Everyone in #sportsbiz knows the commonly said, read, and re-iterated phrase, “You love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I’m not sure who coined that cliched phrase, but it’s definitely not the quote I’m here to elaborate on.
I’m here to simply share four original motivational quotes all aspiring #sportsbiz professionals should live by in 2013.
One’s from a #sportsbiz reporter. Another quote from a motivational speaker and author. An owner of a professional sports franchise delivers a great gem. The fourth quote is from a famous actor.
While they’re not all sports-specific (only one is), they reinforce the basic principles that pertain to anyone aspiring to work in the ultra-competitive sports industry: ambitious character, an understanding of the business, a plan of attack, and an unwavering work ethic.
4 Quotes To Follow In #Sportsbiz For The New Year
“When you want to succeed, as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” — Eric Thomas, Motivational Speaker/Educator
This quote comes from Eric Thomas, the “Hip Hop Preacher” from Detroit, Michigan. This is, without a doubt, his most recognizable phrase.
Before you take any action towards furthering your #sportsbiz career, there has to be the conscious reflection of whether or not you even want it bad success bad enough. You might have lofty ambitions. You might want to be the next General Manger of the Boston Red Sox. Or the next Head of Social Media for the Atlanta Braves.
But, you must start your journey today because tomorrow is promised to none of us. Don’t be the one holding yourself back. Until you start acting like you really want success, the success you thought that is so attainable might be further away than you think.
There’s no time for excuses or shortcuts.
Bottom Line: Be driven, and be determined. Act with the frame of mind that nothing is going to get in your way of success. Unfortunately, ambition and drive alone isn’t enough…
“Understand how competitive the industry is, and at every step of your preparation, never forget that.” — Darren Rovell, ESPN Sports Business Reporter
These four quotes all tie into each other one way or another, and I tried organize them in the order I’d like to understand them if I was reading all four for the first time. This piece of advice from Darren Rovell really runs parallel to Quote 1.
If you want to break into #sportsbiz, you must exist with the ambition to be successful. At the same time, though, you must put yourself in the best position possible to achieve that real success
The sports industry might be the hardest industry to crack, and you must understand that from day one, as Darren points out in this video. The odds of having a first degree connection that can easily put you in front of a hiring manager for that first job are rare. Extremely rare, in fact.
Understand that you’re going to have to work for free.
Understand that you’re going to receive unreceived emails and ‘No’s’ when you apply for internships/jobs. That’s the norm.
It’s how you respond to the competitive nature of the #sportsbiz industry and how you approach the entire process that will ultimately determine your level of attained success. Are you a qualified candidate? Do you have a particular skillset that is sought after by employers? Or are you just another individual saying they want to work in #sportsbiz?
Bottom Line: The sports industry is a cruel world, and it’s not changing anytime soon. Understand that and act accordingly.
“There is no need for a Plan B because it distracts from Plan A.” — Will Smith, Actor
You have the ambitious character and you understand the #sportsbiz industry. Now what?
Figure out what it is you’re passionate about and good at. Who’s going to pay you to do that for them? Then, pursue that career path with all your heart.
This quote isn’t to be taken literally 100 percent. Yes, you might want a backup plan, per se. However, behave and exist with the mindset that you have one goal and only one goal. No one or nothing is going to prevent that from happening. No amount of doors closed will discourage you from working ________ job.
By centering your focus on one specific dream job/career path, you can direct all your attention to it. Remember to block out the naysayers and the doubters. They’ll be there along the way, more than you maybe think.
Still don’t understand? Watch this video.
Bottom Line: Find out what you love to do, and go get it. Period.
“Work like there is someone working twenty-four hours a day to take it all away from you.” — Mark Cuban, Owner of DallasMavericks
Work ethic.
In the sports playing world, it’s the equalizer for those individuals that don’t possess as much skill or talent as someone else does. In the #sportsbiz world, it can also work the exact opposite — a lackadaisical or uninspired work ethic will be the easiest way to preventing yourself from having any amount of success compared to those with an unmatched desire to work.
Instead, work 14-16-18 hour days. Stay late and arrive early. Be the unpaid intern who takes initiative and presents projects to bossess that he or she can accomplish that’ll benefit the team or brand. Be the franchise’s most impressive ticket sales guy by reading up on the best practices in the industry. Be a constant learner.
Working 24 hours a day doesn’t just pertain to “in the office.” Attend networking events. Constantly update your LinkedIn profile and highlight your accomplishments. Don’t stop working when you’re off the clock and out the door.
There’s no shortage of people wanting to break into #sportsbiz. And for that, your work ethic might separate you from the competition, for better or worse.
Bottom Line: Hustle your tail off, plain and simple. Because guess what? If you’re not, someone else is staying up late and burning the midnight oil to get to where he/she wants to be.
Did you find the four quotes meaningful or beneficial? What quotes of your own have you come across that you follow on a consistent basis? Leave a comment below or tweet us @sportsnetworker your thoughts.
Well-said, Mark! I love motivational content like this. 2013 is going to be a great year for you, me, and all those truly passionate about making a difference in the industry.
Excellent! All for well said, especially Cubans.
Thanks, Michael. Appreciate it!
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