Doing work you’re proud of is the shortest path.
A recent Harvard Business Review study shows how the habit of reflection, particularly on surprise, failure and frustration, can separate extraordinary careers from average ones.
On my way to nine years in sports marketing, I reflected on valuable lessons learned during the journey.
Since 2014, I have had the opportunity to work in business projects involving clubs, leagues, federations, athletes and competitions.
Next, are insights from my experience. Articles, lectures and talks I have participated had the main objective of sharing what I discovered.
01 Honesty is underestimated. Nothing helps to build more trust in sales than looking in the eye and telling the truth. It proves we care and commit to build from empathy.
02 The best doesn’t exist. The best project, candidate or client doesn’t exist because we all have a different definition for it. It is vital to understand what it means for whoever you seek to serve.
03 We are problem-solvers. We advance by making decisions on solving problems. It could be generating income, elevating fan engagement or delivering events. Specialising on problems makes us different.
04 Insights beat daily tasks. Our input becomes more valuable when we make others think and see things differently. Our to-do list is only the tactics of thinking, we can get better at seeing with practice.
05 Freedom, responsibility and pride. Leading, being accountable and caring about detail is up to us, no matter when or where. It is the shortest path to meaningful personal and professional growth.
06 There are no geniuses. People working at the organisations of our dreams are just like us. Developing skills, acquiring knowledge and persevering are available to all of us, we can decide to care enough.
07 It doesn’t seem fair. The path is usually not linear, even though our consistency should always be. Mastering the skill to learn from every situation is as challenging as helpful in moving our career forward.
08 Become the only one. Scarcity drives value, in all forms. Understanding how we can blend a concrete skillset, industry, network or knowledge makes us being looked for, rather than just found.
09 Everyday is a picture. Underestimate huge wins and recognise daily steps. Dominating time and processes is fundamental to achieve results. In a more noisy environment, protection is key.
Caring enough about people, projects and purpose will let us win the game, each one’s game.
While sports business is being revolutionised by technology, it is our job to create more human connections than ever.
Let’s be proud.