#1 Skill You Need in Player Development
3 Ways to Build Relationships with YOUR Athletes
This cannot be said enough. RELATIONSHIP BUILDING in the #1 skill you need in the role.
Quality or skill, you decide, but I know wherever it falls it is needed.
You WILL not succeed in this role if you don’t build relationships.
You have heard this from me multiple times on the podcast and on other podcast I have been fortunate enough to be a guest on.
You get it, but you may wonder how can I build relationships? What are some ways to do such?
Well, I am glad you are reading this newsletter. I will give you three ways to build relationships in this newsletter. On this week’s podcast I will dive deeper into these three ways and the seven relationships you must build for immediate success in the role.
Here are three ways to build relationships:
Know Their Name
This one may seem like a super easy task, but you will be surprised by how many people fumble athletes’ names in sports or don’t even try. Their name can be very special to them and carry immense meaning. If they have a nickname, ask them the origin of the nickname and what they would prefer the staff to call. You will learn about your athletes if you know their names. This is one of the easiest ways to gain respect.
Know Where They Are From
This is another step in knowing the athlete on a deeper level. Most people are a big repper (I’m going with it) of where they are from. It’s where they have grown up, lived life, learned lessons, and in the case of out of state athletes, the source of home sickness. I personally use this whenever I met new people, I always ask where they’re from because I usually remember that first and then am able to attach the name to it. John from Sheboygan. Knowing where people are from can create instant conversation based on the happenings in their city at the time. Whenever a natural disaster happened, knowing where people are from helped me in role to check on them and their families. Don’t overlook this piece of valuable knowledge of your athletes.
Know What They Want in Life
When I was in the role, EVERYONE on the team had NFL dreams. Few realized this was a dream that would most likely not be realized. In getting to deepen the relationships with these NFL hopefuls, I began asking them other questions on what else they wanted to do in life. THEN, the more realistic opportunities came RUSHING like a mighty river. I found out players wanted to be doctors, lawyers, chef, artists, coaches, teachers, entrepreneurs, FBI agents, wildlife rangers, real estate agents, and so much more. With this knowledge of what they desired, I was able to connect a few dots and help create a path for them to take off on. Conversations would happen regarding their “other” desires and connections were made. They many success stories about creating the path, but this wouldn’t have happened without knowing what they wanted in life. Take time, don’t get irritated by their pro sports dream, encourage it, and dive deeper. One easy way to do this is the following question: So, after your 10-year (insert pro sports league here) career what do you want to accomplish? Where will your efforts be focused on then?
As I said earlier, I will dive into deeper detail on these three ways to build relationships and the 7 people to know for immediate success in the role. You can get a notification for the podcast airing on TUESDAY here:
NIL Legislation Reaction
I am sure you may have heard about the Tennessee NIL case over the weekend.
To catch you up to speed: A judge ruled the NCAA cannot enforce any NIL restrictions or rules until the lawsuit is settled or goes to trial.
Now this preliminary injunction can be appealed. So, hold on a little longer.
My big question to you is are you ready. If you are not, prepare yourself.
Ensure your athletes continually understand real world business, contracts, and discerning people/possible partnerships.
NFL Combine
The NFL Combine kicks off this week and I had the great fortune of attending the 2022 NFL Combine.
.
One of the scouts I knew from an NFL team, asked me was I going, and he encouraged me to go. He got me the most all access pass you can get for not being a part of a team.
During this time, I was in transition and was wanting to make myself available for a position with all 32 teams and the NFL office. THEY ARE LITERALLY ALL THERE.
I would recommend at least going to the combine for a day or two to anyone working in sports. The access you get to NFL staffs is UNREAL.
I went for 12 days, and I wouldn’t advise anyone to do that, BUT I NEEDED A JOB.
I was able to sit down with many of the Directors of Player Engagement for the NFL, even had lunch and dinner with a few. I also go to spend some time with scouts and coaches I knew from my time in the role and beyond.
I built a solid relationship with Gus Felder there as well. We still support each other to this day. You can listen to his podcast episode here:
Going to the NFL Combine won’t guarantee you a job, TRUST ME. But it is a great professional experience and there are many benefits to going for a couple of days if you can.
The Player Development Conference
The Player Development Conference is less than 3 months away!
Building on the incredible momentum from last year, we are excited to continue to provide a collaborative learning experience for those serving athletes around the WORLD.
More information will be shared in the coming weeks.
Player Development Conference Resources and Opportunities:
PD Conference Mailing List
Interested in Speaking
Want to Sponsor?
Player Development Resources
COURSES
Guide to Player Development Online Course - Self Paced
Player Development LIVE Cohort Course Interest
WORKSHOPS
BOOKS
Player Development Guide eBook
Head Coaches Guide to Player Development eBook
COACHING
Player Development Coaching Program Interest