3 Key Takeaways From Hashtag Sports Creators of Color Cohort

Rising Tides Lift All Boats

I was recognized as a Hashtag Creators of Color honoree for my efforts in social, digital, and creative content. It was an honor to be part of this year’s cohort. I was able to learn from experts and break bread with my fellow honorees to collaborate on the state of all things digital marketing and content. I truly believe there is power in proximity and I was fortunate to learn and spend time with this group.

Here are five things I learned from the cohort that I’ll look to apply to my business and content:

Build A Holistic Flywheel Company

The best way to work with athletes is to build a holistic flywheel company. By doing this, you are able to connect with them on multiple touch points and create a more solid framework for longterm success. The old school agent model is becoming extinct, athletes want to be more than just products on the field based on their performance. How are you covering all things such as:

• Philanthropy

• Off Field

• Performance

• Brand + Content

• Contract Negotiation

Climbing Up The Corporate Ladder

This was a consistent question asked to the experts we heard from at the conference. How to show up and show up in the corporate space so you can gain more responsibility, be promoted, and ultimately make more money. Some of the feedback that was shared included:

• Ask yourself…

  What have you done?

  Why should you progress?

  Where did you add value?

It’s important to make sure you are honest with yourself and your work before you expect any sort of upward movement. Once you’ve established that, keep track of ways you added value so you have data and proof of work to stake your claim and make your pitch.

• Never Think Too Small

You have to see yourself in the position you want. Don’t downplay your talents or work, you are more than deserving.

• Don’t be afraid to pivot early & often 

Progress is never linear, sometimes you need to pivot to get to where you ultimately want to go. Many ways to the top of the mountain.

• Be open to opportunities everywhere

• Give yourself grace

How To Create Better Content

Create more Helmet Off Content = Create more human stories

Authenticity + Access wins at the end of the day. One of the gentleman at the conference shared an antidote about Emmitt Smith back in the 90s about how he was the reason NFL changed their rule that players need to keep their helmet on at all times when they were on the field. Essentially, Emmitt Smith was the first player to consistently take off his helmet after touchdowns and it was great because fans were able to connect his face to his performance and overall brand. This didn’t bode well for the old school mentality of NFL and that rule was implemented.

How do you create helmet off content for fans to see under the hood of your everyday actions and lives? That’s how you engage and that’s how you create better content.

2023 Hashtag Creators of Color Cohort

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