Another nail in the coffin for education

I am an entrepreneur, a lifelong learner and an educator, so one would think that I would be in conflict when I read a story like the one in USA Today about high school basketball players skipping college to play professionally overseas until they are eligible for the NBA Draft. I am all for maximizing earning potential, and can certainly understand the appeal from the perspective of a young person, especially in the case where that opportunity could change things in their life that have been fundamental concerns I have never had to face (do we have enough money for groceries this week?).

And when the story has a happy ending (Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James), everyone wins. The fans win. The industry wins. The players are able to change the lives of many people.

But when I read a story like the one I just stumbled upon, I think about people like Ronnie Fields. Maybe you remember him... the high school teammate of Kevin Garnett who was dubbed "all-everything." He was declared academically ineligible at DePaul, where he signed a letter of intent, which stumps me. He declared for the CBA (not NBA) Draft, where he was selected #73 overall. How did he go from Mr. Basketball in high school, All-American, to the 73rd draft pick in a second rate league? He is now 32 years old, having jumped from league to league, with no NBA experience. He went undrafted in 1998 when he submitted his name into the NBA Draft pool.

So, Sonny Vaccaro is back at it again. What I would like to know is where this guy is when players he "consults" don't pan out? It seems like he just moves on, but how many Ronnie Fields players with similar stories have been left in the Vaccaro wake?

Around the time Ronnie Fields was leaving high school and testing the professional basketball waters, I was professionally involved with basketball, and very involved in marketing qualified players with no collegiate eligibility to overseas and minor league teams so I remember his story well. Over a decade later, he is still toiling in the CBA.

So Vaccaro is out there "consulting" and "advising" players to forgo any time in college. He calls it "purgatory" for exceptional players. The stigma he attaches to the concept of ANY educational experience sickens me.

For the minuscule percentage of players where this option is a logical one, there are undeniably droves more who unrealistically think it will work for them. What happens though, is that countless people, leaches, wanna-bes, hangers-on, hitch THEIR aspirations of an easy ride onto the star of a naive, wide-eyed 17-year old. And then the star dims. And the "friends" disappear, looking for the next sure thing to hitch a ride. It happens. I've seen it. Way too much.

So, I wish Jeremy Tyler all the possible happiness that could exist for him, as I would for any young person, with so much in front of them. I hope he finds years of success, but I also have no conflict when it comes to education. I hope he does not devalue it. Some day, he is going to need it. Basketball will end someday. If it ends abruptly, without the anticipated podium shot with David Stern and the riches that follow, what will he have left? A 10-year career bouncing around semi-pro leagues making $2000 a month? And when he is 40, and can't do that any longer, what is there for him? He can't get job coaching in high school or college, because he only has a high school diploma or GED. What then? Where are all of the "good friends" that once existed because there was promise and an easy ride? These are the stories that impact me. That is why I credit players for going to college, staying in school to exhaust their eligibility, and then moving on. I understand that that is not for everyone, but I shudder when I see the vultures and Vaccaros of the world "advising" players to make life-altering decisions that have no impact on their OWN lives. When lawyers and doctors and other professionals improperly advise their clients, they can be sued for malpractice. They have a stake in the things they tell other people to do. Vaccaro has no stake. If a kid works out, great. If not, oh well, not my problem.

It's despicable. Good luck Jeremy Tyler. And Ronnie Fields, wherever you are, hopefully your story will make people aware of the need for a balance with reality, and the urgency to create options and choices. Life is a long time, not just the length of a 10-year basketball career (if you are even that lucky).

Under Armour reaches plateau in life cycle?

The Baltimore Business Journal reports on the athletic apparel giant facing the challenges presented not only by the economy, but also by its evolution on the product life cycle curve. They have great brand awareness and equity, but stiff competition from Nike, adidas, and everyone else under the sun. After all, mimicking is the sincerest form of flattery.
We shall see if the brand loyalty they have mustered is enough in the long term.

When Outer Rim Marketing works

The Buffalo Bills have capitalized on the fan base in Toronto, by playing games in the "Bills Toronto Series" across the border. While roughly 99 miles is not an impossible drive for Toronto-based Bills fans to undertake for game day, the Bills are demonstrating their ability to capitalize on a strong segment of their market by bringing the product to them.

Business First of Buffalo is reporting that Rogers Communication would like to see more of the same.

