not getting much attention from NBA scouts, a chance to showcase their talents for some of the top NBA teams. According to the PBC, "each player who attends has the opportunity to participate in private workouts and scrimmages, do combine testing, and interview for NBA GMs, NBA scouts, G-League personnel and overseas opportunities..."

In speaking with PBC founder Jake Kelfer before the second annual PBC event, Kelfer spoke on the success and goals of the 2017 Professional Basketball Combine. "The 2017 PBC was an incredible success, and I couldn't be more thankful for how it turned out! One of my goals was to create something that would positively impact the NBA pre-draft process, and that's exactly what we did." Kelfer would go on to state that "of the 23 players we had participate, 4 signed two-way contracts, 11 signed G-League contracts, and 8 signed international contracts. One of our players, Antonio Blakeney, even went on to win G-League Rookie of the Year."

With accomplishments that met and raised standards for the 2018 PBC, this year's event was sure to capitalize on the success of 2017 both of the court and off the court.

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Regarding brand development and awareness, the PBC, like any other performance event, should be regarded as a critical event in the marketing and branding strategy of all athletes who attend. Yes, athletes should focus on displaying their talents to the best of their abilities. However, every event that an athlete participates in should focus on reinforcing their brand.

In covering the Professional Basketball Combine from afar, I noticed how much care went into the players as they showcased their talents and how engaging the event was on social media (Instagram and Twitter) regarding video content and making sure that each player received the same amount of attention socially. This engagement is especially beneficial because it helps the athletes with their brand strategy (whether they realize it or not). I could tell that the PBC aimed to get equal exposure for all of their participants which is something you do not often find at other sports combines.

In the words of Jeremy Darlow, "brands win championships." As an athlete, your brand is on display 24/7; on the court, at an event, on social media, or walking your dog down the street. Athletes should view every second as an opportunity to document and show who they indeed are (their brand) and what better time than on one of the biggest stages of their career. Branding yourself as an athlete is one thing, but branding yourself as an athlete who understands the importance of marketing, longevity, and consistency within a career is something different, and PBC gives young athletes a chance to demonstrate that ability both on and off the court.

via PBC

via PBC

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Now, diving into the marketing and branding strategy and tactics of the PBC itself, they did not disappoint on their own accord. Being that the PBC is in its second year, I saw some great sponsors activations throughout the event.

PBC made sure to showcase their sponsors on social media with branded content such as pictures of promotional items from MVMT, the 2018 PBC official gear sponsored by Eastbay, photos featuring IMG Academy's big blue chair, and of the players enjoying HFactor Hydrogen Water. 

via PBC

via PBC

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Going back to making sure each participant had equal amounts of exposure. PBC had athletes take pictures and videos for their Instagram Story and also had the athletes sign the story. Those stories could be something that PBC adds to their archives as a first signature before the athlete makes it in the league. The Professional Basketball Combine also featured HFactor Hydrogen Water in a sponsor activation to give away an exclusive PBC jersey signed by all 24 participants. Again, developing the athletes' brand and awareness while also doing the same for the event and its sponsors.

From a sports marketing and sports business perspective, the Professional Basketball Combine did a great job including all of their athletes and helping to activate their sponsors. In just a few days, their following, awareness, and engagement grew tremendously on a local and national level, going on to show that an event with the proper marketing and branding strategy can sustain the brand of that event and its participants, locally and nationally.

For more information on the PBC and official combine stats, visit the links below. 

Pictures via @ProBBallCombine

Professional Basketball Combine

#PBC2018

PBC Founder, Jake Kelfer

Investing vs. Endorsing: The Market Is Open For Athletes

Estimated reading time: 1 minute 36 seconds

 Image via TechCrunch/TheMercury News

Look, I won't bore you with the technical aspects of how athletes are investing and their financial portfolios. I will save that for a later post. However, I will tell you that more athletes are looking at more meaningful and more sustainable solutions other than your typical endorsement deals.

In a recent interview with ESPN's Darren Rovell (linked below), Kevin Durant discusses his fondness for business, investing, and learning how to make the right moves off the court; "You have to remove the ego of it and realize that you don't know it all... So I've got to ask questions, and I've got to have an open mind to it all." Having an open mind is needed when stepping into the world of investing. Much different from endorsement deals, many athletes are focusing their attention and their money on owning a piece of a company by investing in start-ups and starting their own companies.

