The key to being evaluated, as a potential rookie is to hone in on what the manager's perception of his teams weaknesses are for the upcoming season. Insight into what the team is looking for, with regard to talent will make your sales pitch easier. With the information you will be able to demonstrate impact you can make.
A former student of mine wanted to work in Major League Baseball. More specifically, he wanted to work for the Los Angeles Dodgers. A lofty goal for a freshman! Brendan wanted to attend a Sport Career Conference in LA and circulate his resume.
It was important for the student to understand that while putting himself at the right place, doing the right thing, and being prepared was extremely important that handing out a resume and hoping for a call probably wouldn't happen. The fact that he was a freshman and had very little note worthy experience would be a handicap. I pointed out that the Los Angeles Dodgers get tens of thousands resumes a year from people more qualified than a freshman in college.
We developed his marketing plan. It was a business card and on the front it said:
Sports Transactions:
Potential employer trades experience to
Brendan Student in return for success to be named later.
Addresses and phone number listed
Then you open it and said.
I deliver valuable assets:
The enthusiasm of a rookie just trying to make the team
The loyalty of a die-hard fan
The potential of a lottery pick
The self-confidence of an MVP
The determination of a veteran trying to win his first championship
While at the conference he made his contact and got an internship in marketing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The fact that he marketed himself on a business card put him in a position to pitch him-self for the internship. This was a selling point in the selection process. Now when someone says, "thinking out side the box," you will know what they're talking about.
