In today's episode, I'll be answering some questions I've found on Reddit about networking. We will go through the questions college students ask about how to network, the best way to do it, what is the point of it, and more. I'll share some networking and internship insights I hope you found valuable. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review. 

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"Try to help your acquaintance in their role, don't approach them from the perspective of what can you gain, but from the standpoint of how can I serve?" - Colbi Ellison.

Throughout this episode, I will answer some questions like, how do I network? What is the point of networking? How to network when you are an introvert? And more.

We will also talk about time. Is there a time to network, or can you start anytime to build your network? 

Tune in and listen to Episode #41 and join me in this journey of clearing doubts and helping each other. 

In today's episode, I'll make a pause to congratulate every one of you graduating in the following days. All of us behind this podcast wish you success and a happy journey in the sports industry. And for those still working their way in, the message is one and straightforward: don't give up, keep insisting, and create. Creating something will give the reps you need, and at the same time, help you create a portfolio that will speak for you.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review.

In this episode, we talk with NFL Players Association Executive Associate Mark Cobb. We talked about the kind of internships the institution offers and the broad set of opportunities it grants. We spoke about the internship admission process and routines, and he kindly shared some tips for those interested in being part of the organization. We also talked about Mark's unique approach to the recruitment process and its benefits. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review. 

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"What is the point of being in the treasure house if you're not going to steal a few coins? If you are working downstairs in Former Players, why wouldn't you go downstairs to the next floor and find out what the Commercial people are doing? What is a Licensing Manager, what is that about? What is the difference between managing somebody's image and likeness vs. buying jerseys?" - Mark Cobb. 

Mark Cobb has been an Executive Associate of the NFLPA for the last 11 years. An organization that is basically a labor union for NFL players, granting them their safety, health, benefits, etc. But the NFLPA is also known for having one of the most complete and resourceful internship programs in the industry. In Mark's words, "anything you would want to do in sports, we probably know somebody who is doing it." 

For instance, the NFLPA has access to EA; they own a part of Madden. 

One of the NFLPA internship policies is to get the internships involved in every activity of the organization. If there is an important meeting or conference call, the instruction is to include the interns. Make them part of everything to be prepared and have authentic experiences of how their work will look like in the future. 

Mark also shared valuable information regarding students' applications, essays, and cover letters. We also talked about his unique approach to the hiring process. Mark enjoys talking with students and interacting with them, and he makes sure he replies to every email. 

Tune in and listen to the experienced Mark Cobb, and enjoy his masterclass on putting the foot in the industry's door. 

Resources:

• NFLPA Website

Connect with Mark:

• LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk with the fantastic Melissa M. Proctor, CMO of the Atlanta Hawks. She kindly shared how she became the first ball girl in the NBA and what that experience taught her. We also talked about how candidates should market themselves and what tactic she would use today to look for a job. We also talked about building confidence and the best way to approach someone we want to network with. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review.

"You can build confidence, but sometimes you just have to walk in fear. And the next step will find you, and you will be ok." - Melissa M. Proctor. 

Melissa Proctor holds a BA in Communications from Wake Forest University and a MA in Design Studies Branding/Marketing from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, England. She is a leader, a brand builder, a creative, a best-selling author, and a proud mom. 

She recently published her book "From Ball Girl to CMO," where she tells how she decided to be the first female NBA coach without ever playing the game and end up being the first ball girl in the NBA. Her book is an invitation to never give up on our dreams, and she introduces the concept of "guiding principles" to use as a filter and help us achieve our boldest aspirations. 

Melissa was always creative; she once made a TV Guide of herself to get a position at Turner, which she got. She did such a fantastic job at marketing herself that the company wanted her to market their products. Melissa commented that it is astonishing the number of people asking for positions in marketing, and they don't know how to market themselves. 

Tune in and listen to Melissa's inspiring story of how perseverance, talent, and consistency can change a career's course.

Resources:

• Book: Melissa M. Proctor - From Ball Girl to CMO
• Melissa M. Proctor Website

Connect with Melissa:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Medium

Mentioned in this episode:

• Book: Mark Cuban - How to Win at the Sport of Business: If I Can Do It, You Can Do It

In today's episode, we will go through a new approach to one of the most effective strategies to get into the sports industry, networking. We will talk about essential elements that will help you grow your networking skills, like commitment, consistency, strategy, and following up on new contacts. I will leave you a simple yet effective plan to expand your network; you will need only two things, a LinkedIn account and an internet connection. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review. 

We can't stress enough the importance of connecting with people and creating meaningful relationships with professionals already working in the industry. And the best part of it, from my long experience interviewing them, all of them are willing to mentor students and help them put the foot on the door in the sports business. 

Tune in and learn how to efficiently grow your network. 

Resources:

• Book: Molly Beck - Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network and Increase Your Influence

Today, I talked with Re'Aunna Henderson, Owner and Director of Mind-U-Mental Athletic & Academic Development. We had a fantastic conversation about a relatively new side of the sports industry, the teams' mental health. We talked about mental performance, how to improve it, and why it is associated with business and entrepreneurs, not only with sports. Re'Aunna also took us through the process of identifying mental skills. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review. 

*********************************************************************Re'Aunna has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a Masters of Science in Kinesiology concentrated in Sport and Exercise Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. 

Re'Aunna realized there weren't many opportunities in the sports industry from an early age, so she decided to create one for herself, starting her own business. Working for free on many occasions and gaining experience taught her to deal with adversity and generate mental toughness. 

