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Do you struggle with confidence?
I feel it’s a real thing for most people. Regardless if you work in athletics, business or any other career.
Imposter Syndrome? Struggled since a young age? Just don’t feel like you have all the tools to be successful?
We could probably sit down and drum up many different thoughts or questions as to why someone isn’t confident in themselves.
I’ve shared in the newsletter before how I’ve always struggled with confidence. Nothing shook my confidence more than after my tenth year of coaching. After applying for the head job at my alma mater, interviewing over three days and putting forth great effort, I was told I was the runner-up for the job. Oddly enough, during the interview process I was the most confident I’d ever been because of my preparation.
It took awhile to bounce back from hearing the news of being second place. It’s not the only time I “failed” and it wouldn’t be the last.
However, just like the podcast and the growth it has seen since 2020, confidence is slowly built overtime.
At times we can get so focused on what’s next in life. The next game, the next recruit, the next season, etc. And don’t get me wrong. It’s always about what’s next. How can we get better?
But, what I’ve learned over the past few years and wish I learned earlier was looking back. Looking back at some of my podcasts in those first three years between 2020-2022 and cringe. The quality, sound, lighting on the camera, interview questions. But hey, you’ve got to start somewhere.
When you look ahead to your next big challenge and for me, it’s figuring out how to make this podcast better. Ideas of doing in-person interviews, attending a Final Four, helping mentor young coaches, maybe a documentary journey at some point, etc. Make sure to take a few minutes and look back at where you’ve come from. I guarantee it’ll give you more confidence and probably give you more clarity of what’s needed next.
Episode #95 - Jim Boone
Coach Jim Boone shares his extensive coaching journey, from playing at West Virginia State to leading programs at the Division II and Division I levels. Coach Boone discusses becoming a head coach at a young age, implementing Pack Line Defense, being let go at Eastern Michigan, rebuilding programs, relationships with Don Meyer and Bob Starkey, staying in touch with players and giving back to the game. He has been a head coach at Division I Robert Morris and Eastern Michigan, Division II California University of Pennsylvania, Tusculum, West Virginia Wesleyan, Delta State, Arkansas Fort Smith, Division III Greensboro and currently the head coach at NAIA Missouri Valley College.
Episode #96 - Darren Savino
Darren Savino, associate head coach at UCLA and a 30-year Division I veteran, explains his path from playing at St. Anthony in Jersey City to Seton Hall, St. John’s, East Carolina, New Mexico, Quinnipiac, Murray State, Rutgers, Cincinnati, and now UCLA. Coach Savino shares what he learned from Bob Hurley Sr., talked about his Division III playing career, and why genuine relationships have been the backbone of every opportunity he’s earned. We discuss how old-school camp culture helped young coaches network and learn, why being willing to take any job kept Savino in the profession, how a tough stretch without work led him to building a routine, how he found out a job was still open by listening to sports talk radio and his tight knit relationship with Mick Cronin.
Book Review
(2015)
Brand is “What people say about you when you’re not in the room” - Jeff Bezos, Amazon
Better story telling can improve your brand and perception
How would your program rate (1-10) based on each of the four stages that make up the Athletic Program Life Cycle? Which areas need the most attention?
-Perception (1-10)
-Recruiting (1-10)
-Winning (1-10)
-Money/Facilities (1-10)
How is your program perceived by local, regional, and national audiences? What do they say about you?
Where does your program sit on the Perception Scale? What does that mean for the type of communication strategy you need to employ?
Regardless of where Muhammad Ali ranks among the best boxers in history, he will always be considered one of the greatest because that’s the story he told
92% of people trust recommendations from their friends and family over all other forms
Authentic and meaningful story will have people rooting for you and what your program stands for
At the end of the day it is all about winning
Need to understand your audience and biggest program supporters, then you can tell your story
Make your story short, simple, relevant and memorable
Great book to read on marketing - “All Marketers are Liars” by Seth Godin
”KISS” Keep It Simple Stupid
Research suggests you have at most eight seconds to capture audience’s attention
Four main targets when developing communication strategies (fans, parents, recruits, media)
You get one chance to make a first impression
People should love or hate what you are doing
Alumni must be engaged at all times to support your program post graduation (look back before forward)
Treat each social media account separate (Twitter from Facebook from Instagram) - if it is same info on each platform I have no reason to follow you on multiple platforms
Count the number of logos you see on a daily basis for every school in your area. Which school has the biggest share of voice in your town?
Thought of the Week
You meet your 18 year old self, you’re allowed 3 words. What do you say?
Worth Your Time
Biggest regret from an 80-year-old.
Fired Coaches Podcast started in May 2020. The podcast interviews coaches, scouts, media and others connected to the sports world that fell from the mountaintop. They were either fired, resigned or told that their contract would not be renewed. Level does not matter. The story does.