Building Your Fanbase With Early Wins

Building a Fan-Engaged Industry: Exploring the Power of Fandom in Sports and Business with Ted Eleftheriou

Get ready to uncover the secrets of building a dedicated fanbase and driving customer success as we dive into the world of sports and business with Ted Eleftheriou, PGA , a metalhead turned Hollywood producer who is now a leading voice in the golf industry.

Embracing Fandom as the Future of Industries

We often discuss the importance of brands and business strategies on the Brand to Fan Show, but it's time to take our exploration of fandom to a whole new level—diving into an entire industry. In this Brand to Fan Show episode, we delve deeper into the world of sports and business with guest Ted Eleftheriou of National Golf Foundation . Ted brings a unique perspective by infusing creativity (honed in his early paths in music and Hollywood) into his work, inspiring individuals to develop a true passion for the game.

Embracing fandom as the future of industries is crucial for sustained success. You can foster a loyal and engaged fan base by guiding your customers toward success, understanding their needs, and investing in your employees.

Fostering Creativity and Love for the Game

I met Ted shortly after leaving the PGA TOUR and embarked on my own consulting journey, staying close to golf by working with him on a PGA of America initiative. Since then, Ted and I have supported each other throughout the years. His background in Hollywood and subsequent foray into the golf industry have always fascinated me, as he successfully blends creativity with business acumen to ignite a love for the game within those he works with.

As we discuss the future of golf, we touch upon the changing landscape of the sport and its potential outcomes, particularly for younger generations. Ted shares insights on making golf more appealing and enjoyable, allowing players to express their personal style while on the course. We also discuss the importance of empowering and sharing stories of fandom to attract new players and create a vibrant golfing community.

The Power of Guiding Customers Towards Early Wins

Ted emphasizes the need for companies to reflect their customers' needs and goals, creating experiences and outcomes that genuinely resonate with their audience. This customer-centric approach is vital for building a solid brand and fostering a loyal fan base.

To truly connect with your audience, guiding them toward success from the outset is essential. Incrementally providing them with little wins fosters a sense of accomplishment and helps break down fear barriers. By understanding the desired experience or outcome your customers seek, you can align your offerings to reflect their needs, ultimately creating a stronger connection.

Cultivating Internal Fans: Investing in Employee Development

Ted shared an incredible story of a customer & employee interaction at his local 星巴克 . His retelling showcases the power of exceptional service in fostering emotional connections and building customer loyalty.

Don't underestimate the influence of your employees in cultivating a fan base. Your team members are crucial ambassadors for your brand and can shape customers' experiences. It starts with the hiring process, but it doesn't end there. Investing in employee development and creating a culture that reflects your customers' needs will profoundly impact both internal and external fans.

By empowering employees and fostering positive company culture, businesses can create a memorable experience that keeps fans returning for more.

TL;DL (too long; didn't listen) Takeaways

• Start by understanding why your audience is interested in your brand and what connects them to it. This will enable you to build a deeper and more meaningful connection.
• Guide your customers towards success early on, providing incremental wins to foster fun and break down barriers.
• Focus on the experience or outcome your customers seek, going beyond the tangible product or service you offer.
• Align your goals with your customer's goals, ensuring that your solutions genuinely address their needs.
• Cultivate a fan-oriented culture internally by investing in employee development and creating an environment that reflects your customers' values.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF FANWEAR YOU OWN?

"If you were to peek inside my closet, it's filled with an embarrassing number of t-shirts, many of which are coffee-related. But being a proud New Englander, I am an absolute fanatic when it comes to our local sports teams. Whether it's the Patriots, Bruins, or Celtics, you can count on me to support them through thick and thin. I have an extensive collection of number 12 jerseys and hats from the Tom Brady era. Tom broke my heart when he left the Patriots, but those items still hold a special place in my heart. Those are really important to me.”?

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Thank you for reading!

Are you ready to stop chasing shiny objects and start cultivating fandom and loyalty from your audiences? We should talk about what that looks like for your business.?Click here to start the conversation.

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Catch up with past episodes featuring?Jay Baer,?Brian Fanzo,?Farren Benjamin,?Tim Hayden,?and?Jake McKee?on?Apple,?Spotify,?Amazon,?Google?and?YouTube.

Huge thanks to my team!

Audio production by?Bryan Griggs?of?Griggs Production

Producers:?Kimberly Voorhis,?Ashley Ruiz, and?Carrie Hellbusch

Video Editing by?Garrett Teague