Your Own Sportscenter

If Sportscenter were just a listing of dates, times and locations of games, meetings and events, it wouldn't be very exciting or interesting. Teams would suffer because fans would be less educated, informed and engaged. Ticket sales would drop. Sponsors would leave. Licensing deals would lose value.

Instead, Sportscenter (and all of the other sources of news about a team) gives fans an inside look at the team, it's coaches, individuals and events. Fans get excited. They want more. They talk around the water cooler. They come to the game early. Buy gear (and concessions). They become the most important asset you have.

So... how are you educating and involving your fans?

You and Maslow

 

 Ever wonder what makes a fan a fan? I mean, why would someone support a team of people that, often times, does not even know that you the fan are there? Maslow's hierarchy of needs tells us all that we need to know. People need to belong and they need to have love and companionship. "Misery loves company," they say and that's true of happiness and every emotion in between. 

 So think of that when you are wondering how to grow your fan base (yes, businesses have fans too. Think Mac, Greatful Dead and VW), think about how you can serve your fans and give them what they want. No. Think about how you can give them what they need.

Host events. Give them insider information. Give them a "shout out". Show them you care. If you have to, do it one-by-one.

The Best Coaches Don't Coach

While presenting last weekend in New York, I had the opportunity to connect with Rob Koll, the head wrestling coach at #1 ranked Cornell University this past weekend. I am relatively well acquainted with his program through various people and avenues and have long heard how he runs his program as if he were the CEO rather than just a coach. During his talk, he stressed the importance of his marketing ("marketing, marketing, marketing" he said). More often than not, marketing will give you (my words, not his) the things that you need to move your organization forward. Community support, increased attendance, parental involvement, alumni engagement, student-body support, participation and, most importantly, money. Because without these things you will have a hard time fulfilling your mission... teaching life lessons, building character and winning titles all require facilities, gear, travel etc... and those cost money.
So step back, look at the big picture, dream a little... no, dream big... and figure out how you can get there.
There is a way.

Webinar: How to Raise Money through Marketing

What do you need to reach your goals? Administrative support? Community awareness? Participation? Money? Of course you do. Your situation is common and there is an uncommon solution.
When programs need money, too often they turn to selling cookies, coupon books or candles; none of which create a sustainable source of revenue or fans. Build a community of followers around your program and you will have a dependable source of income and support on which you can rely to help you achieve your goals.
Jim Harshaw, founder of Riot Sports Marketing, will share three techniques that you can implement immediately to begin raising serious cash while increasing administrative support, community awareness and participation.
Sign-up for this free webinar at riotsportsmarketing.com to be held Tuesday, November 9 at 9 PM EST.
Build sustainable revenue. Make your job easier. Get what you need to succeed.
Riot Sports Marketing helps programs communicate with fans, alumni, and supporters to help them get more of what they need- fans, support and money- through building and maintaining multiple channels of communication.

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