Documenting the Journey

The public has been given the remote control and chooses who they engage with. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn are the main channels where these viewers’ attention are held.

What has come of this are niche audiences in just about anything and everything. The MLB Network is a prime example of this and is a channel that didn’t even exist 10 years ago.

As a result, significant influence is no longer reserved only for those who are MVPs scoring big endorsement deals. The players gaining the most influence are the ones giving the most access. Fans want to get as behind the scenes as possible. While the TV gives them the game live or the highlights, there isn’t a channel that takes them around town on an off day or the across the country on road trips.

The main goal of Baseball and Business for current pro players is to see them be able to maximize the opportunity as an active player. You’ve invested your entire life to the game and now is your time to be rewarded.

When you give access, you will gain attention. When you gain attention, you will build influence.

(Sharing from Lewis Brinson, go follow him @lewisbrins25 on Instagram)

Instagram has become the best place for players to build a following because it easily allows for pictures, video, and live video to be shared.

(Sharing from Nicky Delmonico, go follow him @nickydelmonico on Instagram)

Besides being fun, this simple social media strategy on the right platform can lead to business opportunities. Companies are willing to pay athletes to promote their product to their followers in exchange for cash and/or product. Below is Garrett Cooper teaming up with Essentia Water through a post on Instagram.

(Sharing from Garrett Cooper, go follow him @coopaloop28 on Instagram)

Companies have paid for product placement in movies forever and endorsements are nothing new as well. Social media changed the game though because influence can be earned through “sweat equity” versus being one of the chosen few like it once was.

Until signing a multi year deal there is only so much guaranteed. Part of why Baseball and Business exists is to help players to take back as much control as possible. I believe one of the most realistic ways this can be done is through documenting the journey through pro ball.

This isn’t a plan B rather an extra way to leverage the platform pro baseball is. It simply requires a desire to document your day to day, learn a bit and engage with those who engage with you.

In addition, this is a great way to build a network that could be valuable after baseball long term.

Next week we will begin a new spotlight on our Instagram page. Each Monday will be #MoreThanAthletes Monday. We will highlight current MLB and MiLB players going beyond the field to maximize the opportunity.

If you aren’t already, go follow us @baseballandbusiness on Instagram. You will not want to miss this new rollout. I’m excited to give recognition to where it is well deserved and make sure the inner circle of players through this network are supporting one another.

The game has not changed but the opportunity has…for the better.

Luke Melms is the founder of Baseball and Business. Baseball and Business is an exclusive network of current and former pro and college baseball players.

Baseball and Business helps current players learn how to maximize business opportunities while on the field and those who are no longer in the game learn how to create long term success in business.

The mission of Baseball and Business is to help current and former baseball players leverage the lessons learned from baseball in business so they can win for their most important team, their family.

Visit www.baseballandbusiness.com to learn more about what we are up to.