Greetings Nick!
TAKE TIME TO READ THIS ENTIRE STORY. MAY THIS PIECE ONE DAY INSPIRE YOU TO BE A “DIFFERENCE MAKER” IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND TO TOUCH THE LIVES OF MANY CHILDREN WHO WILL VIEW YOU AS THEIR HERO! ALL THE BEST ALWAYS!
Jim Loria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
What would you do? That is the essence of this piece! Read on… Let me know if you would have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father (David Frey) of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, the Dad offered a question: “When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?”
The audience was stilled by the words just spoken. The father continued. “I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled, comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way how other people treat that child.”
Then he told the following story: 'My son and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, “Do you think they'll let me play?” I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father, I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. This particular boy looked around for guidance and said, “We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.”
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys on this team saw my joy at my son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all teammates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, “Shay, run to first! Run to first!”
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He tried to hustle down the baseline, wide-eyed and so startled that he made a connection with the baseball. Everyone again yelled, “Run to second, run to second!”
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, smiling so much yet struggling to make it to the base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base with all of his body’s will power could afford as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, “Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay!”
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him the direction of third base, and shouted, “Run to third! Shay, run to third!” As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, “Shay, run home! Run home!” Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the Hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team!'
“That day”, said his Dad softly (with tears now rolling down his face), “the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world. My son didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!”
FELLAS: Embrace your community. Embrace the Gift you are Blessed with and be a Leader amongst the next generation of professional athletes. If you ever need help with developing your profile in the community, don’t hesitate to call me OK! My Best once again!! Jim
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“Success is always temporary. When all is said and done, the only thing you’ll have left is your Character” – stated by Vince Gill, Musician
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”Teachers, Coaches and Athletes affect all eternity. As those who are taught, teach others, the teacher’s legacy grows” – stated by Henry Adams, U.S. Author and Historian
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CHRIS DUHON, DUKE GRAD AND ORLANDO MAGIC NBA GUARD, ON HOW HE SEES THE ROLE OF A PRO ATHLETE … “Sometimes you need to realize that there are different experiences in the world, other than just playing your sport. There are different people who have different types of struggles. You just have to be a part of that, and it gives you a better understanding and appreciation, and makes you understand how lucky and blessed you really are!”
###
Jim Loria
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Greetings Nick!
Didn’t know if you caught much of the NCAA Men’s Championship Basketball game on Monday between Kentucky and Kansas?
I’ve been following Kentucky all season. I knew that the club had a much heralded 5-Star freshman class going into the year. Usually with college basketball, it’s almost a guarantee that the recruits will crave to play for an offensive-minded coach that will allow them opportunities to shoot and play a ton of minutes so that they can be a one-and-done prospect that moves on to the NBA.
That’s what made Kentucky such a unique story in my eyes and one for you to be aware in case you are on a team currently playing selfish baseball. Possibly on a team that lacks togetherness? Or one that doesn’t have the will to compete or just do the everyday ‘little things’ to improve a teammate’s entire game?
Here’s Kentucky, a team that will roll out the first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft; possibly one other in the top five and three more in the first round. Yet, not one player all year averaged more than 14-points per game nor even played more than 32-minutes in a game? Talk about team sacrifice? Senior Darius Miller went from starting on the UK Final Four team in 2011 to coming off the bench and playing 26 minutes per game in 2012, all to help put the team in a better position to win.
“We got along,” sophomore forward Terrence Jones said after the championship game Monday night. “No one cared who got the accolades. The main goal was getting to this point and winning.”
Why I say this fellas is that it doesn’t matter how young you are. It’s how you play together. The Kentucky players buried their egos for the greatness of the team. They even led the nation in defensive efficiency and blocked shots, stats so rare for a team loaded with many prized prospects especially in today’s ‘dunk the ball’ every chance you get game of basketball. Yet, when the NBA drafts, the Kentucky players are going to be the ones in high demand now and soon to be richly rewarded for their commitment to excellence and great team performance.
If you can, I encourage you to read up on Michael Jordan. You may know him as perhaps the greatest offensive player ever in the NBA! He, the poster boy for ESPN highlights! Yet, to me, Jordan was probably the BEST DEFENSIVE player at his position ever in the NBA, winning such recognition in NINE different seasons during his playing career! Jordan was also incredibly ferocious in his commitment to practice and winning! He would not let his teammates play anything less than 100% on any given night.
Same with this year’s Kentucky Wildcats. They were a unique squad that came together and sacrificed for each other for a chance at “team glory!” Now they are going to enjoy the accolades and be immortalized forever as a team of champions not to mention one of personal wealth after many NBA teams reward them for their “We First” season long performance!
All the Best my friend! Have a super great weekend on the field!
Jim Loria
----------------------------------------------------------------------
“I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there is no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me” – stated by Charles Swindoll, author, educator and radio preacher
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has. Rather, teams of a few people dedicated to their cause and committed to seeing it through, and working by trusting and helping one another, without trying to attain individual glory, that has always made a difference" - stated by Margaret Mead, the famous American cultural anthropologist
----------------------------------------------------------------------
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success" – stated by Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"None of us is as smart as all of us" – stated by Ken Blanchard, Global Leader in Leadership Training
###
By: Jim Loria
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com
Didn’t know if you caught much of the NCAA Men’s Championship Basketball game on Monday between Kentucky and Kansas?
I’ve been following Kentucky all season. I knew that the club had a much heralded 5-Star freshman class going into the year. Usually with college basketball, it’s almost a guarantee that the recruits will crave to play for an offensive-minded coach that will allow them opportunities to shoot and play a ton of minutes so that they can be a one-and-done prospect that moves on to the NBA.
That’s what made Kentucky such a unique story in my eyes and one for you to be aware in case you are on a team currently playing selfish baseball. Possibly on a team that lacks togetherness? Or one that doesn’t have the will to compete or just do the everyday ‘little things’ to improve a teammate’s entire game?