In her opinion, entrepreneurship in the sports industry is not for everyone. She believes that the person must have a true passion for starting their own business. 

We talked about how it was for her to "convince" coaches from different generations of her work's value and the importance of improving mental performance.

She also talked about her work with the US Army and its importance for soldiers, considered tactical athletes, to be in perfect mental shape. 

Tune in and listen to Re'Aunna's knowledge about how our minds can put us in our own way or help us thrive and succeed. 

Resources:

• Book: George Mumford - The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance
• Mind U Mental Website
• Mind U Mental Twitter
• Mind U Mental Facebook

In this episode, I had an enlightening conversation with the experienced Michael Lewis, CEO of Rebirth Media Networks, Founder and CEO of Holes Hoops and Hope, and CEO of Brenham Purple Reign. Michael is also temporarily Sports Agent Advisor in Sports Management Worldwide and Regional Talent Advisor at XFL. We talked about internships' experiences, the jobs that taught him most about life, and how he would approach the market as a student. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review. 

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"Go to the team’s website, look who the HR representative is, and send them a resume. Even if the positions aren't opening right now. 95% of the time, they will give you a call." - Michael Lewis

Michael is a graduated Broadcast Journalist from the University of Nevada - Las Vegas. He got a Master's Degree in Sports and Fitness Administration/ Management from Sports Management Worldwide and an MBA in Sports Business Management from Cornell University.

He worked as Fitness Professional and Senior Fitness Instructor. Michael also acted as Head Women's Basketball Coach for five years in the National Women's Basketball League and the Houston Community College System. He was Head Men Basketball Coach in CBA China, Associate Head Coach in the Texas Cyclones Men's Basketball Team, and Basketball Coach of the USA Basketball team in 2016. 

Michael kindly shared his point of view on the controversial paid vs. unpaid internships topic, and he expressed what he would do in the position of having to choose between them. He also gave up his tactic to go after a role in the sports industry today. 

He is also an experienced basketball player agent, and he took us into an office where a professional player's contract is being signed. He told us the details to be observed in such a pivotal moment in a player and agent's career. 

We talked about the importance of fan engagement in social media, putting together a package to send to the HR we consider could give us the job we want in the industry, and much more. 

Tune in and listen to Michael's masterclass about the sports industry and its not-so-known moments and places. 

Resources:

• RTV Television
• Holes Hoops and Hope Website
• Rebirth Media Inc Website

Connect with Michael:

• LinkedIn

Today I'm joined by the Author, Attorney, and Law Professor in Sports and Trademarks, Sydnee Mack. The former professional golf player kindly shared her experiences in the countless internships she worked on. We also talked about how playing golf helped her in her professional career and why she decided to stop playing. We also talked about the right way of networking, the importance of authenticity, consistency, and confidence. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review. 

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"Send somebody a note, see if they respond. People do. You will be surprised by the responses you get from a simple LinkedIn DM flight." - Sydnee Mack.

Sydnee started playing golf at age 5. Her mother, Dr. Jean Jackson, saw in golf an opportunity to get Sydnee and her sister Mackenzie an opportunity for a scholarship. And it worked; both girls got a full scholarship, Sydnee went to play golf for Hampton University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, and her sister went to Indiana State University. 

Sydnee traveled overseas to teach and offer golf clinics on several European military bases as a golf player. She also got in touch with the Black golf players community, who helped her and made her and her sister feel at home instantly. 

Going to places and meeting people was always easy for Sydnee; she would attend events and talk to people she found interesting. She will connect with them without knowing she was actually networking. Her interest in these people was genuine and authentic, therefore long-lasting and eventually productive. That's how she learned the importance of authenticity when networking. In her words, "people can tell when you are not genuine."

Sydnee's story is a clear example of how getting in touch with people, getting their contact information, following up that lead, pick up the phone, send an email or a text message is a key to getting a job in the sports industry. 

Connect with Sydnee:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

In this episode, we will talk about something that is kind of a buzzword, pinging. We will go through what it means to ping someone and the different ways we can transform a contact into a secondary relationship or into a friend. We will also talk about what we can do to properly nurture the relationships we have with our network members.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review. 

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In an industry where one of the keys to success is networking, we must be very good at it. 

There are many ways to reach out to someone; we should keep in mind being creative and doing our best to add value somehow. We might send a link to an interesting article we read, commenting on big news related to that person's niche, and so forth. 

Networking demands creativity and, above all things, consistency. We have the tools to create a system and be more effective at pinging; we can make Google alerts or even create a spreadsheet schedule.

This week's episode is a solo round where we will talk about the best ways to cut through the noise and get into the sports industry. The general opinion is that it is a complex industry to get in, and it is true, but that doesn't mean it is impossible. We will explore some of the most effective tactics to get a job in sports, what we should pay attention to, and what we should avoid doing. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star iTunes review. 

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In such a competitive industry, simply asking for a job is not enough, even when we have a diploma. Companies will be interested in hiring us depending on the value we can offer to the brand. 

It is about changing the approaching mindset; instead of focusing on the skills required for the position, we must consider how we can add value to a team or an organization. What gifts we have that would help them, and what can we do to help them grow. 

We must change the way we see the industry, understand how it works, where is it going, what social media channels are not being exploited, or which ones could be used differently. 

Resources:

• Washington Post Article