The Sports Info Business

Celebrity endorsements have been around for as long as sports have been a part of popular culture.  The idea has been to match a well-known athlete with a company to help improve its image and more importantly, move sales of a particular product.

Some athlete endorsers have become closely associated with a particular product.  Here are a few examples:

If I said Joe Dimaggio, you might associate him with Mr. Coffee.

Joe Namath?  You’d probably throw out pantyhose, Noxema or even Susy Kobler (okay, the last one was not exactly an endorsement).

If I mention Peyton Manning, there would be too many commercials and associations to count.  My guess is you may remember the funny Sony spots with actor Justin Timberlake.  Each time a business decides to hire an athlete, they put their brand and reputation on the line.  Let’s not forget how fast brands fled Tiger Woods after he was caught cheating on his wife.

In most cases, the famous athlete is helping to drive the brand.

But if I mentioned the name Isiah Mustafa, would you be able to answer which professional teams he played for much less the brand he is associated with today?

Mustafa’s commercials have been a hot on TV and just as big on the internet.

According to a Wikipedia bio, Mustafa signed as a rookie with the Seattle Seahawks in 2000 and eventually played for the Tennessee Titans practice squad before playing in Barcelona of the NFL Europe.  While he has appeared in a few television shows (Ugly Betty, Days of Our Lives and NCIS), the Old Spice commercials have gone viral on the internet.  After completing the planned commercials for TV, Old Spice connected with online users by having him answer actual questions people mentioned via Twitter including helping with a wedding proposal.

This ingenious campaign has generated millions and millions of page views for a brand that not long ago was looked by consumers as old and crusty — your dad’s product.  Now, it is hip, young and online buzz worthy.  I am interested to see what it means for the product’s bottom line.

All of this by an athlete many of us did not even know.

If you want to see additional personal responses, here’s the link to the Old Spice YouTube channel

Quick, put on your objective sports business hat   Got it?  Okay  I have a question for you.  If you had to rank the top three sports franchises, which ones would rank at the top?  Which ones would rank at the bottom.  ESPN, the Magazine, just released its 2010 rankings and I have it here for you. According to the magazine, when it comes to paying fans back for their investment of time, money and passion, the New Orleans Saints are No. 1 out of all major league sports franchises, according to this year’s ESPN The Magazine Ultimate Standings. The Orlando Magic finished in second place and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim finished third.  At the other end of the spectrum, the Los Angeles Clippers are ranked last for the second year in a row.  Here is the kicker abut the Clippers.  They also ranked last in ownership and players.  Ouch. The Ultimate Standings, driven by research and fan feedback, looks at MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL franchises’ affordability, bang for the buck, coaching, fan relations, ownership, players, stadium experience and title track to establish a ranking of all 122. Based on a  commitment to community and championship play last year, the New Orleans Saints, know how to reward fans. The Saints “Who Dat Nation” made it known they feel a strong connection to their team and appreciate everything it offered the New Orleans community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Penguins round out the Top five.  According to the magazine, here is the top 10.

The 2010 ULTIMATE STANDINGS: THE TOP AND BOTTOM Top 10 Overall Franchises

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Orlando Magic

3. Los Angeles Angels

4. Indianapolis Colts

5. Pittsburgh Penguins

6. Tampa Bay Rays

7. San Antonio Spurs

8. Detroit Red Wings

9. Green Bay Packers

10. Cleveland Cavaliers

and then there is the bottom 10…….

Bottom 10 Overall Franchises

113. Toronto Raptors

114. St. Louis Rams

115. Oakland Raiders

116. Minnesota Timberwolves

117. Philadelphia 76ers

118. New Jersey Nets

119. New York Knicks

120. Washington Wizards

121. Toronto Maple Leafs

122. Los Angeles Clippers

ULTIMATE CATEGORY WINNERS AND LOSERS

Affordability – Price of tickets, parking and concessions

#1: Los Angeles Angels

#122: Toronto Maple Leafs

Bang for the buck – Wins over the past two seasons per dollar contributed directed by fan

s #1: Orlando Magic

#122: Toronto Maple Leafs

Coaching – Strength of on-field leadership

#1: Los Angeles Angles

#122: Philadelphia 76ers

Fan Relations – Players, coaches and management openness and consideration toward fans