Earning over $55 million annually in off-court investments and endorsements, LeBron James seems to be the go-to guy for sustainable investing. Similar to Kevin Durant, LeBron James has invested in start-ups such as Beats by Dre, Blaze Pizza, and is a co-founder of the media company Uninterrupted and the production company Spring Hill Entertainment.

 Image via TechCrunch/TheMercury News

A glimpse into Kevin Durant portfolio gives us a look at investments in his Thirty-Five Media production company, Coinbase, Acorns app, and Postmates. His presence in Silicon Valley alone has grown his portfolio and has allowed him to build meaningful relationships outside of basketball. Although many fans and media personalities were not in favor of Durant taking his talents to the Golden State Warriors, it seems that it was the best off-court move he could have made.

For the entire article and interview check out the link below.

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From My Perspective:

I am all for sustainability in branding, marketing, and general business practice. Athletes who invest their money for long-term gain are more likely to see an increase in brand awareness and brand equity for years after they have ended their professional sports careers. Athletes such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Serena Williams and many more who are investing their money in start-ups and their own venture capitalist companies and production companies, get the bigger picture.

"Don't do things just for money. Don't do things just for fame. Do things because you feel right and it feels true." - Kevin Durant

ESPN: Inside Kevin Durant's Growing Empire

CNBC on LeBron James

Sports PR Summit And Their Wooden Credentials

Estimated reading time: 1 minute 33 seconds

We are all aware of the many marketing strategies and tactics used to promote various sporting events. Well, while doing my usual scroll down Instagram Lane, I came across something that immediately caught my attention.

If you do not know about the Sports PR Summit, here is your chance come from under that rock. The Sports PR Summit presented by The Players' Tribune is an invite-only event that brings together senior PR executives from professional and collegiate sports and top sports corporations for panel discussions and invaluable networking opportunities. This year's Sports PR Summit is taking place at The Players' Tribune headquarters in New York City as I write this article.

However, the location or presenting sponsor is not what caught my attention. Something unique and, what I presume, soon to be trending is what made me stop, like, and screenshot.

This year, with the help of their branding director Cameron Sandage, the Sports PR Summit included one-of-a-kind wooden credentials for everyone that registered before May 1st. This unique keepsake credential, made by Swing Shift Studios, is a piece of wood engraved with the Sports PR Summit and The Players' Tribune logos with the name, title, affiliation, and role the individual. Talk about branding and marketing done the right way.

While continuing my stroll down Instagram Lane and searching #SportsPRSummit, I noticed how trending the wooden credentials were. Although this is not the first time the Sports PR Summit has distributed wooden credentials, I'm sure this branding and marketing tactic will catch on with other events in the near future.

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https://instagram.com/p/BjFNSWIh6ML/?utm_source=ig_embed

Fun Fact:

16 minutes into the 2018 Sports PR Summit, #SportsPRSummit was the No. 1 trending hashtag on Twitter. Via Founder and CEO Brian Berger

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From My Perspective:

Branding and marketing (done the right way) are a significant part of event planning and execution. If you have been to many events, especially those surrounding sports, you know that your credentials are the one thing that you can hold on to as a memory of the event. Plus, everyone loves seeing and showing off his or her name on an event badge to get that extra sense of importance.

Something as small as an event badge, lapel pin, bracelet, or notebook, when customized, can make a significant difference in how people perceive your event and if their willing to share all the cool things they get, with everyone on social media.

For more information on the Sports PR Summit be sure to visit the links below.

#SportsPRSummit | @SportsPRSummit | @BrianBergerPR | @SwingShiftStudio

Sources: Sports PR Summit

Ohio State Football Beyond Four Years

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Via Ohio State FB

Coming from a university that places great emphasis on networking and building genuine business relationships (Full Sail University), I was excited to hear about the Ohio State Football Real Life Wednesdays program. Although this program is not new, one of their latest videos captures the real mission and vision for Real Life Wednesdays.

