Running a Tournament Just Got Easier

This is a very cool (and free) web-based resource that I came across for running a tournament.  Very simple to use and fans can comment on matches and follow the event from anywhere.  Pretty cool!
www.konkuri.com

Stop! What are you Doing?

If you're scrambling to meet deadlines, running your organization by the seat-of-your-pants, getting work done between distractions and continually getting further behind then STOP!  What exactly is on your to-do list?  What is it that only you can do?  What on that list can be handed off to someone else?  Or maybe dismissed altogether?  
If you fit the above description then you owe it to the others that depend upon your leadership to do better.  It is likely that your mandate is to strengthen and/or grow your organization. If that is the case then you can do it better by evaluating what you are doing right now and (as David Allen author of Getting Things Done would say) doing it, delegating it or discarding it.   

Riot University is Open for Enrollment!

When I ask people if they have a strategy for using social media and social networking the response I get is "Do you mean like Facebook and stuff?"  If you want your organization to touch more people then you need a strategy.  First you have to understand what all this mess is.  We make it simple with Riot University. 
Learn about how you can benefit from using Facebook, Twitter, blogging, e-newsletters, text message alerts and more. 
Enroll in Riot U!
What is Riot U?  It is an 8-week course that will take you about 10-15 minutes per week to learn.  At $9.99/week it is a low cost investment in yourself and your organization.
Let me know what you think.
http://www.riotsportsmarketing.com/page/Riot-University

Why Everyone is Wrong

Everyone wants a website.  "You need a website," everyone says.  "If you don't have a website," everyone says, "you're non-existent."

"Everyone" is wrong. 

Websites are cumbersome.  Even the simplest website is technically intimidating not to mention time consuming to maintain.  Consider the fact that if I don't set aside time to come to see it then I'll never know what is on it!  If you don't have a website already, spare yourself the headache. 

The widely used but oft misused Facebook Fan Page is the solution for the organization with limited resources (both time and human):

• They have more functionality than any traditional website (add photos, video, events, schedule, online donation button, discussion forum etc).
• They are free and anyone with minimal technical know-how can maintain one. 
  
• Anyone (even the aforementioned "everyone") can view it with or without a Facebook account
• Get a custom domain name (www.your-organization.com) for it

Post an update on a traditional site and, like the proverbial tree in the woods, you can wonder if it actually makes a noise.  Post it on your Facebook Fan Page and all of your fans will see it, can share it and comment on it.

Make life easier.  Ignore everyone.

Top Ten Reasons to Start a Riot

10.  RSM has been called "The future of sports marketing."  The future is here.  You're on board or you're not.

9.  Because you know you want it.

8.  Marketing is the solution to many of the challenges you face in your program.

7.  Because you want a real home field advantage!

6.  It's easy. 

5.  You'll be famous!  We'll get you the media coverage you deserve.

4.  It's a fundraiser that sells something worthwhile.  (You're program, not cookies)

3.  To entrench your program in your community.

2.  To show your administration how important your program really is to the community.

1.  You'll look like a genius.   (Give us some freaking credit will ya'?)

6 Secrets to Raising Real Money

I'm not talking about selling cookies or coupon books.  I'm talking about raising real cash to make real progress.

1. Get emotional: The frustrating part about raising money is that logic doesn't work.  Appeal to donors' emotional side and they'll open their wallets.
   
2. Say Thank you: If you want them back and to donate more next time, you had better say thank you.
   
3. Communicate: Make it easy for your donor base to receive communication from you.  Let them know the human interest stories from within your program.
4.  Build personal relationships:  In addition to #3, contact large donors and prospects personally to build the relationship.
   
5. Immortalize donors: Put their name on a brick, a locker, a plaque or just your website. 
   
6. Get over it and make the ask:  You heard me.