Here’s Kentucky, a team that will roll out the first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft; possibly one other in the top five and three more in the first round. Yet, not one player all year averaged more than 14-points per game nor even played more than 32-minutes in a game? Talk about team sacrifice? Senior Darius Miller went from starting on the UK Final Four team in 2011 to coming off the bench and playing 26 minutes per game in 2012, all to help put the team in a better position to win.
“We got along,” sophomore forward Terrence Jones said after the championship game Monday night. “No one cared who got the accolades. The main goal was getting to this point and winning.”
Why I say this fellas is that it doesn’t matter how young you are. It’s how you play together. The Kentucky players buried their egos for the greatness of the team. They even led the nation in defensive efficiency and blocked shots, stats so rare for a team loaded with many prized prospects especially in today’s ‘dunk the ball’ every chance you get game of basketball. Yet, when the NBA drafts, the Kentucky players are going to be the ones in high demand now and soon to be richly rewarded for their commitment to excellence and great team performance.
If you can, I encourage you to read up on Michael Jordan. You may know him as perhaps the greatest offensive player ever in the NBA! He, the poster boy for ESPN highlights! Yet, to me, Jordan was probably the BEST DEFENSIVE player at his position ever in the NBA, winning such recognition in NINE different seasons during his playing career! Jordan was also incredibly ferocious in his commitment to practice and winning! He would not let his teammates play anything less than 100% on any given night.
Same with this year’s Kentucky Wildcats. They were a unique squad that came together and sacrificed for each other for a chance at “team glory!” Now they are going to enjoy the accolades and be immortalized forever as a team of champions not to mention one of personal wealth after many NBA teams reward them for their “We First” season long performance!
All the Best my friend! Have a super great weekend on the field!
Jim Loria
----------------------------------------------------------------------
“I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude. It is more important than my past, my education, my bankroll, my successes or failures, fame or pain, what other people think of me or say about me, my circumstances, or my position. Attitude keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there is no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, no challenge too great for me” – stated by Charles Swindoll, author, educator and radio preacher
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has. Rather, teams of a few people dedicated to their cause and committed to seeing it through, and working by trusting and helping one another, without trying to attain individual glory, that has always made a difference" - stated by Margaret Mead, the famous American cultural anthropologist
----------------------------------------------------------------------
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success" – stated by Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"None of us is as smart as all of us" – stated by Ken Blanchard, Global Leader in Leadership Training
###
By: Jim Loria
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com
Monday, April 2, 2012
Greetings Nick!
THE WEEK OF MARCH 30, 2012
This week’s news boomed with the announcement that the Magic Johnson-led investment group purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers. If you have never read up on the former L.A. Lakers superstar, he will probably go down as the most successful pro athlete-turned-businessman of all time. He was MAGIC on the basketball court (champion in high school, college, NBA, Olympics) and continues applying the Midas touch with his business dealings – Starbucks, Lakers, Movie Theatres and now the Dodgers. No doubt, Magic will polish up the Dodgers’ franchise and turn the Big Blue Brand back to its rightful place in Major league Baseball as one of its cornerstone franchises!
On the flip side, the news came this past week that another former pro athlete joins the long list of others that have lost their career fortunes to a string of bad luck, bad investments, failed marriages, or sometimes just stupidity. Former NBA star Dennis Rodman admitted he has nothing left from a financial standpoint and is facing jail time because of failed child support payments that exceeds over $800,000! Allen Iverson, another ex-NBAer, reportedly blew away his $150-million in career earnings. Some say he lavishly employed a 50-person entourage to handle his affairs while he scored points for the Philadelphia 76ers.
I am not picking on the NBA. Plenty of athletes have committed epic blunders with their career finances including well known MLB Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers and Tony Gwynn. Look at Marion Jones, a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, who made more than $7 million per year until she was indicted on check fraud and IRS forgery charges in recent years. She eventually lost all of her medals, her reputation and later filed for bankruptcy after serving six months in jail.
According to Sports Illustrated, 78% of just NFL players, have filed for personal bankruptcy after being retired for only two years. 60% of NBA players suffered the same fate. Having been around many pro athletes, it’s always been my belief that players during their early playing years will live a lavish lifestyle based on their peak earnings yet fail to think about the money needed to sustain themselves and their families later in life.
This might seem miniscule, but when I was working with the Washington Capitals, our first round draft pick (Scott Stevens, now a Hall of Famer) was 18-years-old. He was buying thousands in team merchandise for his family at XMAS. He decided to ship it all back to his Canadian home and wrote me his check. When I asked him if he was going to subtract it from his checkbook, he commented “Nah, my agent will figure that all out!”
Regardless of your net worth down the road, you have to play an active role in the management of your financial affairs. Even the best money manager won’t care about your money as much as you do and for that reason, you have to be the final and most important decision maker! Take time now, fellas, whether it’s basic online courses or some in college, on banking and investments. Be smart with your earnings and those you trust to manage it!
Everyone faces the challenges of new-found fame. Look at Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin. Once their fame rose like a thermostat on a warm sunny day, they were besieged by agents, investment firms, financial advisors and lawyers from all walks of life. You, too, will come upon this shortly in your career, if not now. Just understand the basics of your financial matters and be as smart about your wallet as you will be about exercising your body and your time spent working out on the field.
Know that this piece is not meant to be a downer but the stories you’ve read up above are reasons why you need to protect your future and while you’re young and inching your way up to a possible career in the big leagues, start to understand now how the business side works as well!
MY BEST ALWAYS!
Jim Loria
------------------------------------------------------------------
ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS SPECIAL QUOTE FELLAS …
BEFORE YOU (by William Arthur Ward)
… Before you speak, listen.
… Before you write, think.
… Before you spend, earn.
… Before you invest, investigate.
… Before you criticize, wait.
… Before you pray, forgive.
… Before you quit, try.
… Before you retire, save.
… Before you die, give.
