Beyond the Field

The Detroit Lions Highlight the Appeal of the Underdog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:24:00 +0000

Calvin Johnson has made Lions fans smile a lot this season

The recent, and surprising, success of the Detroit Lions has reenergized the city of Detroit and brought new excitement to football. After enduring a winless season in 2008, the Lions became a joke among the league and fans. However, they have kicked off this season with 5 wins and quieted countless critics. While the Lions try to move on from two recent losses, they move forward with an army of new fans. Their recent winning streak highlights the power of the underdog, but what is it about an underdog winning that generates such excitement?

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Philadelphia Phillies Postseason Disappointment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:54:00 +0000

In 2008, Brad Lidge celebrates their World Series win.

As a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan, I am familiar with stinging disappointment that comes with defeat. However, this season seemed like the perfect season for them to reclaim their title as champions. The Phillies compiled the seemingly unbeatable team with 4 of the leagues leading pitchers. The Phillies mapped out their return route to the World Series, and they even managed to avoid roadblocks, such as early season injuries to Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins, and keep moving forward. After setting a franchise record 102-wins, their reclamation of the World Series title appeared inevitable, so what happened?

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Boosting my Business Plan with Expert Advice

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:15:00 +0000

In my previous post I examined expert advice regarding business plans; however, I will explain how I will utilize this information to boost my business plan.

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Business Plan Expert Advice

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 03:56:00 +0000

The Challenge: Turn your idea into reality

Creating and developing a successful business plan is a very daunting task, and it can be impossible to even imagine that there could ever be a light at the end of the tunnel. However, some of the greatest innovations have come from people who made it through the same grueling process. As my graduation quickly approaches, I have to finalize a business plan I have been working on through the course of my program. I am developing a sports TV broadcast company that airs Jacksonville, FL high school and college sports. Initially, I thought creating a business unlike any other in the area would lend support to my success, but I have been hit with the harsh reality that pioneering into unexplored realms only makes starting a business that much harder! While I continue to push forward towards finishing my plan, I researched advice from leading business pioneers Ted Turner and Mark Cuban. Although they both achieved success on a much bigger scale, one cannot overlook that they, too, went through the overwhelming task of laying the groundwork for their businesses.

Atlanta Braves Social Media Venture Highlights Common Problem Among Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 01:55:00 +0000

Atlanta Braves

Last week the Atlanta Braves hosted the first-ever "#BravesBash" program which connected fans with players through a variety of social media and digital platforms. The Braves utilized Facebook, Twitter, and Skype to give fans the opportunity to engage with players and coaches. While the Braves were able to flawlessly execute this event, it emphasizes a common problem among sports team--the emphasis teams place on their number of "likes" or "followers." While statistics are the backbone of any team and assist them to determine success on the field, the numbers off the field are not as clear-cut.

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San Francisco Giants Employ Social Media to Connect Sponsors with Fans

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 02:12:00 +0000

Virgin America Day at AT&T Park

August 4th 2011 marked San Francisco-based Virgin America's fourth year anniversary, and they turned to the defending World Champion San Francisco Giants to assist with their celebration. The Giants designated August 6th as the "Virgin America Day at AT&T Park," and Virgin partnered with the Giants to offer exclusive prizes and contests. Virgin provided game attendees with limited two-for-one flight vouchers and created an in-game Twitter scavenger hunt, which would provide attendees with an opportunity to win Giants/Virgin merchandise and enter for a chance to win a free Virgin flight. While these innovative contests appear to coincide with the distinct Virgin America brand, one cannot ignore the Giants expanding, unique social media presence. Through social media, the Giants have carved out a distinct brand among MLB teams and have become increasingly attractive to potential sponsors for their efforts.

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The Influence of Social Data

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:57:00 +0000

The Internet provides an outlet for users to provide their feedback and opinions regarding their latest book purchase to their recent airport experience. According to Nate Elliot's recent article titled, "HOW TO: Utilize Social Data More Effectively" featured on Mashable, American consumers posted more than a billion opinions about products and services online last year! I guess the question many brands are wondering, is this social data useful or worthless? While this information may seem to add to the overwhelming clutter in the already-crowded room of the Internet, it is important to recognize that it can provide marketers with useful information but only when used responsibly. Elliot outlines the dos and don'ts to capturing and utilizing this this social data.
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The Appeal of the Fictional Character

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 03:46:00 +0000

Twitter recently acquired its 200 millionth Twitterer and delivers 350 billion tweets a day! With the ever-increasing popularity of social media, companies have no excuse to pass up the vast number of potential customers. Although it appears that social media has provided companies with a room full of awaiting customers, how can your company stand out among the millions of other users? While this is much easier question to ask then to answer, some brands have found Twitter success through a unique and entertaining method: the fictional character. Such popular Tweeters are: Darth Vader, Homer Simpson, and King Cobra. Although, they may be famous characters in popular culture, it does point out an important fact that cannot be overlooked: each character represents a brand. I think the increase in such popular Tweeters provide an interesting and unique outlet for companies as they create, develop and hope to grow their brands. But how can a company encourage brand engagement?