#1: Pittsburgh Penguins

#122: Washington Wizards

Ownership – Honesty; loyalty to core players and local community

#1: Detroit Red Wings

#122: Los Angeles Clippers

Players – Effort on the field; likability off it

#1: Philadelphia Phillies

#122: Los Angeles Clippers

Stadium Experience – Quality of arena and game-day promotions; fan-friendliness of environment

#1: Minnesota Twins

#122: New York Islanders

Title Track – Championships already won or expected within lifetime of current fans

#1: Philadelphia Phillies

#122: Minnesota Timberwolves

Summertime in the sports business means two things:  The dog days of baseball are around the corner and if you are in the job market, you should be looking to teams that are out of season.  That is where most of the job opportunities are these days.  In order to keep the blog fresh, I have found the following jobs that are accepting applications for open positions.

Director of Marketing – San Francisco 49ers (Santa Clara, CA)

The Director of Marketing is responsible for all areas of advertising, brand development, merchandise, web and social media strategy, promotions, game operations, evaluating new marketing initiatives, and special events. Special events entail stadium entertainment, pre-game, post-game and half time ceremonies, sales & marketing events, including events at the 49ers training facility and stadium. Administrative duties include strategic planning, budgeting, media and agency negotiations, staffing and supervision. Key initiatives for position will focus on marketing strategy for 49ers new stadium in Santa Clara. Position could include the evaluation of bringing entertainment and production capabilities in-house.                               Additional Details

Vice President of Corporate Partnerships – Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic and innovative sales executive to lead the organization’s Corporate Partnerships department. The Columbus Crew Vice President, Corporate Partnerships is an integral part of the management team that contributes significantly to the overall success of the club. This position will be primarily responsible for prospecting and selling corporate sponsorship packages at all levels with the specific goal of maximizing net revenue. Creating compelling new sponsorship assets, developing valuable partner marketing programs, packaging the club’s numerous broadcast, digital media, social media, grassroots, stadium and other assets, negotiating corporate trade agreements to reduce expense, raise awareness and drive ticket sales are all critical functions of this position. Finally, the VP Corporate Partnerships is responsible for insuring the timely,accurate and effective delivery of corporate partner deliverables providing the highest level of service to our corporate clients. Direct reports will include the Senior Director of Corporate Sales, Director of Hispanic Business Development and the Director of Partnership Relations. Click here to Apply:

Vice President, Arena Operations & Entertainment – Memphis Grizzlies & FedExForum (Memphis, TN)

Position Purpose

As a Senior Executive of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Vice President, Arena Operations & Entertainment oversees all aspects of FedExForum management to include: Guest Relations, Event Booking, Event Operations, Conversions, Office Administration, Engineering, Security, Parking and Tenant Contracting & Management. As a key member of the Executive Staff, this position will also be responsible for creating a corporate culture that motives staff to perform to their fullest and achieve corporate goals in a collaborative manner. You can click here for Additional Background

Director of Customer Relationship Management – Olympia Entertainment/Detroit Red Wings (Detroit, MI)

The Director of Customer Relationship Management is responsible for developing powerful, sales generating marketing strategies utilizing all available media to accomplish the goals of the overall marketing strategy. Effectively communicate the strategic direction to both internal and external support teams to ensure effective execution. Negotiate all contracts and marketing agreements with outside vendors. Continually monitor and analyze program effectiveness and modify strategic direction as necessary to obtain high impact results.                     Apply Here

Manager/Sr. Manager Business Development – NBA

The successful candidate is responsible for generating revenue for the NBA through the sale of marketing partnerships that leverage the core NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League assets including League Intellectual Property, calendar events (e.g., Tip-off, NBA All-Star, Playoffs, Finals, etc.) and marketing platforms (e.g., NBA Cares, NBA Fit, NBA Green, etc.). Apply Here

This last position was sent to me today after I posted the others.  Here is the full job description.