-----------------------------------------------
“Talent is a GIFT; Character is a CHOICE!” – stated by former NBA Coach Larry Brown
------------------------------------------------------------------
“Happiness doesn’t depend on what we have, but it does depend on how we feel toward what we have. We can be happy with little and miserable with much”- stated by William Dempster Hoard, the 16th Governor of the state of Wisconsin, 1889
###
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
E-mail address: loria@sfstampede.com
THE WEEK OF MARCH 30, 2012
This week’s news boomed with the announcement that the Magic Johnson-led investment group purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers. If you have never read up on the former L.A. Lakers superstar, he will probably go down as the most successful pro athlete-turned-businessman of all time. He was MAGIC on the basketball court (champion in high school, college, NBA, Olympics) and continues applying the Midas touch with his business dealings – Starbucks, Lakers, Movie Theatres and now the Dodgers. No doubt, Magic will polish up the Dodgers’ franchise and turn the Big Blue Brand back to its rightful place in Major league Baseball as one of its cornerstone franchises!
On the flip side, the news came this past week that another former pro athlete joins the long list of others that have lost their career fortunes to a string of bad luck, bad investments, failed marriages, or sometimes just stupidity. Former NBA star Dennis Rodman admitted he has nothing left from a financial standpoint and is facing jail time because of failed child support payments that exceeds over $800,000! Allen Iverson, another ex-NBAer, reportedly blew away his $150-million in career earnings. Some say he lavishly employed a 50-person entourage to handle his affairs while he scored points for the Philadelphia 76ers.
I am not picking on the NBA. Plenty of athletes have committed epic blunders with their career finances including well known MLB Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers and Tony Gwynn. Look at Marion Jones, a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, who made more than $7 million per year until she was indicted on check fraud and IRS forgery charges in recent years. She eventually lost all of her medals, her reputation and later filed for bankruptcy after serving six months in jail.
According to Sports Illustrated, 78% of just NFL players, have filed for personal bankruptcy after being retired for only two years. 60% of NBA players suffered the same fate. Having been around many pro athletes, it’s always been my belief that players during their early playing years will live a lavish lifestyle based on their peak earnings yet fail to think about the money needed to sustain themselves and their families later in life.
This might seem miniscule, but when I was working with the Washington Capitals, our first round draft pick (Scott Stevens, now a Hall of Famer) was 18-years-old. He was buying thousands in team merchandise for his family at XMAS. He decided to ship it all back to his Canadian home and wrote me his check. When I asked him if he was going to subtract it from his checkbook, he commented “Nah, my agent will figure that all out!”
Regardless of your net worth down the road, you have to play an active role in the management of your financial affairs. Even the best money manager won’t care about your money as much as you do and for that reason, you have to be the final and most important decision maker! Take time now, fellas, whether it’s basic online courses or some in college, on banking and investments. Be smart with your earnings and those you trust to manage it!
Everyone faces the challenges of new-found fame. Look at Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin. Once their fame rose like a thermostat on a warm sunny day, they were besieged by agents, investment firms, financial advisors and lawyers from all walks of life. You, too, will come upon this shortly in your career, if not now. Just understand the basics of your financial matters and be as smart about your wallet as you will be about exercising your body and your time spent working out on the field.
Know that this piece is not meant to be a downer but the stories you’ve read up above are reasons why you need to protect your future and while you’re young and inching your way up to a possible career in the big leagues, start to understand now how the business side works as well!
MY BEST ALWAYS!
Jim Loria
------------------------------------------------------------------
ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS SPECIAL QUOTE FELLAS …
BEFORE YOU (by William Arthur Ward)
… Before you speak, listen.
… Before you write, think.
… Before you spend, earn.
… Before you invest, investigate.
… Before you criticize, wait.
… Before you pray, forgive.
… Before you quit, try.
… Before you retire, save.
… Before you die, give.
-----------------------------------------------
“Talent is a GIFT; Character is a CHOICE!” – stated by former NBA Coach Larry Brown
------------------------------------------------------------------
“Happiness doesn’t depend on what we have, but it does depend on how we feel toward what we have. We can be happy with little and miserable with much”- stated by William Dempster Hoard, the 16th Governor of the state of Wisconsin, 1889
###
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
E-mail address: loria@sfstampede.com
Sunday, March 18, 2012
DISCIPLINE: A KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS!
Just the other day, I was reading up on the profiles of Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, the expected top two selections in the 2012 NFL Draft. I have always been fascinated by people regardless of professions or backgrounds. I love to see how a person connected the dots in their lives or what motivated them to achieve the success that they've uncovered?
During this time spent reading, I also came across a comment from Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos much talked about signal caller, who's inspirational performances from the 2011 NFL season - like it or not - captivated the entire sports world and beyond! Regardless of his playing statistics, you can tell that Tebow is a believer from the piece I read. A strong willed individual. In my estimation, this young man is far beyond his years and has a certain calling waiting for him and it's not going to be about tossing a football (I still say he should have a position in the WHITE HOUSE as our nation's new "Youth Program Leader!")
Back to my story ... Tebow's comment that caught my eye came from his college playing days at the University of Florida where he spoke about discipline and how it helped their team focus and achieve so much success on the field. He said: "if you were just 'one second late' for a workout, you were wearing a 30-pound vest all day. And when we ran in groups, everybody's got to make a certain time, not just the leaders". It was a way of promoting teamwork no doubt.
Tebow said that much of his inspiration back during his college playing days came from a movie ANY GIVEN SUNDAY that plays up the importance of a "few inches". Tebow said: "Six inches too far or too short, that's the difference at those crucial times on the field."
It's pretty amazing when you think of this individual's mindset and the fact that he was just a student in college and not some business CEO making this type of statement. So that you know, there are many business executives that when they hire managers to lead their sales team or to even run a furniture store, they'll look to hire someone with leadership from an athletic environment. That is a true statement!!
Most will also tell you that it's not always about the talent in one's self, their experience or the person's size when discussing athletics or business. Those that are successful all have common threads that work in sports, in business and in life. That is the DRIVE WITHIN YOU... the DISCIPLINE... your DETERMINATION to get back up when times get tough.
