“Purple Cow” Mentality:

Will Syring learned about the 5 "P's" of marketing from his instructor, Chuck Tomkovick, at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Chuck added the 5th "P" to encourage students to consider differentiating themselves in a cluttered field of resumes/job applicants and using a “Purple Cow” mentality derived from Seth Godin's strategy from his 2002 book. One area in which Will knew he could separate himself was building solid and meaningful relationships at all levels of sports. Syring believes he's fortunate to have worked with outstanding leaders and mentors who have placed him in positions where he could succeed. He deliberately builds a network with executives whom he holds in high esteem. He approaches every conversation with the intention of learning something that he can apply to his daily work. He is currently working with Brian Byrnes at the Thunder, who is one of the most respected executives in the sports industry. Will recommends, “If you aspire to work in the NBA, focusing on sports in general and having the word "sports" on your resume is recommended. Your job opportunities will increase by 100 times if you are open to relocating and working in minor leagues, college, or internationally.”

Corporate Partnerships at the Pro Level:

“First, anyone who tells you they sold a significant partnership in sports by themselves is lying.” Any important sports partnership requires so many internal and external stakeholders to align and buy in, and it’s essentially a function of timing and creative collaboration across multiple departments and contacts to get everyone to a yes. One seller might be driving the discussion forward, but it truly takes a team on both sides to get fully integrated deals across the finish line. In today's cluttered and fragmented world, capturing attention and engaging audiences is crucial for brands. One effective way to achieve this is through storytelling. People naturally respond well to stories, and sports provide an excellent opportunity to tell them. The unscripted nature of sports events makes it easy to build a narrative and grab attention. Over the years, two of his cherished team partnerships are the Airbnb deal at the Bulls and the recent Love's jersey patch extension in OKC. Airbnb's first sports partnership was groundbreaking and inspired many other sports properties worldwide. For Love's Travel Stops, their heart logo over the hearts of the players was a perfect fit for the team that became known as the “Heart of OKC”. These partnerships have supported and advanced the next generation of basketball in Oklahoma while bringing joy and excitement to fans. Will's words showcase the value of every individual's contribution to a team. “We can make a difference at every level, showcasing our skills and dedication. Every opportunity we receive is a chance to prove ourselves and grow.”

The ever-changing landscape of sports:

Every generation has to deal with some disruption or unforeseen technological impact that may feel daunting or groundbreaking at the time. Some examples of such trouble over the past century include automation in manufacturing and farming and the advent of the Internet. AI is a hot topic with everyone considering how it will impact their future. “While I have no idea, I'm confident that AI or AGI will significantly impact our lives over the next 20 years, technology-wise. In the world of sponsorships, as long as live games are being played in front of live fans, there will always be jobs regardless of how we consume them.” Brands will always seek to capture attention, grow their market share, and elevate community involvement. Sports remain an effective way to reach mass audiences in an increasingly fragmented world. Sports, mainly sports marketing, are relatively insulated from macro-level changes that will likely occur in society over the next decade. Businesses will continue to rely on data-driven decision-making when it comes to investments. They are committed to obtaining the best fan insights and data to reach the right audience with the right message at the right time. “Studying the business of sports, not just being a fan is essential to early success in the sports business.” If you still need to figure out your career path, start by identifying something that most people hate but you enjoy and are good at. For instance, if you want to persuade people to say yes when they initially say no, a career in sports may be for you. If you enjoy planning huge events, consider wedding planning or event management in the sports industry. If you want to argue and read case law, a career as a sports lawyer may be a good fit. Identify the most challenging or extreme thing that excites you, even if it seems counterintuitive - this could lead you to a fulfilling career path.

Stay Tuned: This Week in Sports

The Texas Rangers lead the 2023 World Series 2-1 and aim to extend their lead against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix tonight.

#8 Alabama will face #13 LSU in Tuscaloosa, AL. Both teams are looking to win in this SEC battle and continue their momentum, especially Alabama in their newfound offense.

The Dolphins vs. Chiefs is one of the most anticipated games of the weekend and will be held in Germany. This is only the third time in the NFL International Series that two teams with winning records will compete against each other.