Fan Development Representative – Los Angeles Galaxy

Department: Ticket Sales (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Reports to:  Manager of Service and Business Systems, Senior Director of Ticket Sales

POSITION PURPOSE:

The team is seeking a passionate, hard-working and dedicated individual to spearhead a new position that will focus on fan development.  Specifically, this position will involve managing current relationships with fan clubs; growing the fan club membership; organizing away game viewing parties and away game trips; establishing and managing a kids club; and working with college students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Grow fan club membership – specifically through the selling of new full season seats
• Maintain and enhance relationship between front office and Galaxy fan clubs
• Manage fan club relationships at the organization level – security, banners at the stadium, singing, atmosphere at the game etc.
• Serve as primary point of contact for visiting fan clubs
• Develop a Galaxy “kids club” – establishing from the ground up including; creation of a business plan; fulfillment of all membership benefits; growing membership; ensuring the long-term success and viability of the program; integration of other departments as appropriate; maximizing sales leads generated through the program
• Seek out ways to enhance game day atmosphere
• Organize and manage away game viewing parties
• Organize away game trips/tickets for fans
• Create programs to directly connect with the student/college population within Southern California
• Manage relationships with existing fan club full season seat holders in conjunction with current LA Galaxy service specialist directives
• Work closely with ticket sales, service, marketing, PR, and operations etc.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor(s)

Specific Job Knowledge, Skill and Ability:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Soccer knowledgeable – MLS and global leagues, understands and identifies with the soccer supporter
• A proactive self-starter
• Proven leadership experience
• Ability to produce accurate and timely reports
• Ability to think on feet and make decisions quickly that uphold the integrity of the company
• Highly motivated, naturally aggressive, with a positive attitude
• Exemplary self-discipline, professionalism, pride and work ethic
• Outstanding listening, written, and verbal communication skills
• Committed to personal integrity and team oriented
• Detail oriented with ability to multi-task effectively and with a sense of urgency, sometimes under a high level of stress
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Creativity and ability to see ideas through to successful execution
• Enthusiasm for and/or experience in professional sports sales and/or service
• Thoroughness and attention to detail
• Compliance with organizational directives
• Flexible hours required: working evenings/nights, weekends and holidays

Qualifications, Education, Formal Training and Experience:

• At least 1-3 years of sales experience (professional sports preferred)
• Experience and training in Ticketmaster, Archtics, Goldmine or other Customer Relationship Management system
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Internet use, and other basic computer usage
• Knowledge of sales and customer service (sports industry specific a plus)
• Grooming – employee must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance. Good hygiene & professional appearance required.  Business casual attire in office and during events.  Employees may be required to wear Galaxy attire (to be provided) when representing the Galaxy in public.
• Work Environment – at times the noise level may be loud (especially during games)
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) a significant plus.

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary plus commissions and bonuses
• Full Benefits

OTHER

• This is a new position at the LA Galaxy. Major League Soccer has stressed the importance of growing the league’s fan clubs.  The Galaxy are committed to this philosophy and hence are dedicating an entire position and investing significant resources to this initiative. This position is a critical one for the Galaxy.  The ideal candidate brings enthusiasm, solid experience, and a natural desire to make a footprint at the Galaxy and within MLS

To Apply:

Tim Toone probably does not yet know what is in store for him.  How could he?

Later this week, the record-setting wide receiver from Weber State, will be honored as the last draft choice during the 35th annual Irrelevant Week.

Started by Newport Beach resident Paul Salata, Irrelevant Week is about doing something good for no reason. It is a week-long festival of fun, frolic and fundraising in the heart of Newport Beach.

One component of the festivities is the All-Star, All-Sports Lowsman Banquet which includes a roast of Toone. The banquet is schduled for Wednesday, June 30 at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa.

Proceeds from this year’s Irrelevant Week will benefit Goodwill of Orange County Fitness Center.

I shot and edited these two videos which helps explain Irrelevant Week.

Here is the second video.

The Lowsman Trophy and banquet “Celebrating Successful Underdogs” will feature emcees Salata and ESPN radio’s John Ireland.

The banquet is also scheduled to feature the following luminaries:

** John Robinson, former football coach at USC and Los Angeles Rams

** Hall-of-Famer Ron Yary, USC football and Minnesota Vikings

** Norm Chow, UCLA and USC college football offensive coordinator

** Jim Tunney, NFL referee for 31 years

** Sam Cunningham, Former USC Trojan and New England Patriot and member of College Football Hall of Fame

** Anthony Davis, played at USC and for the LA Rams

** Olympians including Janet Evans (two time Olympian and winner of four gold medals), John Nabor (1976 Olympian and five-time medal winner) and Sammy Lee (two-time Olympian and two-time gold medal winner).