Of course, critics will say that the ticket prices are absurd. Average game ticket prices in 2008 were over $180 in Toronto, and in 2009, they have been reduced approximately 17%. Still, the Bills have the lowest season ticket average price in the NFL. Fans can gripe and moan about ticket prices, but can you blame the teams for charging what the market will bear?

I like the creativity of the Toronto Series. Could the Chargers do something similar in Los Angeles?

Presentations and public speaking that works

Kudos Russell Scibetti for addressing the need for ALL members of our business community to become effective speakers... I require students throughout the semester to present, speak in class, etc. It's not necessarily about the material they are discussing, but the underlying attempt to have them learn how to be more comfortable speaking in front of a class, panel, audience, etc.

In addition to the "y'know what I'm sayin'?" and the "umm" pause phrases, street talk, slang, cliches and fast talking and low voices, and reading notes, so that all we see are the top of their heads, I tell them that this is their time. They are presenting. First, know your material. If you don't, nothing else will matter, no matter how witty you may be. Secondly, SLOW DOWN. It's not a race. If you need to collect your thoughts or think of the right word, a little silence is completely acceptable. There is no need to fill the void with "um" and"you know".

Make eye contact. Notes are great as a way to remind and keep on track, but DO NOT STAND AND READ THEM. That also brings me to the crutch otherwise known as PowerPoint. Don't create sides full of text that you read to your audience. If you need the slides that much, the audience does not need you! Use the slides as an enhancement, a backdrop, but not the main course.

PGA loses another tourney sponsor

The Dallas Business Journal is reporting that Crowne Plaza, a subsidiary of InterContinental Hotels will bail on their sponsorship of the PGA event at Colonial County Club in Texas. The 6 year deal that commenced in 2007 allows Crowne Plaza to bail after 2010.

This makes the 6th tour event the PGA has available now on its sponsorship menu.

The PGA, which has a clear fan demographic, has a difficult sell to companies, impacted by the all-powerful economic downturn. Companies that generally see the PGA as a tight market segment fit, are some of the most impacted by the downturn. Automobile manufacturers, the travel industry, financial institutions, real estate related entities, and the like.

While many title deals are in place for a few years still, a lagging recovery could substantially impact title sponsorship revenues for future tour events.

Why this ad works

Darren Rovell presented the new Gilette ad featuring its trio of endorsement superstars:
Roger Federer, Derek Jeter and Tiger Woods.




Gilette is on the money with this, because the music and scenery and choice of athletes all blend perfectly.

Woods, Federer and Jeter are endorsement gems because they understand humor, and can poke fun at themselves. They are guys to whom we can relate, and are not afraid to show a side of themselves that is human. Peyton Manning in his "priceless" commercials delivers the same result.

This ad hits multiple market segments, those who can relate to the athletes, and those of us who understand that 1970s music and imagery in the advertisement from the famous movie starring John Travolta. Now, if he had made a cameo appearance in the commercial, that would have been the icing on the cake.

Twitter Use Grows, but not from who they thought...

Apparently, Twitter saw a 131% increase in march 2009, according to Silicon Valley Business Journal. However, while it was thought it would be of large appeal to teenagers and the Millenial generation, the 45-54 demographic are "most likely to use the service at 36% above the average."

I am anxious to see the trend in usage, as it is a fantastic tool for staying informed about trends that impact one's interests, profession and the like. For the "instant" culture that we are, craving and demanding instantaneous news, information and data, twitter has capitalized on serving that community need.

Some good causes still exist

The Triad Business Journal is reporting that tomorrow is the Carolina Barnstorming Tour in Greensboro, NC. ACC stars, including Tyler Hansbrough, will take on some of the area's top high school players.

The event benefits Ronald McDonald House, and at $10 a ticket, its a great value and a great cause.

Clever Promotion For Buffalo Bisons?

The venerable triple-A franchise affiliate of the New York Mets opens the 2009 season tomorrow against the Pawtucket Red Sox. With a mid-week 2:30pm home opener, in Buffalo, where tomorrow's game time forecast is 45 degrees, the Bisons are offering 4 free tickets to anyone who has lost a job. That sounds like a fun time!
A stadium full of unemployed people, at 2:30 on a Thursday afternoon, in Buffalo, in April, when it is 45 degrees. Now, I grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo, so no bashing from me. I have great memories, but is this a promotion Bill Veeck would think up?
They averaged 8,257 fans per game last year in a stadium that holds over 18,000.
Buffalo's unemployment rate is at 9%. Is there room here for some great community relations? You bet. With the Final Four, and so much discussion about the impact on the city of Detroit, over a weekend, let's keep an eye on how community based minor league teams really look to dig in and support the fan base that has supported them.
Minor league baseball is the proving ground for creativity, promotions and a fun atmosphere. I will look forward to watching the promotion calendar to see how teams attempt to connect with certain depressed communities, and fans that are financially hurting.

