4 Rules to Survive and Thrive in the Sports Industry

Everyone wants to work in the college or professional sports industry – either with a sports franchise or directly with athletes. I get at least half a dozen LinkedIn messages each week from professionals wanting to enter or advance in the sports space. As a former professional basketball player and 16-year sports executive, I have seen many professionals come and go. They either struggle to survive the cut-throat competition, or they simply aren’t passionate enough to maintain the consistent hustle required to maintain success in this space. I have compiled four basic rules to live by to experience sustainable success and to create an impact in sports.

Who is Dr. T?

1.?????? Refrain from being a groupie!

It can be exciting to meet, work with, or become a part of the inner circle of one of your favorite players. It can be equally exhilarating to work with your favorite sports team or in a world-renowned league at the collegiate or professional level. But, one of the fast-kept rules when working on this side of the lines is that you are not a fan in your work role. You must refrain from acting like a “groupie.” This includes asking for random pictures, name-dropping, telling your family and friends about sensitive information that you are exposed to, or exchanging personal favors with players and colleagues.

With so many people looking to capitalize off these high-profile stars and entities, confidentiality and discretion are key traits of a true professional in the industry. You must be able to operate effectively behind the scenes. This is one reason that so many players and people in this industry have trust issues; the people around them have different motives. Failing to adhere to this unspoken and often written code of conduct can be the surest way to get blackballed from the industry.

?2.?????? Know your role.

While you may be well-known, well-liked, and well-respected, it is never about you. In sports, it is ALWAYS about the money. College sports are about revenues, budgets, and data. Professional sports are about revenues, budgets, and data. If your role does not produce or protect certain financial targets or forecasts, you should proceed with caution. Although you may develop deep personal relationships when working directly with athletes, you can never overlook your professional obligations to them. You must deliver.

When you work for a professional organization in college or professional sports, you must never forget these three words: You are replaceable. Always. Many entry-level positions are high-turnover positions, and you will see many young professionals move in and out of positions with various organizations or institutions searching for a good fit. Oftentimes, these lower-level positions carry pay levels that do not match the time commitment, and this is where your passion is supposed to fulfill the rest of your reward. It’s always about the money, so know your role and prepare accordingly.

?3.?????? Get things done.

The sports industry is an extremely competitive space whether you are working on the organizational side or for yourself. The most successful people in sports get things done! They don’t just talk about what to do or revisit what they have done; these power movers make things happen. They are results-driven rather than activity-driven. They are persistent, they are strategic, and they follow up and follow through.

One principle that I have operated by over the last nearly 20 years is to over-deliver. I always do more than is asked or required. I take pride in standing out and being memorable to my clients and colleagues because I recognize that they always have choices of who they work with. I want them to remember how I enhanced their brand and empire. I want to make every interaction that I have with anyone else one of quality and professionalism.

?4.?????? Embrace change.

The sports industry moves fast. New rules, regulations, competition, and opportunities create environments that require consistent change. If you do not handle change, unstructured days, and last-minute requests well, then you should reconsider a career in sports. You must possess the ability to adapt quickly, take initiative, and get things done without a lot of oversight. Critical thinking skills are key. Know yourself!?

Over my time in this industry, I have had to evolve my business model to address certain gaps that I was passionate about filling. While I started my professional career as a registered financial advisor, I found myself pivoting into a more general business and financial management model to serve the expansive needs of my clients. The dilemma of most elite athletes is that they must navigate a lot of information, perform at a high level, and juggle many non-sport responsibilities simultaneously. While they have a team of professionals helping them, who is helping the athlete manage this side of the ball? I found myself connecting the dots as an advisor in areas not directly related to finance. More recently, I have also added an educational arm to address widespread knowledge and skill gaps around business and money among athletes. I have books, programs, and signature workshops available. You must evolve to stay relevant. ?

If you desire to work or advance in sports, you must adopt these principles to survive and thrive. Let's get it!

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?Dr. Tywanna Smith is President of The Athlete’s Nexus – a sports marketing and business management firm for professional athletes. In addition to sports management services, Dr. Smith offers NIL education and support for collegiate student-athletes, consulting services for entrepreneurs, financial literacy programming, and professional development training for athletes and sports staff. Dr. Smith is currently an adjunct professor at The University of Memphis. Learn more about Dr. Smith at www.tywannasmith.com. Book her to lead an experience with your organization by emailing [email protected].