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Social Media Redefines "Athlete"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:20:00 +0000

Social Media: The Virtual "Soap Box"

Technological advances and innovations have encouraged the booming popularity of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and various blogging sites. These sites provide a virtual soapbox for anyone willing to step up, and as a result, the line between expert and fan has become blurred. Previously, sports reporters fed the news to eagerly awaiting readers, but social media has shifted some of that power to the fans. Fans have the unprecedented opportunity to publish their opinions directly to millions of viewers. Social media has encouraged fans to actively participate, but since it is not an exclusive club, who can we trust as reliable sources? While we struggle distinguish fan from expert, what if an athlete decides to toss their hat in the already crowded ring of media? The athlete can provide both, expert and fan alike, with inside access to the coveted sports world. An athlete's social media participation allows a unique insight into sports, but where do they fall within the world of sports media? Should athletes use social media?

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Did the MLB Ignore Steroid Use?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:25:00 +0000

As early as the 1990s, Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner, Bud Selig, expressed interested in creating a mandatory drug-testing policy. However, it was not till 2005 with the release of Jose Canseco's book, Juiced, did Selig's interest become reality. Canseco admitted to using steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) while pointing the finger at several other MLB stars as apparent users. It makes one wonder what caused the MLB's slow pace to implementing a drug-testing policy, did they want to ensure they had sufficient proof to support creating a policy or did they reap the rewards of a "juiced" player who set new records and brought in new fans?

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Internet Piracy is Changing the Game

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 22:36:00 +0000

Continuing technological advancements support the ever-increasing size and power of the Internet, yet-as you have likely heard before-with great power comes great responsibility. The Internet has developed into a hotbed of copyright infringement, no longer solely limited to the music realm, but it also impacts live sporting events. After several lawsuits targeted at file-sharing companies, such as Napster and Kazaa, distributors transitioned to streaming sites which has proved much more difficult to track since sites are hosted by various servers around the world. However, recent legislation narrowed down the list of perpetrators accountable for illegally distributing copyrighted material, but some argue they are not actually punishing the true culprits.

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Analysis of the Philadelphia Phillies Social Media Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:00:00 +0000

In the following video, I examine the Philadelphia Phillies current use of social media, and I provide some suggestions to improve and create a unique social media experience for their fans.

Neil Neukam Provides An Insight Into the Sports Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 May 2011 02:35:00 +0000

As I continue my journey towards breaking into the sports industry, I have run into numerous roadblocks forcing me to detour. All of these roadblocks seem to create a domino effect forcing me off-track, and I am not sure if there is a secret code that I need to decipher in order join the seemingly exclusive club of the sports industry. In order to gain some insight, I sought advice from Neil Neukam because he can provide a useful perspective with his nearly 20-years of experience in the sports industry.

Are Deal-A-Day Sites Beneficial to Sports Teams?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:11:00 +0000

The economic recession has had far-reaching effects on businesses, but it appears that sports have emerged somewhat untouched. Charles Davidson’s article “Sports Still Draw Fans Despite Recession” published in EconSouth explores that even amid rising unemployment, people across the country are still spending money on sports. Sports, a business unlike any other, provide relatively cheap entertainment and feeds fans’ addiction to sports (Davidson, 2009). Davidson asserts that it is this fan loyalty that has helped larger colleges and pro teams flourish during the recession while smaller teams have not faired as well.

Infographic Regarding Financial Implications of NFL Lockout

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:24:00 +0000

Sports Networker recently posted the below infographic, and I believe it effectively shows the financial impact that businesses (and employees too!) will experience if the lockout continues. It is not just those businesses directly involved with the NFL that will suffer, but it can affect all businesses. I think this information supports my previous blog "The Financial Impact of the NFL Lockout"

Coming to America: The David Beckham Misadventure

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:58:00 +0000

In January 2007 journalists eagerly reported that world famous soccer superstar, David Beckham, was ready to take on the United States when he signed a 5-year $32.5 million contract with Major League Soccer's (MLS) Los Angeles Galaxy. Those involved in orchestrating the deal believed that Beckham's presence in the US would bring about a new popularity for soccer. However, unlike Eddie Murphy's Coming to America, Beckham's American adventure did not turn out to be a love affair, but rather a tragic story of a former star approaching the end of his career.

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Negotiations Off the Field: An Interview with Dan Kaufmann

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 04:33:00 +0000

Dan Kaufmann

I recently interviewed Dan Kaufmann, an Account Executive for Rocket Sports Properties, regarding his experience in negotiations. He specializes in promoting the University of Toledo athletics by creating and developing partnerships with corporations to earn their financial support through advertising and marketing. Kaufmann has over five years of negotiating experience in the sports industry. He mentioned that the type of negotiations he typically engages in are: sponsorship, marketing, and advertising agreements. Although there are standard agreements for each, Kaufmann said that each organization is different and this is where negotiations come into play.