Real Life Wednesdays is a three-phase program that takes student-athletes through the process of filling and maintaining their "toolbox" and building brand awareness through internship opportunities and career fairs. By bringing in guest speakers such as Phil Knight (Nike), Dan Gilbert (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Kenneth Chenault (American Express) athletes have the opportunity to shake hands and connect with some of the top executives in the nation. In the words of Ryan Stamper, Director of Player Development for Ohio State Football, "we don't want to make sure our guys are just set for the four years they're here. My goal is to make sure they're set for the next 40 years."

Being that Columbus, Ohio is the 15th largest city in the nation and the state is home to 25 Fortune 500 companies, Ohio State also provides student-athletes with internship opportunities with many companies in Ohio and around the country. Also, through the Real Life Wednesdays program, athletes are given opportunities to shadow companies and executive and are taken through mock interviews.

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From My Perspective:

I think Real Life Wednesdays is a program that every school needs from high schools to colleges and universities. These days, having a high school diploma or a college degree is not enough. Taking advantage of every opportunity, you have to connect and network with potential employers or industry professionals is the key to establishing a long career after graduation.

Many student-athletes are not well-equipped with the tools needed after college or after their sports career. I'm not sure if the Real Life Wednesdays program is for all student-athletes, but Ohio State Football has a very organized plan in place for their athletes.
 

Check out the video below to see what Ohio State is doing to prepare student-athletes for a life and career beyond four years.

Sources: Ohio State Football

3 Things Every Sports Marketer Should Know

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 55 seconds

Many people overcomplicate what it means to be a marketer. Simply put, marketing is promoting and selling. No matter what industry you are in or what company you work for, as a marketer you are hired to promote and sell a product, brand, client, proposal, or even a business.

In deciding to take the journey of being a sports marketer, there were so many things I thought I knew but had no clue about. I came to learn that there are a few things you should always stay up to date on and as I say, ahead of everyone else on. Below are three things that every marketer should be ahead of the game on when starting your journey or as you continue your education and career.

1. Who and Why

It is important to understand the target market and target audience. Know your audience's names, know how many kids they have and their kid's names, and know how much they paid on a slice of pizza at the downtown movie theater when they went to see Black Panther for the third time. Seriously, as sports marketers, we are of no need if we do not know who we are promoting and selling (marketing) to, why we are marketing to them, and why they even care that we are marketing to them. Know your audience, become your audience, and be able to predict their next move. Be of the market while also understanding the market. 

2. Trends

The sports industry is continuously evolving. From new technology to emerging competitive sports such as esports. There are also constant changes in the relationship between the sponsee and sponsor as new trends come in and old trends are faded out. Staying updated on trends within your industry surrounding technology, target audience, and sponsor objectives are vital as a sports marketer. Continually educating yourself on what’s going on in your industry and in other sectors (directly or indirectly related) will take you a long way in the world of sports. 

3. Emotional Accounts Over Bank Accounts

One of my favorite quotes about sports business is a quote by Peter Guber which states, “We are in the emotional transportation business.” We should all know that the end goal is to increase revenue and gain the most ROI (return on investment) and ROO (return on objective) for our teams, clients, sponsors, and businesses. But to increase that bottom line, we have to understand the importance of aiming at the emotional account, not the bank account.

If you are marketing a team, a new product, a new idea, or even a player, you have to engage your target audience. The best way to engage someone is to establish an emotional connection between that person and what you are trying to promote and sell (refer back to one and two). Once you have gained the attention, time and effort of your audience (the emotional account), they are willing to spend more for the better seats, stay at the arena longer, or make a donation at a community event sponsored by your team (the bank account).

After you have tapped into their emotional account, now you have open opportunity to make them participants and owners of your process and your product.

“You fail if they’re passengers, they have to be participants” - Peter Guber

Although this article was written with the Sports Marketer in mind, this article can also serve as a reference for anyone who is pursuing a career or is in the marketing or business industry.

SMP And Inside The 5 Host Second Live Podcast

via Sports Marketing Perspective

Thanks to West Oaks Academy, this Saturday 3/3/18, Sports Marketing Perspective alongside Inside The 5 will be hosting the second Live Podcast on location at the West Oaks Academy gymnasium.

Come through and hangout with us as we talk sports, culture, business and much more!

You can catch the live podcast or watch on demand on the Sports Marketing Perspective Facebook page (link below).

Live Gameday Podcast: www.facebook.com/sportsmarketingperspective/

Special thanks to: @InsideThe5 | @WestOaksAcademy | West Oaks Academy