After nearly 7 years as an Assistant Commissioner at the American Association, Mark Hodgkin has struck out on his own while bringing his unique insight into the world of digital media. Hodgkin is quick to point out that he doesn't believe in the expert label for social media, and in fact, runs away from anyone making that claim. Hodgkin shares his vision of providing a great overall brand messaging strategy to an organization's digital channels, and to avoid the habit of platform chasing. Twitter: @Mark_Hodgkin
How much ownership does an athlete have over their own biometric data. Hypergolic's Kristy Gale discusses some of the ramifications into the deep, dark dystophia world of trademark or copyrighted biometric information, and how it can affect an athlete throughout their career. Gale talks about how this is also a greater concern for both players associations, as well as how that personal information is affected by HIPPA law. Gale also mentions some of the monetization issues surrounding this information harvest, and whether current collective bargaining agreements are able to handle new technology advancements. Twitter: @sportstechlaw
S.E.T. is a big component of how Danny Kambel runs not only his sports information department, but also his professional development in college athletics. Kambel describes how Strategic Engagement Teamwork is effective at helping both himself, as well as his colleagues, understand a betterment of embracing situations around them. Part of that overall vision comes from not only being a member of CoSIDA, but also of NACMA, where Kambel hones in on his marketing acumen. Kambel talks about some of his greatest challenges, and how working in a collegiate environment has helped him grow, especially when it comes to helping student athletes become graduates from the institutions he represents. Twitter: @DannyKambel
From the moment he speaks, Ryan Stewman brings an electricity to his opinions about cold calling, closing and learning to sell. Stewman talks about some of the ways that he has used to close big deals and take prospects down the path to buying, especially when it comes to text messaging. Stewman discusses his thoughts on why cold calling is ineffective compared to other forms of selling, and why when everyone was getting out of the mortgage industry, Stewman doubled-down and gobbled up his competition. Twitter: @RyanStewman
It's no longer just the role of the secondary market, but of the entire revenue stream via distribution channels, that gets discussed with Mike Guiffre, Vice President at TicketCity. Guiffre has been on the podcast prior, Ep. 461, but now, as a member of the secondary market, Guiffre has the distinction of working for both primary and secondary marketplaces. As Guiffre explains, there may not be a difference between primary and secondary anymore, simply more options for the consumer to purchase tickets from. Guiffre talks about some of the methods that franchises have employed, questioning the efficiency of hiring a slew of sales reps to make 100 phone calls per day, and what options lay ahead for franchise executives in general. Twitter: @mjguff
Technology not only changes the sales person, but also the customer. Sales Hacker Author Max Altschuler explains how the growth of new devices has altered the way that customers are willing to receive messaging and sales propositions, and how new sales people must adapt in order to achieve revenue success in the modern era. Altschuler talks about the investment required by sales managers in order to shift the old metrics of out-dated phone calls per day to new KPIs focused on actually engaging, investing, and building relationships with consumers that can strengthen any company's brand. Twitter: @MaxAlts
The Brooklyn Cyclones represent one of the feats of the modern minor league baseball era in sports marketing. Not only did the franchise establish itself in one of the relics of a bygone time in Coney Island, but it created a stadium landmark that became an anchor tenant in a revitalization of a formerly notorious area for urban decay. Cyclones VP Steven Cohen discusses how the team shot right out of the gates with full stands and happy crowds, establishing itself for over 16 years as one of the perennial success stories of the New York-Penn League. Cohen talks about the image of Coney Island, and how the Cyclones have managed to continue to build more of a family-friendly atmosphere, eliminating some of the stereotypes that used to plague that area during the 1970s to 1990s.
Danita Johnson is a WNBA home-grown ticket sales talent, developing her skills with the Washington Mystics, Tulsa Shock and now as Vice President of Ticket Sales at the LA Sparks. Johnson talks about selling in the Los Angeles market, and creating not just a niche for the WNBA product, but a community-based support system which extends all season long. Johnson shares her thoughts on how to ensure that the perception of what the Sparks are selling on and off the court is comparable to the fan experience of other leagues, as well as how the Sparks foster greater group sales efforts overall. Twitter: @DanitaDJohnson
David Gravenkemper is caught between two wholly different worlds in sports business, the modern day Australian way of selling and the United States version. Gravenkemper took the leap less than a year ago, leaving his Associate Athletic Director position at the University of Washington to held up National Sales for the Australian Baseball League. Gravenkemper discusses the dynamic changes, especially in the way that the ABL sells to its sports fan community, amid membership and personal tastes in specific sports leagues. Gravenkemper talks about his time in his home city of Seattle, both with the UW Huskies and Seattle SuperSonics. Twitter: @DGravenkemper
Temple University's Director of Programs of Sports & Recreation Management Joe Mahan discusses the state of the education side of the industry. Mahan presents his argument to the vital nature of developing a wide-ranging practicum in the field, as well as building connections overall by attending major industry conferences. Mahan talks about why a graduate degree is becoming more important for industry practitioners as well as the limited amount of jobs available as a whole in sports. Twitter: @dr_marshmallow