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AFM Magazine

AFM Magazine


Football and Networking: What Are the Priorities?

by: Charles Welde
Assistant Coach U.S Grant High School (OK)
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What do you hope to get out of the clinics and conventions you attend this off-season? Most coaches will say they are hoping to gain “one thing”. They may spend a full day or a whole weekend listening to speakers to find one minor improvement on a drill or the slightest variation to their favorite play. Clinics and conventions are great for that, but don’t ignore the networking opportunities they also present. To get the absolute most of any football professional development event you attend, try using a similar level of preparation as you would for a game.

Self Scout: As you prepare for an upcoming event you need to have a good understanding of your personal networking strengths and weaknesses just like you assess the strengths and weaknesses of your football team. How are your networking skills? Can you carry a conversation and help it transcend from idle chit-chat to a memorable exchange? Are you approachable? Are you comfortable approaching others? If you want to be a better networker, you need instruction and repetition. Invest in some audio books or consider taking some classes. Your local Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Club, and even alumni socials are great places to practice and hone your networking skills. Networking is an acquired skill.

Opponent Scout: Once the list of speakers is made available, identify the ones you would like to target as potential contacts. Then take some time to do some research on them. Entering their name in a search engine will give you great background information, allowing you to ask more poignant questions. For a high profile contact who is likely to be approached by numerous clinic-goers, think of the difference between asking “How did you guys do last year?” versus “I noticed you passed for 1,500 yards last season and ran for 1,400 yards. How were you able to keep such great balance?” Also, you may uncover some personal information in your research that makes for better conversation. Perhaps you and the prospective contact share a hobby, lived in the same part of the country, or have kids the same age. Finding common ground is generally how relationships are formed. You also represent the brand of “you” much better when your interactions show you have done your homework.   

Call Sheet: You spend hours on your game day call sheet so you can call the perfect play in any situation. A call sheet can also help you at a professional development event. Having a memorized list of questions to ask other coaches while you are “mingling” can help keep the conversations interesting and moving. What are the biggest issues at your level of football right now? What rule changes do you like or not like? What rules would you propose if it were entirely up to you? Asking questions combining football and family is a good way to add a personal touch to any conversation. Just be careful not to be overly personal or invasive. 

Situational Offense: You practice throwing a Hail Mary during the week not because you anticipate being behind, but because you want to be prepared for all situations. Going into a clinic or conference, you want to be prepared for all situations as well. If you become aware of a job opportunity and the hiring coach is there, are you prepared to interview on the spot? If a speaker cancels and they ask for volunteers to fill in, are you prepared to present? Do you have questions prepared for an impromptu huddle session? Those situations may be unlikely, but ask Nick Saban about the importance of preparing for everything.   

Pre-Game: Having a good understanding of the facility where the event is held and the surrounding area is always a good idea. If you know where the speakers will enter and exit the stage, then you know where you have the best chance of “inadvertently” running in to them. It would only take you a few mouse clicks to find out where the best bars and restaurants are in the area in case someone asks you where a good place to eat is. Knowledge is value. If you are knowledgeable, you are valuable.

Post-Game: What is your process for following up with your new contacts? Besides the standard “great meeting you” text you send from the airport, do you have a plan in place? Try using a drip campaign. Make periodic “touches” with your contacts using different forms of communication. Schedule your touches on the frequency you feel is best (4 per year for acquaintances, more for friends), and schedule the touches in your smart phone. Make sure to include at least one hand written note as one of your drips. Showing your contacts that you were thinking of them and made time for them with a hand written note separates you from the herd and exemplifies your level of commitment to details. 







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