Yesterday, I published a few social media posts describing my joy that Sports Agent Blog is approaching 10 million tracked page views since its inception on December 31, 2005. One of the responses I received was from JB Bernstein, the subject of Disney’s Million Dollar Arm movie. He suggested that I do a top 10 list of what I learned in honor of the milestone. Challenge accepted. It has been some time since I delivered an article on this website, but here we go..
1. Action speaks 10 million words. And page views, apparently. On December 31, 2005, I could have just pondered the idea of creating this website, which originally was titled, I Want to Be a Sports Agent and was formed in the infancy of the blogosphere. Instead of thinking too long and hard and never acting, I just said heck with it . . . let’s give it a shot. A value cannot be placed on that act.
2. I think that I found myself a cheerleader. Years into the creation of Sports Agent Blog, I met an individual who is hard to describe. He is a businessman and has some sort of connection to athletes (there are lots of those types in this industry). Anyhow, he has imparted some good wisdom on me, which includes the idea that there are many cheerleaders out there — people who are on the sidelines and think they have the ability to influence you. His use of the word is associated with a negative connotation. There will be cheerleaders not cheering you on, but telling you that what you’re attempting is impossible or unlikely to occur. I have experienced many of those types. Turn that negative energy around and use it to motivate you to be the best and conquer your fears.
3. Be real, be authentic, be be aggressive. Tone is important. It is often lost through the written word. Do your best to inject your own personality and style in your writing. Be true to yourself. People do not want a regurgitation of what is published by the Associated Press. If they are coming back, they are coming for you. And give it all you have. Cross the line and cross your fingers that it does not damage you beyond repair.
4. Think long-term. I have had numerous opportunities to sell Sports Agent Blog. Some offers have come in low. There were also offers that I had to seriously consider based on the substantial amount of quick, guaranteed monetary gain. I am not saying that I would never sell this website or any other properties I own; however, I can say with confidence that I am happy to have held on to Sports Agent Blog at least this long. Selling in the past would have been selling myself short. Understand your value before you make such a big decision.
5. Surround yourself with talent. On and around the creation of Sports Agent Blog, I was pumping out the vast majority of content on the website. Today, I hardly post. But I am most certainly still involved. This website has not only been able to survive, but flourish, thanks to the assistance of amazing contributors throughout the years. The importance of recognizing talent, conducting necessary due diligence and empowering others is hard to understate.
6. Be a leader. This piggyback’s the prior section. There are managers, there are entrepreneurs and there are inspirations. I aspire to be categorized in the latter group. Empower others to recognize their dreams. Give them the tools they need to grow. Do not be overbearing with obligations, tasks and meaningless chores.
7. You must be having a damn good time. There really is no purpose of creating a website or any platform unless you thoroughly enjoy what you are doing and are passionate about your goals. If you love what you do, you will forget how much time you appropriate to accomplishing your mission. The love your job, it’s never considered work cliché is real. Follow your dreams, aim to be the best at what you do, and if there’s a market that demands what you provide, then the money will follow.
8. Dream in XXL. The fall is not that bad. If you do not accomplish what you set out to achieve, then you will at least learn important lessons along the way. You sell yourself short if you take the easy path and attempt to duplicate what has already been done. Be extraordinary. Think about what you think is impractical and likely impossible, think long and hard about whether that is something that interests you, and then chase that dream.
9. Build a 6-pack. You will take punches. You will make mistakes. You will undoubtedly get called out on those mistakes. You may even be threatened with lawsuits and be sued. The theoretical 6-pack you build will allow you to sustain the punches. Use the blows as constructively as possible. Respond to as many emails as you can. Take phone calls. Allow others to give you advice. Do not follow every word from every person who thinks he/she knows what is best for you, but at least consider what is being said and who is the person behind those words.
10. Separate and combine business with pleasure. I have had the amazing opportunity to travel the world. I actually am writing this post on a flight to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I often combine these “pleasure” trips with business (or vice versa). But it is also important to be able to separate business and pleasure. Share the joy of your business successes with those you love and appreciate. If they want to help you when your business life is not where you want it to be, then let them in and show your appreciation. But do your best to not take blunders out on those who care about you most. You need them, they need you.
