Read on Twitter
When I returned from paternity leave in March, one thing I decided to do was to clear 1-2 hours a week and devote that time to giving back to young sports pros.
If someone authentically reached out to me for advice, I’d give them a sign up link to get time on my calendar.
If someone authentically reached out to me for advice, I’d give them a sign up link to get time on my calendar.
I spoke with about 50 aspiring sports professionals in 9 months. It’s really promising to see all the young talent out there.
Over time I realized I was getting asked a lot of the same questions...so I thought I’d share a few of them here, as well as my answers.
Over time I realized I was getting asked a lot of the same questions...so I thought I’d share a few of them here, as well as my answers.
Q: How do I break into the industry with so much competition?
A: Differentiate yourself but dont specialize. A hiring manager should be able to understand “why you” and the answer isnt desire. Everyone will work hard. What POV do you have that gives you and the company an edge?
A: Differentiate yourself but dont specialize. A hiring manager should be able to understand “why you” and the answer isnt desire. Everyone will work hard. What POV do you have that gives you and the company an edge?
Q: What did that look like for you?
A: I was one of a few people looking at digital + sports, but specifically I had an advanced POV on audience building using the internet. I could paint a picture of how orgs and athletes could re-imagine their business digitally.
A: I was one of a few people looking at digital + sports, but specifically I had an advanced POV on audience building using the internet. I could paint a picture of how orgs and athletes could re-imagine their business digitally.
Q: What do you feel like is the emerging space of today I could master?
A: Understanding the interplay between organic and paid/monetize social. These two still live in silos but a people who can connect these two will be gold for future employers. Content + Conversions = Future
A: Understanding the interplay between organic and paid/monetize social. These two still live in silos but a people who can connect these two will be gold for future employers. Content + Conversions = Future
Q: What do you read and who do you follow?
A: I actually really hate this question. Analysts and influencers are often wrong or don’t have context. Best thing to do is study history, other industries, business theory and most importantly think independently.
A: I actually really hate this question. Analysts and influencers are often wrong or don’t have context. Best thing to do is study history, other industries, business theory and most importantly think independently.
Q: What makes you excited about Instagram?
A: We have a really great product offering right now. Whether it’s short form, long form, close friends, commerce, etc, there are lots of ways for partners to engage meaningfully with fans in a way that feels right.
A: We have a really great product offering right now. Whether it’s short form, long form, close friends, commerce, etc, there are lots of ways for partners to engage meaningfully with fans in a way that feels right.
Q: What exactly is your job?
A: My job is to be the bridge between Instagram and the sports industry. We want to make sure our partners can be successful while also making sure our products are adopted. If we do our job right, IG is the best place to find sports content.
A: My job is to be the bridge between Instagram and the sports industry. We want to make sure our partners can be successful while also making sure our products are adopted. If we do our job right, IG is the best place to find sports content.
Q: Can you verify me?
A: No.
A: No.
I also learned a lot from this experience. Mostly I was able to pretty quickly determine who would have a productive conversation vs who wouldn’t pretty quickly. The best conversations with aspiring sports pros:
1. The person came prepared. They knew what they wanted to ask me and weren’t just grabbing time with me because they knew networking was something they needed to do.
2. They asked about what I actually did in my role instead of just assuming. Its a unique role, its good to ask!
2. They asked about what I actually did in my role instead of just assuming. Its a unique role, its good to ask!
3. They asked questions about what I think more than what I have done. Both are valuable but a conversation unwrapping concepts is way more interesting and rewarding for both parties. Shows someone cares about analysis.
4. They were on time.
4. They were on time.
My son turns 1 tomorrow and I am likely going to hit pause on this program for a program for a bit to add time back to family life. I really think it was a great experience and would be happy to connect with other vets in the industry to help them set up the same type of system.