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The Financial Impact of the NFL Lockout

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:38:00 +0000

NFL Lockout

At the beginning of this month, the collective bargaining agreement between NFL players and owners expired without renewal, which forced the NFL into a lockout. Some might be wondering, what does a lockout mean for the NFL? And what are NFL players and owners disputing? Well, there are no simple answers to these questions, but it ultimately all boils down to money. I will answer these questions and explore the financial implications a lockout entails-not for the players and owners-but for teams, fans, and businesses across the country because they will likely feel the biggest impact but given the least notice.

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You Made a Twitter, So What Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 02:37:00 +0000

140 characters mean a lot to your brand.

I have previously written posts about social media changing the face of sports media, but I have focused primarily on the importance of Twitter. I took the advice of many industry leaders, and I created a Twitter account. However, I feel like I don't know what to do next. The main two questions I am faced with are:

1. What should I tweet about?, and

2. How do I gain, and maintain, followers?

I think these are two common concerns among new Twitter users, especially those using it for professional purposes. Recently, I came across a post written by Kristi Hines called, "Twitter Marketing Guide" in the KISSmetrics blog that provides in-depth advice for professionals new to Twitter. She understands that since Twitter is so new, that a lot of professionals are unsure of how to use it, but she provides information that paves a path for professionals to get the most out of Twitter.

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NAB's Effect on the Broadcasting Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 04:46:00 +0000

As I work towards my Master's of Science in Business Entertainment with a concentration on Sports Management at Full Sail University, I have to develop a business plan that I will present at the conclusion of my program. Each month I will learn new concepts, information, and ideas to help me refine my business plan. In my Business Storytelling and Brand Development course this month, I have been forced to really narrow down my focus and decide a business I am going to pursue. After extensive research I have decided to focus on developing a sports broadcasting company. I won't go into the particular details because I am still working on it, and I honestly do not want someone to steal my idea. As I continue to create my business, I must find an industry association that is important to my particular industry of broadcasting and explore the effects of their programs. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is a trade association for the nation's radio and TV broadcasters. NAB assists broadcasters through: encouraging innovation with the latest technologies, advocacy regarding legal issues, and continuing education.

Empathy: The Pathway to Success?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 23:56:00 +0000

Empathy: I feel your pain. Really I do.

Economist and public speaker, Jeremy Rifkin, discussed the evolution of what he coined, "the empathetic civilization." Rifkin provides an exploration into scientific research that has developed over the last 10 years, and he explains the impact this research can have on society. He has a very scientific approach to his speech, but he provides lots of beneficial information for any future or current business proprietor.

The Impact of Social Media on the NCAA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 05:55:00 +0000

Ronnie Ramos, NCAA

The emergence of social media has provided advantages for numerous organizations, but this cannot allow them to overlook the grey areas that it has created. Meaghan Edelstein, guest reporter for Mashable, recently sat down with NCAA's managing director of communications, Ronnie Ramos, to discuss the concerns social media has raised within his organization. Ramos explains the limitations the NCAA has with regulating it, not only the players and coaches, but also the fans and boosters for each team.

The Twitter Effect on Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 04:25:00 +0000

Darren Rovell, CNBC

Recently in a poll conducted by Sports Networker, they asked readers to vote for the "Top Sports Social Media Professional" and "Top Sports Business Resource" for 2010. CNBC's sports business reporter, Darren Rovell, achieved both titles in a landslide victory. Founder of Sports Networker, Lewis Howes, interviewed Rovell about his success in the sports media, and his predictions for the future of the industry. Most of the interview pertains to the topic of Twitter, and the role it plays in the media. Rovell outlined some advice on how to successfully use Twitter, and how he thinks many in the sports world are missing it.

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The Future of Sports Media According to ESPN

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:59:00 +0000

In a recent interview with Jon Friedman from the Wall Street Journal, ESPN's Executive VP for Content, John Skipper, discussed the company's evolving media strategies with the new emerging technology and trends. Since ESPN is the pioneer, and still a leader, in sports broadcasting their predictions and approaches to future media is an important guide for all broadcasters.

About Me

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:33:00 +0000

My name is Amelia, or some people know me as Mimi. I am from Toledo, OH, and I graduated in 2009 from Bowling Green State University with a B.A. I majored in Telecommunications with a minor in Latino/a Studies. While in college I hosted a weekly radio show on the university's FCC-licensed station. In addition to hosting my own show, I produced numerous sporting events, and I provided the halftime commentary. Through my experience, I have an extensive background in creating and implementing scripts for radio, TV, and film. Also I have experience as a voice-over actor for both radio and TV. After graduating from BGSU, I moved to Jacksonville, FL to attend law school. However, after completing one year I was faced with a very difficult decision. I hoped to one day become an immigration attorney so I could help people, but after one year I decided that the legal realm was not where my passion laid. I am currently pursing my Master's in Business Entertainment with a Focus on Sports Management at Full Sail University, and I hope it will lead me to my true passion - becoming a part of the sports media! While I attend Full Sail, I am working as a substitute teacher with Duval County Public Schools. I have worked with kids of all ages, and I also have gained experience working with children who have physical and/or emotional disabilities. Hopefully you'll just sit back and enjoy my blog, or I might have to send you to the office!