A final word on Dan Leone, Facebook, and getting fired

Is there much else that can be said on this topic? Probably not, but here goes...

I preach to my students the concept of professionalism. Some get it, and some do not.

Working for a team, when you are also a fan, can create a blurred line in terms of the personal and professional lives of indivduals. There is an old saying... Don't sh*t where you eat. Maybe Dan Leone never heard that.

One of the global leaders in customer service, and total quality management is the Ritz Carlton Company. They have implemented a Gold Standard as a basis for their operating procedures.

The Ritz Carlton "culture" is unparalleled. When I can afford it, they are my hotel brand of choice, because they are at the top of their game.



As part of the Gold Standard, there are a list of 19 Employee Basics, one of which is:

"Be an ambassador of your hotel in and outside of the work place. Always talk positively. No negative comments."

Sports poses a problem for employees, who are also fans. Where is the line? Be a fan, but use a little common sense. Whether you are a team executive or game day employee, professionailsm is paramount. It's what sets leaders apart. I support the Eagles' decision as an organization.

Is creativity in the genes?

Sports Business Daily and Darren Rovell reported on a youtube.com video created by 14 year old Ben Gullett. Ben's dad is the former VP of Marketing for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In an effort to contribute to the job search (as well as perhaps make a social statement about the economy, and broadcast his support for his Dad), 14-year old Ben created the video "Mark by Ben."

It's creative, alluring, poignant, sincere, and really well done. Almost 3,000 hits as of this morning.

Is Kellogg's quietly answering critics?

Darren Rovell put Kellogg's to task last month when they conveniently announced they would not renew Michael Phelp's endorsement contract after "the bong picture" surfaced. There was still time left on the contract, and Kellogg's remarked that they would simply not renew, and let it run its course. We debated in class the merits of Kellogg's position. Were they just taking advantage of a publicity opportunity to denounce the acts of Phelps, without putting any real action behind it? In other words, Rovell challenged them to pull product from the shelves, if in fact, they really were appalled by Phelps' behavior.

So now, Kellogg's is still mum on the topic but Rovell has reported that the San Francisco Food Bank is receiving about 3,800 pounds of Kellogg's cereal product, an amount that could make them eligible for a $15,000 tax deduction. Another potential publicity stunt, or just quietly responding to a call to back up their vocal denouncement of Phelps with some real consciously-motivated action?

San Francisco Giants Ticket Promotion

Aaron Crowe recently posted his opinion on the new ticket pricing strategy of the San Francisco Giants, which was brought to my attention by one of my astute graduate students. They are instituting variable ticket pricing, where costs will fluctuate based upon the opponent, pitching match up, and other factors that could impact the "perceived value" of the seats.

Only 2000 seats, some of the worst in the stadium, will be impacted by his new policy.

When discussed in an undergraduate sports marketing class, it was not difficult to see the negative impact for the Giants.

Initially, these are lousy seats, and the Giants are perceived to be milking an extra few bucks out of up to 2,000 fans for the chance to get to see Tim Lincecum with binoculars.

What happens when the "marquis" (and higher priced) pitching match up is scrapped minutes before game time due to an injury, or some other reason? What happens when the sunny Sunday afternoon game is now cloudy, and drizzly, but not postponed? This is San Francisco after all.

If you are forced, due to economic reasons, to sit in some of the worst seats in the stadium, shouldn't the Giants capitalize on a fan-friendly promotional opportunity, rather than a measly and blatantly profit-oriented one?

Where is Bill Veeck when you need him?!