Possible New Venue for DC United

Have you seen DC United play in RFK Stadium? It's horrible. It's 50 years old, and in this area of sports venues as entertainment centers, DC United just can't compete. After attempts to stay in the District, DC United started shopping around in suburban Virginia and Maryland.
Prince George's County just pulled the plug on a feasibility study to merely CONSIDER floating bonds worth $195 million. That's the interesting piece here... that the simple investigation into the potential economic impact was voted down 8-0. The concern is having to cover the shortfall, but would a soccer specific venue in a market as dense as the DC suburbs not have enough potential tenants?
MLS Philly is building new digs for $115 million. It's hard to imagine in this economy that there is not some locale in or adjacent to DC looking to welcome the United home and that the price can not be a bit more competitive.

Administrative Decision Making in Contemporary College Athletics

I had the great privilege to serve as a moderator last night at a symposium on the campus of Temple University concerning Administrative Decision Making in Contemporary College Athletics. Our four panelists, we are perfect compliment to each other, providing a diverse sampling of career path, stage in career, history and more. The guests were Mary DiStanislao from UPenn, Herman Frazier from Temple, Dr. Eric Zillmer from Drexel and Jeff Falardeau from Cabrini.

One of the challenges that can exist with such an endeavor is that one person can dominate, or another can fall through the cracks. Not the case here. It was a gracious group, with fantastic insight on advice for sports management students in the audience.

Dr. Zillmer is a extremely interesting individual, serving as a tenured professor in Drexel's psychology department, bringing a truly unique, yet practical perspective to the position.

Mary DiStanislao provided great commentary on the factors and emphasis that go into hiring a coach for a higher profile revenue sport, versus a less-visible one.

Jeff Falardeau, representing the NCAA D3 faction, gave a great balance to the Division I panelists, weighing in on topics that involved web presence, collegiate branding, something that Cabrini has only recently developed.

Herman Frazier of Temple provided thought-provoking insight to students on the perils of social media and being conscious of the "send" button when posting to blogs, twitter, facebook and the like.

MLBPA Clubhouse Store

Darren Rovell has reported that the Major League Baseball Players' Association will open a Clubhouse store in the Met's new CitiField. The rationale is that MLB fans DO want to support individual players through product purchases, instead of merely individual teams.

As I read the report, a few things came to mind, especially about how the NFL and NBA do not permit non-player jerseys to be sold. Well, duh! I have not actually calculated the area of the numbers on the front of an NFL Jersey, but I am sure they must account for at least 85% of the markings on the jersey. Who wants an $80 generic Indianapolis Colts Jersey? It's a white shirt with blue stripes on the sleeves:





In most cases with the NFL, it is the combination of the font style of the numbers, along with the colors, that demonstrate the team designation. The Ravens, Broncos, Steelers, among others have a unique font that associates with the team.

The NBA, while featuring a team name or logo on the front of jerseys, still includes a large number. The jersey looks out of balance without it. You KNOW something is missing.

MLB jerseys, by their design, are different. Most do not feature a player number on the front so blank back jerseys do not look as awkward as a blank Indianapolis Colts or Pittsburgh Steelers jersey. They would look like rejects from the factory.

So, go ahead MLBPA, and market the individual player. My Yankee home pinstripe jersey proudly has a "44" on the back. But for those fans that want to support the TEAM, please don't take away their option as a fan/consumer.

We don't write good

What is it with writing skills? Why do I have the same problem every year with juniors and seniors? Of course, it's not everyone, but it is way more than it should be.

Technology has impacted us as professors in so many profound ways. It's a wonderful tool, but it is one of my biggest struggles. In teaching sports marketing, we talk about the impact of social networking sites, and their undeniable place in our profession. But what do they teach us to do? Take short cuts, abbreviate and write in incomplete sentences a means to be concise.

And the fall out is that it spills over into ALL writing. And students are dumbfounded when I hand a paper back and tell them to rewrite it.

What to do?