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