Prior to the banquet, the official arrival party gets underway starting at 5:00 p.m.  This free portion of the event features fun and gifts for Mr. Irelevant.  Some past gifts have included:

• Get out of Jail free card
• A Clock to keep track how long Mr. Irrelevant sits on the bench
• Toilet seat covers
• Kayak
• Make him a millionaire for a day.  He gets interest on $1 million for one day
• Streets named after him
• Different “uniforms” in case he does not make his selected team, the Detroit Lions (UPS uniform, In and Out Uniform, grocery bagger uniform)
• First aid kits

Individual tickets for the banquet are available for $150 and you can reserve a ticket or a table by calling (949-263-0727).

Sometimes, I run across an interesting business fact that I pass along to a friend.  You probably have done this as well.  In marketing terms, it is called Word of Mouth Marketing.

In the last day or so, I have noticed a few notes in different media that I thought you would find interesting too.  In no particular order…..

First from Sports Illustrated’s June 21st edition with Stephen Strasburg on the Cover.

• “In 2008, the most recent year for which figures are available, (University of) Texas led the nation in total athletic revenue, amassing a jaw dropping $138.4 million — almost $20 million more than second-place Ohio State.
• “The New York Giants and Jets were offered — and declined — $25 million for the naming rights to their new stadium by a dating website, Ashleymadison.com which targets adulterers.”
• “Inside the ballpark (at Cleveland’s Progressive Field) memorabilia stands sold Strasburg T-shirts ($25) and replica jerseys ($100) alongside Indians merchandise.”
• “Within two months of his father’s death on September 26, 2007, when the season ticket base had shrunk to a skeletal 3,400 in the wake of four straight losing seasons, Rocky (Wirtz) hired John McDonough away form the Cubs to be Hawks’ President.

From the Los Angeles Times

• “(Magic) Johnson, who owns about 5% of the team (Lakers), said his first hope was that Phil Jackson would return as coach, one of the “big decisions” facing a franchise whose profit margin shrunk because it had the NBA’s largest payroll as advertising revenue declined and season ticket revenue remained the same.”
• “The Lakers, with their game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics, produced championship rating for ABC, and the game worked the same magic on Twitter.  The website had already experienced record activity from the World Cup.  On an average day, Twitter gets about 750 Tweets per second, for a total of about 65 million a day.  The top three tweeted goals of the week.  Japan scores against Cameroon on June 14 with 2,940 tweets per second; Brazil’s first goal against North Korea on June 15, 2,928 per second; and Mexico ties South Africa on 11 with 2,704 per second. Then, the Lakers, with the franchise’s 16th title Thursday night, set a Twitter record, generating 3,085 tweets per second as the game ended.”

From Major League Baseball on Kansas City Getting the 2012 All-Star Game

• “It is estimated that revenues from the Midsummer Classic will amount to $70 million to Kansas City and its environs,” (Bud) Selig said.  He later estimated that local charities would benefit by $4 million or more.”

From the Web

• The National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA), headed by its president, Randy Spetman who is the Director of Athletics from Florida State University is in Anaheim for a week-long conference starting today.  The conference runs from June 19-25.

If you work in sports, then chances are pretty good you have attended a fundraising event.  Teams have community relations departments that direct these these functions.

These events are not restricted only to teams…..  Here is my Wednesday shameless promotion for one group I am involved with, the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation.  I also have added background information.  I have sat on this non-profit board for several years and next month, we will be honoring Jets QB Mark Sanchez as the OCYSF 2010 Sportsman of the Year.  If you have an interest in attending the event you can click here to print out a reservation form or pay online directly via Paypal. If you would like to become a sponsor, you can also email me and we can speak further.

Event Background

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will be honored as the 2010 Sportsman of the Year when the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation (OCYSF) roasts him at a special banquet on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at the Newport Beach Marriott hotel starting at 7:00 pm.

Sanchez, a product of USC and Mission Viejo High School, led the Jets to the AFC Conference Championship game vs. Indianapolis last year.  As a rookie quarterback in 2009, Sanchez started 15 games for New York and threw for 2,444 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“Mark is certainly a deserving honoree,” said Tom Johnson, President of the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation (OCYSF).  “He had an amazing rookie year with the Jets in 2009.  Mark joins a long list of prestigious athletes we have honored in the past and we are grateful for his participation.”

Since 1971, the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation has enjoyed a proud tradition of celebrating the accomplishments of sports figures as a means of raising funds for boys and girls in the Orange County, CA community.  Since its inception, the Foundation has donated well over a $1 million dollars to youth sports in the county.  This includes scholarships to college bound scholar-athletes, field trips and improvements to local sports facilities.

