I am just a little bit obsessed with Twitter. Truthfully, all sports agents should be attached to the social media service, as well as competitors such as Facebook. I do not know of many athletes who are not active on Twitter and/or Facebook. Thus, agents need to be active in monitoring their clients’ activities on those networks.
Recently I received a press release from a company called “The Big Fat Mouth,” introducing a new division titled, “Social Media Coach for Athletes” (SMCA). From the press release:
In today’s sports world, athletes are coached in every aspect of their game, including position skills, speed, strength, conditioning, agility, nutrition, sports psychology and more. Beginning at the college level athletes are coached on how to answer questions from press and news media, but very few are coached on how to responsibly use social media, not to mention on how to use it to build their brand and future opportunities. With SMCA’s programs and proper coaching, professional athletes can not only enhance their brand image, but significantly enhance their income and future earning potential.
But how will athletes be coached?
SMCA provides live or Skype one-on-one training, live seminars, team and organization training and guidelines, with online training options becoming available before the end of May. Each live training package is customized to the individual athlete where goals are identified and a specific strategy and game plan are created, exactly like every other aspect of an athletes training regimen.
The concept looks like it has potential. I look forward to giving the training a try once it becomes available later this month.
2 replies on “Company Prepares to Introduce a Social Media Coach for Athletes”
Most people have a very limited understanding of the influence Social Media channels have on our society today. Boomers, Gen X & Y…you name it, we are all impacted by the internet and the sites we frequent. For most of us, making a few errors on our FB page or tweeting the wrong message will have minimal or no negative impact. But, what if your 6’8″ High School Senior is the Star player for his Basketball team and has his sights set on a professional career, hoping to be in the top pick of his first NBA draft. Good grades, a stellar record in High School sports, academic recognition, active in community projects and the WILL to do whatever it takes to be a star would seemingly position him to reap the rewards of his efforts. But, the offers never materialize. The fame and money never comes. When the dust settles and everyone is trying to determine why things went badly, it all becomes very clear.
It seems that our sports prodigy never thought that all the crazy, illegal, bizarre, foul or otherwize unneceptable posts, tweets and videos he generated would be taken seriously. Ooops, guess again! Poor management or even total lack of presence on Social Networks is the fastest rising variable in the recruitment industry. This includes pro sports, Ivy League colleges and corporate recruiters. If not managed properly, the Social Media activities of a rising star can completely derail their career plans!
Check out The Social Media Coach For Athletes and learn why, as a parent you need to be proactive. I personally know and hold in high regards the Creator of this company and believe in his mission to help budding or mature athletes project the right image to the right people throughout the ever-changing architecture of todays complex Social Media matrix.
Chris Walker, CHSE, CDME
Hi,
I recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a Communications Degree. I have a passion for social media outlets as well – specifically Twitter. I am interested in an opportunity within the sports and marketing fields. I have witnessed how social media channels can significantly impact an athlete or celebrity’s image. Is there really a job as a social media consultant? Do you know of any companies with opportunities to be one? I would really appreciate any advice or recommendations you may have.
Best,
Lindsey Shaw
[email protected]