October 8, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2018
SERVICING PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES
Traditionally, this blog is written for and about professional athletes, however, this month I decided to post something for people who service pro athletes. It is from an article I wrote a while back for the NATIONAL INSTITUTE of SPORTS PROFESSIONALS, for which I am a member. www.nisprofessionals.com
Below is a copy of this article:
SERVICING PRO ATHLETES
"100% of PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ULTIMATELY EXPERIENCE JOB TERMINATION!" This is my credo. As a former professional basketball player who now possesses an advanced degree in counseling and works as a Transition Consultant for Professional Athletes my interest in sports transition is both personal and professional. My focus as a Transition Consultant is to resolve the emotional and practical issues potentially associated with athletes as they exit their craft…back into normal, everyday lives. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things and would enjoy sharing some tidbits with you, as a fellow NIS Certified Sports Professional.
First of all, let me begin by stating my understanding of our craft as service professionals. I understand not everyone has interest or may be best suited to work with professional athletes. They are a special breed, which requires a special approach. Today’s pro athlete is being pulled from all sides. Many people from many different aspects are looking for a piece of these athletes from agents to attorneys, from financial planners to investment brokers, from car dealers to Realtors, from media personnel to the neighbor, many people are looking for a piece of their pie, if you will. Throw in the fact this is all occurring while the athlete is typically young, and trying to maintain a single focus…performing to their peak ability, and it’s easy to see why they do not have the time (and often the energy) to devote to taking care of all of their needs. Thus, the reasons we often see an entourage surrounding our most famous athletes and entertainers. They must manage their home situations while traveling extensively, their finances during this peak earning window (most pro athletes face a 90% pay cut once done), and their personal time, all while attempting to constantly perform at their best.
I’ve spoken with many professional athletes who have brought up one resounding factor when discussing their need for any professional service….TRUST. Because of the amount of people constantly grabbing at and wanting a piece of their pie, many professional athletes become leery and their trust becomes limited.
One way to build trust is a relationship over time. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a large amount of time from a pro athlete, so we must find another, more efficient way. I’ve discovered there are three questions that I can answer in a very brief amount of time that will help build trust amongst pro athletes. They are no-nonsense questions that are consciously or sub-consciously asked by every pro athlete.
1.) How will your service save/make me money?
2.) How will your service save me time?
3.) How will your service be enjoyable for me?
If you are able to briefly and clearly answer these three questions, you will be prepared once you do get your foot in the door of a professional athlete.
Not every service professional may desire to work with professional athletes, but hopefully this brief information benefits those that do, understanding there are many other aspects that make working with pro athletes unique…perhaps, in a future article. To find out more about me, my book, and my services go to: www.fromglorydays.com
- Kurt A. David
Below is a copy of this article:
SERVICING PRO ATHLETES
"100% of PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ULTIMATELY EXPERIENCE JOB TERMINATION!" This is my credo. As a former professional basketball player who now possesses an advanced degree in counseling and works as a Transition Consultant for Professional Athletes my interest in sports transition is both personal and professional. My focus as a Transition Consultant is to resolve the emotional and practical issues potentially associated with athletes as they exit their craft…back into normal, everyday lives. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things and would enjoy sharing some tidbits with you, as a fellow NIS Certified Sports Professional.
First of all, let me begin by stating my understanding of our craft as service professionals. I understand not everyone has interest or may be best suited to work with professional athletes. They are a special breed, which requires a special approach. Today’s pro athlete is being pulled from all sides. Many people from many different aspects are looking for a piece of these athletes from agents to attorneys, from financial planners to investment brokers, from car dealers to Realtors, from media personnel to the neighbor, many people are looking for a piece of their pie, if you will. Throw in the fact this is all occurring while the athlete is typically young, and trying to maintain a single focus…performing to their peak ability, and it’s easy to see why they do not have the time (and often the energy) to devote to taking care of all of their needs. Thus, the reasons we often see an entourage surrounding our most famous athletes and entertainers. They must manage their home situations while traveling extensively, their finances during this peak earning window (most pro athletes face a 90% pay cut once done), and their personal time, all while attempting to constantly perform at their best.
I’ve spoken with many professional athletes who have brought up one resounding factor when discussing their need for any professional service….TRUST. Because of the amount of people constantly grabbing at and wanting a piece of their pie, many professional athletes become leery and their trust becomes limited.
One way to build trust is a relationship over time. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a large amount of time from a pro athlete, so we must find another, more efficient way. I’ve discovered there are three questions that I can answer in a very brief amount of time that will help build trust amongst pro athletes. They are no-nonsense questions that are consciously or sub-consciously asked by every pro athlete.
1.) How will your service save/make me money?
2.) How will your service save me time?
3.) How will your service be enjoyable for me?
If you are able to briefly and clearly answer these three questions, you will be prepared once you do get your foot in the door of a professional athlete.
Not every service professional may desire to work with professional athletes, but hopefully this brief information benefits those that do, understanding there are many other aspects that make working with pro athletes unique…perhaps, in a future article. To find out more about me, my book, and my services go to: www.fromglorydays.com
- Kurt A. David
February 1, 2018
But when the six hour pregame hype is over, the last half-time song has been sung, and the final pricey commercial has been aired what happens to the 106 warriors on the field who have just experienced the most intense sporting experience of their lives? Fifty-three privileged men on each roster stand where others can only envy. But when the smoke of the fireworks clear, the final horn has sounded, and the champion is crowned what happens to these select NFL players?
Unfortunately for many, it will be their final competition. Who truly knows what exact percent of Super Bowl players face job termination proceeding this event year in and year out, but there are some stats that are worth paying attention to.
For instance, one statistic indicates 25% of NFL players are bankrupt within their first year out. Another states 50% of divorces occur within the first year after an NFL player's retirement. Some say 78% of NFL players are either divorced, bankrupt, or unemployed two years after departing from the game.
One of the biggest misconceptions for pro football fans is thinking everyone plays 10 to 15 years and makes millions of dollars. Not so, says the reality of an NFL longevity of under 4 years. In addition, many league minimums are paid out and it is only the exceptional athlete who plays for 15 years and makes the millions and millions of dollar we read about.
It's estimated that 320 NFL players must annually face the cold, hard reality of permanent job termination from pro sports, which includes a loss of status, lack of purpose, lack of direction, and needless to say a huge income loss. How would you feel if I told you, you were going to lose 90% of your income for the rest of your life? I don't care how much money you make, losing 90% of your income is a major lifestyle change, no matter how much you started with. Most NFL players are far from being set for the rest of their lives and our society is not set-up to handle those 35 year old retirees who are.
So what is a former Super Bowl athlete to do? Well, perhaps keep working out and spending a significant amount of money attempting to get back into the game for a couple of years or...perhaps find a way to channel the same wherewithal they applied as a pro athlete into the next phase of their lives.
Imagine the focus, the drive, the self-discipline, the ability to work together with others for a common cause all channeled into a new phase, a new focus, a new life. Exciting isn't it?
Imagine, if pro athletes apply the same mental, physical, and emotional energy they applied during pro sports, into the betterment of our society.....this world would be a much better place.
Some have done this and others eventually will.
So whether you've played in a Super Bowl or not remember one thing holds true....."100% of PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ULTIMATELY EXPERIENCE JOB TERMINATION."
Let's hope they're ready.
You can find out more about me, my book, my TV show,
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