Public Images Workshops & Clinic, Fans Chapter 5

Urban Initiative Jamboree. The program also uses baseball themed activities to reinforce literacy, math, and science skills. The Jamboree gives Little Leaguers from around the United States Opportunities participating in a positive sports related activity. MLB receives positive publicity from the event

Public Relations is creating a favorable public opinion for an individual or organization.

Public Relations Plan of Action Which media is most appropriate for the event? What will be used to create this image? How will they promote the event and the cause?

How is publicity generated? Unexpected incidents Personal behavior of a high profile figure Special occasions Product or organizational changes/expansion

Public Relations Works on continually building a positive relationship with fans

Good Public Image Veteran NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe of the Dallas Cowboys will be inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame for his efforts as a role model and humanitarian. Blue Chip Athlete

Damage Control Publicist refute, justify or down play the media coverage and try to focus attention somewhere else.

Publicist The person’s responsible for maintaining relations with the public and news media

Successful Public Relations Efforts Consistent reinforcement of a specific image over time Two way communication Promote goodwill Proactive Counteractive- be prepared for the bad

Foundation- Organization that is established to maintain, and assist, or finance other institutions The Mia Hamm Foundation is a non-profit, national organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for bone marrow transplant patients and their families

Good Will Willingness to work with or assist a person or organization based on a positive reputation The team alternates weekly visits between Baptist and Saint Thomas Hospitals each Tuesday during the season

Community Player Appearances Titan Tuesdays Hospital Visits: Metro Middle School Visits Titans Caravan- Autographs

The Fan 5.2

Teams that have a great fan base is a bonus for town and community. Unruly fans keep large numbers of people away. PR can’t fix.

Spectators Business Community Community at large Media Employees

Ticket Purchases Merchandise Purchases Media Purchases Time Commitment Play & Participation Contest Participation

Motivation Fan Motivation Diversion from everyday Entertainment Value Positive Stress Economic Value Aesthetic Value Need for Affiliation Family Ties

Fan Clubs Positive image for athlete Gives their fans –Information-Personal –Discount on merchandise –Official clothing –Seminars or outings –Personal s

Tools to reach public Fan clubs Online chat rooms Online opt in updates Website news center Open houses Facility tours Sales promotion Press kits TV/Radio Shows Newsletters Clinics workshops Scholarship funding Exclusive interviews Press conference Charitable events/ causes

Licensing & Merchandising Having permission to sell team items –Champion –Starter –Rawlings Evergreen Products- items that remain valuable from year to year. –Collectibles (baseball cards, baseballs, Bats, )

Publishing & Speaking Engagements 5.3

Motivational Speakers –Requires skills many athletes do no have –Promotional sports agencies train athletes –AVG $7,000 - $35,000 to speak at an event –$85 billion dollar industry.

Book Writers –Many create autobiographies of their live and struggles Ghostwriters (sport/entertainment writer) commits to writing their story for a fee. Literary Agents – promote the sale of the book for a fee- arrange signings and get book in store.

Chapter 6.2 Sport Camps The Golden Opportunity for the Marketer

Best players are there to train Famous athlete or coach Network with the pros Improve their skills and knowledge

Positive public relation/ Goodwill Visible banners, posters, and flyers Free – Promotion Advertising space on the camp brochure Potential sales at the camp

Radio announcement TV Advertisement Contest( free item or payment of camp) Press release to newspaper Interview and Photos Giveaways Camps celebrity appearance

Creating interest stories On going promotion Create mailing list Follow-up material sent to parents

Sport Promotion Workshops & Clinics 6.3

Workshops/Clinics One or two day clinic Focus on one or two specific skills More intense and concentrated Number of participants limited Full agenda Less expensive than camp(smaller staff)

Sponsorship Major money consideration for workshops Sponsors actually get involved- speak Sales representatives show their product Give promotional items Want at leas 5/6 benefits

Advertising Local newspaper, television, radio contest or giveaways offering a free week at camp Free t-shirt Free celebrity signing Community appearance by camp athletes (celebrity)