Image, Athletic Performance and
Media Preparation
Ever wonder how athletes win
million-dollar endorsement deals as pitchmen for companies like Reebok International, Nike
or Coca-Cola? The experts say the keys to locking down such deals are IMAGE, ATHLETIC
PERFORMANCE, and MEDIA PREPARATION. Over the past few years we have seen promising careers
destroyed because of a lack of strategy and planning by a specialist in Image Management.
Rumor has it that Michael Jordan is the richest athlete in the world. If that is not the
truth, then he has to be a close second. In 1997 Jordan earned, according to Forbes, $78.3
Million. He received an estimated $31.3 Million from the Chicago Bulls and another
estimated $47 Million from endorsements and other income. Professional athletes who make
more money from endorsements than from their pro contracts have found the answer in image
management. If you find the prior statement suspect, ask Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi, Lisa
Leslie, or Dennis Rodman how their image has helped them earn more income than their
contract salary or what their playing purses pay them.
Yes, Dennis Rodman! If Michael Jordan has managed his good Image, then Mr. Rodman has done
a fabulous job in managing his "Bad Boy" Image. Dennis must have figured out a
long time ago that not everybody could be “like Mike." Jordan is,
"the MAN." And Rodman has displayed a flash of genius by carving out a nice
little niche for himself. Love him or hate him, Rodman is getting paid to be Rodman.
He is getting paid very well because has devised a plan (just like Michael Jordan has a
plan) that makes the most out of his talent on and off the court.
We at Image of Success realize that not
everyone in professional sports has the same priority. Some pros just want to
prepare for a career after their professional sports days are done, i.e. sports
commentating "broadcasting," coaching, business person, a minister, etc.
This all requires planning as well as assistance with implementing that plan. We can help!
Plan Ahead
When a controversy occurs that may threaten the livelihood of a professional athlete, the
utmost care should be taken. If not, the results could be disastrous. There should
be a plan in place that would present the situation in the best possible light.
Almost 90% of undesired situations are
not as bad as they seem. When properly managed, public perception of a situation can
be controlled. Every year, in every sport, some young college aged athlete's
promising career is tainted because of negative press at draft time or at their debut. We
believe that most of this occurs because the athlete and/or the athlete's management has
failed to construct an image plan.
We realize that we cannot protect
everyone from every situation, but we want to help and we can help. Image of
Success is able to provide guidance in the area of Professional Basketball, Football,
Baseball, Boxing, Track & Field and Soccer through our highly motivational and
effective programs:
- Develop Strategic Image and Marketing Plan
- Handle Personal Public Relations
- Develop Crisis Management Plan
- Solicit endorsement contracts and
sponsorships
- Solicit for personal appearances
- Arrange promotional events
- Establish relations with media on behalf
of the athlete
- Help Develop "The Life after Sports
Plan"
For organizations (Professional and
College) we offer these fine programs:
- Establish relations with media on behalf
of the athlete(s) and/or College
- Customize our "Image in Sports"
seminar
- Deliver a host of Image Management
Workshops
- Arrange promotional events with
Corporations or other organizations
- Consult with Public Relations Department
in Crisis Management Situations
- Solicit endorsement contracts and
sponsorships
- Keynote Speeches on Image Management