In terms of "discipline", for example, ask yourself how many minutes in a day do you waste at your job? Challenge yourself to find out. Use a stopwatch. How many minutes did you spend last week in front of a customer face-to-face? Don't count driving, waiting in the lobby or filling out call reports. The latter should be done at the end of your day. Every day in the sales world, if you are disciplined, you will RECRUIT new prospects... PROGRESS current prospects and CLOSE out the existing ones. In between all that, if you are disciplined, you will ask for referrals.
I am a big believer that between the times of 9:15-11:45 AM and 1:15-4:00 PM, they should be your focused revenue opportunity times to make something happen. Your bread & butter minutes so to speak! We all have administrative responsibilities assigned to us. Tackle these tasks in the hours not mentioned above. Same for meetings. An example of mine would be a media station contacting me for a possible ad buy. Interviewing a potential intern candidate. Schedule those times in the 4 PM hour during the week so that you can stay on plan.
###
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports ProfessionalsEmail address: loria@sfstampede.com
During this time spent reading, I also came across a comment from Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos much talked about signal caller, who's inspirational performances from the 2011 NFL season - like it or not - captivated the entire sports world and beyond! Regardless of his playing statistics, you can tell that Tebow is a believer from the piece I read. A strong willed individual. In my estimation, this young man is far beyond his years and has a certain calling waiting for him and it's not going to be about tossing a football (I still say he should have a position in the WHITE HOUSE as our nation's new "Youth Program Leader!")
Back to my story ... Tebow's comment that caught my eye came from his college playing days at the University of Florida where he spoke about discipline and how it helped their team focus and achieve so much success on the field. He said: "if you were just 'one second late' for a workout, you were wearing a 30-pound vest all day. And when we ran in groups, everybody's got to make a certain time, not just the leaders". It was a way of promoting teamwork no doubt.
Tebow said that much of his inspiration back during his college playing days came from a movie ANY GIVEN SUNDAY that plays up the importance of a "few inches". Tebow said: "Six inches too far or too short, that's the difference at those crucial times on the field."
It's pretty amazing when you think of this individual's mindset and the fact that he was just a student in college and not some business CEO making this type of statement. So that you know, there are many business executives that when they hire managers to lead their sales team or to even run a furniture store, they'll look to hire someone with leadership from an athletic environment. That is a true statement!!
Most will also tell you that it's not always about the talent in one's self, their experience or the person's size when discussing athletics or business. Those that are successful all have common threads that work in sports, in business and in life. That is the DRIVE WITHIN YOU... the DISCIPLINE... your DETERMINATION to get back up when times get tough.
In terms of "discipline", for example, ask yourself how many minutes in a day do you waste at your job? Challenge yourself to find out. Use a stopwatch. How many minutes did you spend last week in front of a customer face-to-face? Don't count driving, waiting in the lobby or filling out call reports. The latter should be done at the end of your day. Every day in the sales world, if you are disciplined, you will RECRUIT new prospects... PROGRESS current prospects and CLOSE out the existing ones. In between all that, if you are disciplined, you will ask for referrals.
I am a big believer that between the times of 9:15-11:45 AM and 1:15-4:00 PM, they should be your focused revenue opportunity times to make something happen. Your bread & butter minutes so to speak! We all have administrative responsibilities assigned to us. Tackle these tasks in the hours not mentioned above. Same for meetings. An example of mine would be a media station contacting me for a possible ad buy. Interviewing a potential intern candidate. Schedule those times in the 4 PM hour during the week so that you can stay on plan.
###
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports ProfessionalsEmail address: loria@sfstampede.com
Saturday, March 10, 2012
ONE SPOKEN WORD CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
I recently attended our yearly USHL marketing meetings in Chicago and one of the subjects touched upon was 'cold calling' and 'number of appointments'. It brought back memories of a terrific phone conversation I had with Butch Bellah, then the Arena Football League GM of the Bossier-Shreveport BattleWings in Louisiana. We both met through Facebook and then reconnected through LinkedIn.
The conversation began with Butch inquiring about my hockey club's first-ever attempt at creating a “Facebook Members” party for an upcoming game. Soon afterwards, the dialogue switched over to sales and learning of one another’s selling philosophies and various techniques. We both agreed that we do exactly the same thing each and every day despite the differences in our sport and levels (pro vs. amateur).
Butch was recalling one of his strategies that he used and how this worked for him more times than not in gaining the all-important "face time" with a client. It came about from omitting the word "Appointment" when asking for an in-office meeting. Why? Because, as Butch was describing, "there are those business leaders that do think the worst when someone is calling on them to get an appointment." Seriously, put yourself in the chair of the prospect: Some do think of "Appointments" as costly time for them to give up? Some view the scheduling of an "Appointment" as an unforseen expense coming their way? So I said to Butch, "How did you ask for your meeting times?" He said: "By asking the customer if they can put me on their calendar instead versus making an Appointment." Do any of us even know what APPOINTMENT means? How the word is actually viewed?
Let's play the old TV Show "Family Feud". Here's your TOP TWO answers found in Wikipedia for the definition of APPOINTMENT:
> "A time reserved for something such as a doctor visit, much like a reservation.
> "An appointment, in government refers to the assignment of a person by an official to perform a duty, such as a presidential appointment of a judge to a court."
For all the year's I've been in sales, the industry members have always - and through today - asked for an “Appointment" as a means to set up a meeting with a customer or business prospect... well, the latter didn’t even surface in the Wikipedia TOP FIVE responses.
Butch and I were also discussing during our conversation about how certain business executives have a hang-up with knowing that a SALESPERSON is calling them and holding on the other line! In today’s world, we all need to shift gears and focus more on becoming a “Relationship Seller” or an "Event Planner". By building and fostering relationships, the consumation of the sale will come more times than not or at the very least, a solid referral will be provided (if asked for). FYI: I just spent some time researching the meaning of the word "SALESMAN” minutes ago and what popped up was an amusing quote from famed movie director/actor Woody Allen in which he once said: “There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?”
