🏆 Career Insights in Sports Sales

An Unconventional Start to a Decade in Selling Baseball

Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Carmen’s path to sports sales was unconventional. After starting her studies in pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati, she switched to business to pursue a career with more direct human interaction. An internship at the Cincinnati Open solidified her interest in sports, giving her valuable experience organizing major sporting events. After college, she initially struggled to break into the industry. Carmen's first job was selling magazine ads for a local company, which she found less fulfilling. A seasonal inside sales position with the Reds in 2012 marked the beginning of her successful sports career, and she has never looked back. “Sports sales clicked for me when I joined the Reds. Selling sports is unlike selling anything else. You're selling an experience, creating memories, and helping people have a great time.”

Key Traits That Drive Success

Carmen's journey with the Reds has provided her with valuable insights into what makes a successful team member. She values self-motivation and a proactive attitude. “That mentality takes practice. You won’t wake up motivated every day, and people have ups and downs too. If you can be consistent in your attitude and effort, it will not only make you a great teammate, but it will also make you excellent at your job.” She notes the importance of accountability and a strong work ethic, seeking candidates who strive to meet and exceed their goals.

Reflecting on her peers and successful individuals around her, Carmen appreciates qualities such as coachability and the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback. “Being coachable and accepting constructive criticism is crucial. It helps either the process or you to improve,” she notes. This mindset fosters growth and adaptability, essential traits for anyone looking to excel in the sports industry. Being coachable and accountable for your work and actions are key to continuous improvement.

Overcoming Obstacles with Consistency and Following Up

Managing obstacles has been a significant part of Carmen’s career. “Some challenges I’ve faced include dealing with factors beyond my control, like the team’s performance. You can’t control whether the Reds win or lose, but you are still accountable for driving ticket sales and maintaining fan engagement.” Carmen highlights the importance of focusing on what you can control. “It’s all about controlling the controllable—maintaining consistency in my approach and attitude, regardless of external circumstances.” Consistency in demeanor and attitude, especially when facing unexpected challenges, is extremely important when overcoming obstacles. “I remind myself that what matters is how I handle the situation, not the situation itself.”

Carmen's advice to young professionals trying to break into the sports industry is clear: follow up. “Building your network is important, but maintaining those connections is even more crucial. Follow up consistently with the people you connect with—it could lead to opportunities down the road.” Developing relationships takes time and effort. Always follow up with the people you’ve connected with; those relationships may be more valuable than you realize.

Finding Your “Why”

As professionals navigate their careers in sports, it’s essential to find your “why” and understand what motivates you each day. Carmen's motivation lies in her personal experiences. “Part of my why is to grow and pave the way for more women in sales and leadership roles within the industry. I want to see more women at the table, bringing their insights and perspectives. It’s about ensuring that diverse voices are part of the decision-making process.” Carmen also finds inspiration in her family. “My family is a huge part of why I get up every morning and go to work. I want to set an example for my children and show that balancing a career and family life is possible. For any woman concerned about managing both, I want to demonstrate that it’s achievable to be a dedicated professional and a great mom.”

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