While we're on the subject of how one WORD can make a difference. It reminded me of a meeting I enjoyed several years back with Pat Williams, a guru in marketing & promotions (and today the Senior VP of the NBA's Orlando Magic). Pat was shedding light on the legendary Walt Disney and what made his Magic Kingdom truly work! Always ahead of his time, Disney branded certain WORDS that became so engraved in the minds of his Disneyland employees back during its startup period. For example, Park Rides would be known as ATTRACTIONS. Employees would be known as CAST MEMBERS. And, even Disney's creative team members were called IMAGINEERS!
Remember the old adage, "it's not what you say, but how you say it?" You may find roadblocks in your sales path every day and by adjusting a few WORDS here or there can make a world of difference. THANK YOU for that chat Butch! Would you put me on your calendar again!!
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com
The conversation began with Butch inquiring about my hockey club's first-ever attempt at creating a “Facebook Members” party for an upcoming game. Soon afterwards, the dialogue switched over to sales and learning of one another’s selling philosophies and various techniques. We both agreed that we do exactly the same thing each and every day despite the differences in our sport and levels (pro vs. amateur).
Butch was recalling one of his strategies that he used and how this worked for him more times than not in gaining the all-important "face time" with a client. It came about from omitting the word "Appointment" when asking for an in-office meeting. Why? Because, as Butch was describing, "there are those business leaders that do think the worst when someone is calling on them to get an appointment." Seriously, put yourself in the chair of the prospect: Some do think of "Appointments" as costly time for them to give up? Some view the scheduling of an "Appointment" as an unforseen expense coming their way? So I said to Butch, "How did you ask for your meeting times?" He said: "By asking the customer if they can put me on their calendar instead versus making an Appointment." Do any of us even know what APPOINTMENT means? How the word is actually viewed?
Let's play the old TV Show "Family Feud". Here's your TOP TWO answers found in Wikipedia for the definition of APPOINTMENT:
> "A time reserved for something such as a doctor visit, much like a reservation.
> "An appointment, in government refers to the assignment of a person by an official to perform a duty, such as a presidential appointment of a judge to a court."
For all the year's I've been in sales, the industry members have always - and through today - asked for an “Appointment" as a means to set up a meeting with a customer or business prospect... well, the latter didn’t even surface in the Wikipedia TOP FIVE responses.
Butch and I were also discussing during our conversation about how certain business executives have a hang-up with knowing that a SALESPERSON is calling them and holding on the other line! In today’s world, we all need to shift gears and focus more on becoming a “Relationship Seller” or an "Event Planner". By building and fostering relationships, the consumation of the sale will come more times than not or at the very least, a solid referral will be provided (if asked for). FYI: I just spent some time researching the meaning of the word "SALESMAN” minutes ago and what popped up was an amusing quote from famed movie director/actor Woody Allen in which he once said: “There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?”
While we're on the subject of how one WORD can make a difference. It reminded me of a meeting I enjoyed several years back with Pat Williams, a guru in marketing & promotions (and today the Senior VP of the NBA's Orlando Magic). Pat was shedding light on the legendary Walt Disney and what made his Magic Kingdom truly work! Always ahead of his time, Disney branded certain WORDS that became so engraved in the minds of his Disneyland employees back during its startup period. For example, Park Rides would be known as ATTRACTIONS. Employees would be known as CAST MEMBERS. And, even Disney's creative team members were called IMAGINEERS!
Remember the old adage, "it's not what you say, but how you say it?" You may find roadblocks in your sales path every day and by adjusting a few WORDS here or there can make a world of difference. THANK YOU for that chat Butch! Would you put me on your calendar again!!
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com
Saturday, March 3, 2012
LISTENING: DO WE TAKE THIS SKILL FOR GRANTED!
There’s an old Turkish Proverb that reads: “If speaking is Silver, then Listening is Gold!”
I am sure most all of you that are reading this Blog are connected in some way to a career in marketing, public relations, sales, etc. You’ve possibly read a paper or two on the subject as well as glanced over at a few other sites to see what the professionals are stating each and every day. Most of my pieces play up the importance of communications and follow through more times than not, but there’s another skill set that we often find ourselves taking for granted and that is simply just “listening”.
Listening is a skill that doesn’t need a degree. Doesn’t cost a cent. It does affect you and I every minute of every day! Thanks to technology that changes by the day, the world we live in at present gives us everything we need to know in less than a split second and has perhaps made people pay less attention to this all-important skill?
Listening can affect us all, whether you’re a college student taking in a lecture; an athlete going over the game planning with your coaches; a sales rep attending a client meeting or working the phones. Heck, listening affects most couples even at home. One or the other complains “you’re not listening to me”. My wife always gives me a hard time and says “when it comes to your job, if someone says anything, you never forget it!” Listening does really come down to conditioning one's mind to focus on the tasks at hand.
Ultimately, we are all judged by our body of work be it from educators, employers, coaches to parenting our kids and yet, one of the vital keys to becoming that “success” in your chosen field is through the power of “listening”.
What made me chime in with this piece today came from reading a past edition of GQ Magazine that featured actor Clint Eastwood on the cover. Inside the article, Eastwood was asked about his life as a child and a special moment in his Academy Award nominated (2008) movie Changeling where the GQ writer was struck by a particular scene Eastwood directed in which a boy sits up in front of a radio to just listen in.
“Life was pretty simple then (in my day). Because you didn’t sit and watch television all the time. There was the radio. Everything was listening, so you imagined everything”, said Eastwood. On the movie scene involving the boy and radio, he added: “There’s an art to listening. There’s not much of it going on in the world. As an actor, it’s the most important single function”.
I will leave you with another favorite quote of mine which is authored by Karl Menninger from the famous Menninger family of psychiatrists (who founded the Menninger Foundation and the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas). He once said: "Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand."
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
I am sure most all of you that are reading this Blog are connected in some way to a career in marketing, public relations, sales, etc. You’ve possibly read a paper or two on the subject as well as glanced over at a few other sites to see what the professionals are stating each and every day. Most of my pieces play up the importance of communications and follow through more times than not, but there’s another skill set that we often find ourselves taking for granted and that is simply just “listening”.
Listening is a skill that doesn’t need a degree. Doesn’t cost a cent. It does affect you and I every minute of every day! Thanks to technology that changes by the day, the world we live in at present gives us everything we need to know in less than a split second and has perhaps made people pay less attention to this all-important skill?
Listening can affect us all, whether you’re a college student taking in a lecture; an athlete going over the game planning with your coaches; a sales rep attending a client meeting or working the phones. Heck, listening affects most couples even at home. One or the other complains “you’re not listening to me”. My wife always gives me a hard time and says “when it comes to your job, if someone says anything, you never forget it!” Listening does really come down to conditioning one's mind to focus on the tasks at hand.
Ultimately, we are all judged by our body of work be it from educators, employers, coaches to parenting our kids and yet, one of the vital keys to becoming that “success” in your chosen field is through the power of “listening”.
What made me chime in with this piece today came from reading a past edition of GQ Magazine that featured actor Clint Eastwood on the cover. Inside the article, Eastwood was asked about his life as a child and a special moment in his Academy Award nominated (2008) movie Changeling where the GQ writer was struck by a particular scene Eastwood directed in which a boy sits up in front of a radio to just listen in.
“Life was pretty simple then (in my day). Because you didn’t sit and watch television all the time. There was the radio. Everything was listening, so you imagined everything”, said Eastwood. On the movie scene involving the boy and radio, he added: “There’s an art to listening. There’s not much of it going on in the world. As an actor, it’s the most important single function”.
I will leave you with another favorite quote of mine which is authored by Karl Menninger from the famous Menninger family of psychiatrists (who founded the Menninger Foundation and the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas). He once said: "Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand."
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
Saturday, February 11, 2012
WHAT'S BEST FOR YOUR CAREER: STAIRS OR ESCALATOR?
I was taking time to read a book given to me from a corporate client at Auto-Owners Insurance. This easy-to-read book is called “Take The Stairs” which deals with leadership lessons learned from a lifetime of service by Roger Looyenga, the chairman and chief executive officer at AOI.
One of the paragraphs dealt with long term success rather than short term gain which made me think of our Mentoring members. I hear from so many and the focus seems to be always on securing a big league job right off the bat especially those that are just graduating from college? My question: Is that truly the best avenue to take? How much is someone leaving on the table when it comes to personal growth, hands on experiences and the ability to truly see how an operaton works from the ground up by not pursuing a minor league pro sports team position?
I remember when I first started out in Billings, Montana at the Junior Hockey League level of my sport (don’t let the title make it sound like the level of play was for kids! My arena sat well over 8,000 people for the games!) My job back then was the ‘jack of all trades’ in our front office. I was involved in season ticket/group sales, promotions, game operations, PR & media, player appearances and advertising placement. I didn’t know a single facet about the business when I started out in this position. Did not go to college. I must admit that back in 1977, sports was truly a ‘game’ not like today where it is now an investment business more concerned with accumulating revenues. Teams, more so this period of time, are wanting to hire specialists that are "potty trained" and can come right in and get the job done without the need of time spent on training, etc.
On the flip side, when I was lucky enough to get that call up to the big leagues, for some reason or another, I always felt like a DH in baseball versus the 3rd or clean-up hitter (if I can use a baseball term here!) My teams in the minor leagues and junior hockey levels always counted on me to knock in runs for the franchise sort to speak. I so enjoyed the ton of responsibility with the job at hand. In the big leagues, I felt pigeon holed into one department. Focused on one thing. Never could cross over. That was the feeling of being a DH that led to me leaving the big leagues on three different occasions in my career to go find a lineup (job) that allowed me to bat in the top half of the order!
In closing, I want to share a great quote stated by Mr. Looyenga in his book which he said: “When faced with the decision of whether to take the stairs or ride up the escalator, you will always be better off taking the stairs.” I am glad that I took the staircase up through my journey in the sports business. I’ve also been on a few escalators in my time and I have to admit (truthfully) that one time my shoe actually got caught on the ride and I spilled by infant baby out of her stroller going down an escalator. Maybe that’s why I've been so fond of ‘stairs’ through the years!
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
One of the paragraphs dealt with long term success rather than short term gain which made me think of our Mentoring members. I hear from so many and the focus seems to be always on securing a big league job right off the bat especially those that are just graduating from college? My question: Is that truly the best avenue to take? How much is someone leaving on the table when it comes to personal growth, hands on experiences and the ability to truly see how an operaton works from the ground up by not pursuing a minor league pro sports team position?
I remember when I first started out in Billings, Montana at the Junior Hockey League level of my sport (don’t let the title make it sound like the level of play was for kids! My arena sat well over 8,000 people for the games!) My job back then was the ‘jack of all trades’ in our front office. I was involved in season ticket/group sales, promotions, game operations, PR & media, player appearances and advertising placement. I didn’t know a single facet about the business when I started out in this position. Did not go to college. I must admit that back in 1977, sports was truly a ‘game’ not like today where it is now an investment business more concerned with accumulating revenues. Teams, more so this period of time, are wanting to hire specialists that are "potty trained" and can come right in and get the job done without the need of time spent on training, etc.
On the flip side, when I was lucky enough to get that call up to the big leagues, for some reason or another, I always felt like a DH in baseball versus the 3rd or clean-up hitter (if I can use a baseball term here!) My teams in the minor leagues and junior hockey levels always counted on me to knock in runs for the franchise sort to speak. I so enjoyed the ton of responsibility with the job at hand. In the big leagues, I felt pigeon holed into one department. Focused on one thing. Never could cross over. That was the feeling of being a DH that led to me leaving the big leagues on three different occasions in my career to go find a lineup (job) that allowed me to bat in the top half of the order!
In closing, I want to share a great quote stated by Mr. Looyenga in his book which he said: “When faced with the decision of whether to take the stairs or ride up the escalator, you will always be better off taking the stairs.” I am glad that I took the staircase up through my journey in the sports business. I’ve also been on a few escalators in my time and I have to admit (truthfully) that one time my shoe actually got caught on the ride and I spilled by infant baby out of her stroller going down an escalator. Maybe that’s why I've been so fond of ‘stairs’ through the years!
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
Saturday, February 13, 2010
SELLING WITH SMARTS TO BOOST YOUR BOTTOM LINE
During the months ahead as I plow myself deeper into the minor league baseball franchise that my partners just recently purchased, most of my next batch of postings are going to be centered around my findings and experiences.
Know that I apologize deeply for my silence of late. Combining the baseball beat with the ongoing hockey season right now has my attention locked up. In some ways, if you are just developing your career or entering a start-up position with a sports franchise, hopefully the words and feedback that I am to share in the near future will be most helpful.
Since walking into the baseball office, most of my time has been spent delving into the active sponsorship contracts left behind from our previous regime and developing a business plan to recruit new partners. One of the mistakes some team's make is to sell a NUMBER versus defining what is NET or GROSS to the client. We write up our hockey packages as a "Net" billing.
Here's an example of a contract that I recently uncovered. The package states that the prospective client is to receive an outfield fence sign, a giveway item provided by the club (that says TBD versus item stated), a pair of season tickets, a company group outing as well as 200 tickets that are to be donated to a charity cause on behalf of the client.
First HUGE mistake. The contract was not identified as "Gross" or "Net". Sadly, the signee of the contract was an Advertising Agency. My heart sunk. I knew in a split second that this would be a GROSS buy in their eyes. Since the club rep didn't specify that his asking price was NET and built the agency commission (usually 15%) up above the team's price, this was going to be a 15% reduction off the signature line. When I made the call to the agency to review this contract, sure enough, my fear came to fruition. It is to be a "Gross Billing" by the club to the client. The previous sales rep just cost his club a chunk of profit. A reckless mistake.
What makes this package even more dangeous on top of the billing issue is the inclusion of a TBD game night promotional item! What if the client now says they want a Baseball Bat or an expensive Ball Cap? A Fleece Blanket? In this agreement there was no language that says it's the "club's call for what item will be ordered?" The package should have stated what the promotional item will be but more so the club rep needs to know exactly what the cost is plus tax, freight and art charges so that you are covering all expenses to the club plus profit mark-up.
When breaking down a sponsorship package, look at each category as it's own "department". You should establish revenue projections for signage, print, radio broadcast, promotion, etc. and then make sure you are made aware of your costs. Example: you just sold a seasonal pocket schedule that costs the club $8,000; yet, your team effort generated just $7K in ad sales. This particular "department" needs to operate as a "profit center" not as a loss leader.
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
Know that I apologize deeply for my silence of late. Combining the baseball beat with the ongoing hockey season right now has my attention locked up. In some ways, if you are just developing your career or entering a start-up position with a sports franchise, hopefully the words and feedback that I am to share in the near future will be most helpful.
Since walking into the baseball office, most of my time has been spent delving into the active sponsorship contracts left behind from our previous regime and developing a business plan to recruit new partners. One of the mistakes some team's make is to sell a NUMBER versus defining what is NET or GROSS to the client. We write up our hockey packages as a "Net" billing.
Here's an example of a contract that I recently uncovered. The package states that the prospective client is to receive an outfield fence sign, a giveway item provided by the club (that says TBD versus item stated), a pair of season tickets, a company group outing as well as 200 tickets that are to be donated to a charity cause on behalf of the client.
First HUGE mistake. The contract was not identified as "Gross" or "Net". Sadly, the signee of the contract was an Advertising Agency. My heart sunk. I knew in a split second that this would be a GROSS buy in their eyes. Since the club rep didn't specify that his asking price was NET and built the agency commission (usually 15%) up above the team's price, this was going to be a 15% reduction off the signature line. When I made the call to the agency to review this contract, sure enough, my fear came to fruition. It is to be a "Gross Billing" by the club to the client. The previous sales rep just cost his club a chunk of profit. A reckless mistake.
What makes this package even more dangeous on top of the billing issue is the inclusion of a TBD game night promotional item! What if the client now says they want a Baseball Bat or an expensive Ball Cap? A Fleece Blanket? In this agreement there was no language that says it's the "club's call for what item will be ordered?" The package should have stated what the promotional item will be but more so the club rep needs to know exactly what the cost is plus tax, freight and art charges so that you are covering all expenses to the club plus profit mark-up.
When breaking down a sponsorship package, look at each category as it's own "department". You should establish revenue projections for signage, print, radio broadcast, promotion, etc. and then make sure you are made aware of your costs. Example: you just sold a seasonal pocket schedule that costs the club $8,000; yet, your team effort generated just $7K in ad sales. This particular "department" needs to operate as a "profit center" not as a loss leader.
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
Saturday, January 2, 2010
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES TO START YOUR NEW YEAR!
Some special inspiration that I wanted to share with my readers as we begin a brand new year. Enjoy my friends!
------------------------------------------------------
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending - Carl Bard
Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic - Anonymous
Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision - Ayn Rand
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee - Marian Wright Edelman
Remember, all the answers you need are inside of you; you only have to become quiet enough to hear them - Debbie Ford
Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to
begin where he was - Richard L. Evans
SALES TIP: If people like you they'll listen to you, but if they trust you they'll do business with you - Zig Ziglar
Happiness resides not in posessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul - Democritus
Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions - Albert Einstein
In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends - John Churton Collins
Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings - Ralph Blum
Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not in; and lend a hand - E. E. Hale
What is defeat? Nothing but education; nothing but the first steps to something better - Proverb
Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong - Peter T. McIntyre
SALES TIP: Confidence is contagious and so is lack of confidence, and a customer will recognize both - Vincent Lombardi
Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along - Napoleon Hill
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
------------------------------------------------------
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending - Carl Bard
Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic - Anonymous
Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision - Ayn Rand
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee - Marian Wright Edelman
Remember, all the answers you need are inside of you; you only have to become quiet enough to hear them - Debbie Ford
Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to
begin where he was - Richard L. Evans
SALES TIP: If people like you they'll listen to you, but if they trust you they'll do business with you - Zig Ziglar
Happiness resides not in posessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul - Democritus
Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions - Albert Einstein
In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends - John Churton Collins
Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings - Ralph Blum
Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not in; and lend a hand - E. E. Hale
What is defeat? Nothing but education; nothing but the first steps to something better - Proverb
Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong - Peter T. McIntyre
SALES TIP: Confidence is contagious and so is lack of confidence, and a customer will recognize both - Vincent Lombardi
Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along - Napoleon Hill
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
Thursday, December 24, 2009
DREAMS CAN COME TRUE! GO THE DISTANCE!
One of the best parts of my job is when I get a chance to visit an elementary school and tell stories to the kids. It never fails that I will ask the students about their dreams in life.
Which brings me back to my own childhood days when I attended a Catholic elementary school in Massachusetts. During my year of third grade studies, Sister Marie Catherine (my teacher) posed this question to her students: "What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up" and then instructed us all to write down our answer on paper and she would read them out loud. Many of us stated the same things: astronaut, doctor, fireman, lawyer, policeman, etc. Then came mine. My teacher was stunned by my answer and called me up to the front of the room and whispered to me... “Mr. Loria, you can’t be what you wrote on this paper. How did you come up with such an answer?” I wrote that I wanted to be like “MR. ED", a talking horse from the hit TV Show back in the 60's. My teacher didn't read my "dream" out loud but did actually call my Mom and I got in all kinds of trouble at home for embarrassing my family.
When I reached 8th grade, my teacher wanted to know once again what we wanted to be as we got ready to graduate into high school. Same answers came from my friends in class. My answer was: “Dolphin Trainer”. I was inspired by another hit TV show called "FLIPPER" and my dream then was to one day work at the San Diego Zoo! Four years later, my high school teacher surveyed his students to see what our career plans were as we got ready to enter adulthood. My answer was: “To work in the National Hockey League”.
That path took a lot of hardships and some stress a long the way at home to make that dream come to fruition. Why: As my Mom told me “how many kids from New Bedford, Massachusetts get to work in the NHL?” After all, back in 1974, I turned down a photography job and another as a silk screen printer of shower curtains at a pretty good wage… all because I had this dream of mine to work in hockey!
Gang, don’t stop dreaming and keep on believing. Last night as I was helping clean up the kitchen for my wife (who baked an endless supply of Christmas Cookies for our family), my trustworthy IPOD was glued to my ear. One song that came up on the playlist – Michael Bolton’s “GO THE DISTANCE” - inspired me to write this piece as a bit of Holiday Hope for our members that have the same dreams as I to someday work in the sports industry.
I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way, if I can be strong
I know every mile, will be worth my while
When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong
Down an unknown road, to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years, would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime, but somehow I’ll see it through
And I won’t look back, I can go the distance
And I’ll stay on track, no, I won’t accept defeat
It’s an uphill slope, but I won’t lose hope
Till I go the distance, and my journey is complete
To keep inspiring me everyday, my daughters set up my cell phone voice mail ringtone a few years ago to the actual MR. ED television show theme song as a reminder that I did not miss my CALL IN LIFE even though that adorable horse inspired my first set of dreams!
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
Which brings me back to my own childhood days when I attended a Catholic elementary school in Massachusetts. During my year of third grade studies, Sister Marie Catherine (my teacher) posed this question to her students: "What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up" and then instructed us all to write down our answer on paper and she would read them out loud. Many of us stated the same things: astronaut, doctor, fireman, lawyer, policeman, etc. Then came mine. My teacher was stunned by my answer and called me up to the front of the room and whispered to me... “Mr. Loria, you can’t be what you wrote on this paper. How did you come up with such an answer?” I wrote that I wanted to be like “MR. ED", a talking horse from the hit TV Show back in the 60's. My teacher didn't read my "dream" out loud but did actually call my Mom and I got in all kinds of trouble at home for embarrassing my family.
When I reached 8th grade, my teacher wanted to know once again what we wanted to be as we got ready to graduate into high school. Same answers came from my friends in class. My answer was: “Dolphin Trainer”. I was inspired by another hit TV show called "FLIPPER" and my dream then was to one day work at the San Diego Zoo! Four years later, my high school teacher surveyed his students to see what our career plans were as we got ready to enter adulthood. My answer was: “To work in the National Hockey League”.
That path took a lot of hardships and some stress a long the way at home to make that dream come to fruition. Why: As my Mom told me “how many kids from New Bedford, Massachusetts get to work in the NHL?” After all, back in 1974, I turned down a photography job and another as a silk screen printer of shower curtains at a pretty good wage… all because I had this dream of mine to work in hockey!
Gang, don’t stop dreaming and keep on believing. Last night as I was helping clean up the kitchen for my wife (who baked an endless supply of Christmas Cookies for our family), my trustworthy IPOD was glued to my ear. One song that came up on the playlist – Michael Bolton’s “GO THE DISTANCE” - inspired me to write this piece as a bit of Holiday Hope for our members that have the same dreams as I to someday work in the sports industry.
I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way, if I can be strong
I know every mile, will be worth my while
When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong
Down an unknown road, to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years, would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime, but somehow I’ll see it through
And I won’t look back, I can go the distance
And I’ll stay on track, no, I won’t accept defeat
It’s an uphill slope, but I won’t lose hope
Till I go the distance, and my journey is complete
To keep inspiring me everyday, my daughters set up my cell phone voice mail ringtone a few years ago to the actual MR. ED television show theme song as a reminder that I did not miss my CALL IN LIFE even though that adorable horse inspired my first set of dreams!
Jim Loria, Career Planning Expert for Sports Professionals
Email address: loria@sfstampede.com
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