At the last OCYSF banquet, the group honored sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and 600 sports fans packed the ball room to share laughs and memories with the CBS-TV personality.  OCYSF past honorees include local and national sports greats like Tom Lasorda, Jerry West, Pete Carroll, Bill Walsh and Peter Ueberroth.

Sanchez becomes the first pro football player honored by OCYSF since Los Angeles and St. Louis Rams great and Hall-of-Famer Jackie Slater was honored in 1997.

Tickets for this year’s banquet are now available.  The cost for a table of 10 is $1,500, corporate tables of 10 are $2,500 and include a seat at a private lunch with Sanchez while individual tickets are $150 each.  For more information about this year’s banquet or to purchase tickets, please go to www.ocysf.org or call 714-815-3885.

About the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation

Originally named the “Sports Celebrities,” a group of local Orange County residents held a banquet held each year at the Saddleback Inn in Santa Ana to have fun and raise money for young people. The founders include Paul Clearly, Bruce Gelker, Bob Hoyt, Chuck Potter and Paul Salata and their first honoree was race car driver Dan Gurney.  Later the group changed its name to the current moniker The Orange County Youth Sports Foundation.  Today, more than 45 volunteers sit on the OCYSF board and help make an impact in the lives of young people in the community.

Presented every year since 1971, the Orange County Sportsman of the Year Award was established by the Foundation to honor individuals who serve as an inspiration to youth and who are leaders in both their sport and their community.   The Orange County Youth Sports Foundation would also like to recognize The First American Corporation and Westar Associates for their longtime support.

PAST SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

2007     Jim Nantz — Broadcaster

2006    Tim Salmon — Baseball

2005    Matt Leinart — Football

2004    Pete Carroll — Football

2003    Carson Palmer — Football

2002    Bob Baffert – Horse Racing

2001    Mike Scioscia — Baseball

2000    Bill Walsh — Football

1999    Dick Enberg — Sportscaster

1998    Jerry West — Basketball

1997    Jackie Slater — Football

1996    Terry Donahue — Football

1995    25^th Year Anniversary

1994    Bert Blyleven — Baseball

1993    Jim Abbott — Baseball

1992    John McKay — Football

1991    Nolan Cromwell — Football

1990    Augie Garrido — Baseball

1989    Tom Lasorda — Baseball

1988    John Hall — Sportswriting

1987    John Robinson — Football

1986    Tommy John — Baseball

1985    Greg Louganis – Diving & Edwin Moses — Track

1984    Peter Ueberroth — Olympics

1983    Jack Youngblood — Football

1982    Bill Mulligan — Basketball

1981    Hal Sherbeck — Football

1980    Gene Autry — Baseball

1979    George Yardley — Basketball

1978    Paul Salata – Bon Vivant, Football

1977    Donn Moomaw — Football

1976    Sammy Lee – Olympic Diving

1975    Del Crandall — Baseball

1974    Eddie West — Sportswriting

1973    Clare Van Hoorbeke — Football

1972    Rod Laver — Tennis

1971    Dan Gurney – Auto Racing

The Space Needle in Seattle is anything but miserable

Tom Van Riper, a reporter from Forbes.com recently wrote a story about the 10 most miserable sports cities.  Now, I enjoy lists and I found this one interesting.  What makes a sports city miserable?

According to Riper, Seattle is number one for some of the following reasons:  The Supersonics left town and morphed into the Oklahoma Thunder behind Kevin Durant and UCI alum and coach Scott Brooks. Riper goes on to write, “The Seattle sports scene isn’t exactly hopping these days. Baseball’s Mariners haven’t been in the playoffs since 2001, while the NFL Seahawks are 9-23 over the past two seasons.”  Okay, fine facts, but does that qualify as the most miserable sports city?

My initial take would be a town like Detroit (sorry guys), where the city has produced the following:

The Lions have never won a Super Bowl much less been in one.

The Detroit Tigers while returning to winning ways since Jim Leyland took over, have not won the World Series since 1984 and captured the division just once (1987) in the last 25 years.

And then there is Cleveland, the long suffering sports town that has been the butt of many sports jokes.  Here is what Sports Illustrated writer Joe Posnanski, a long time Cleveland fan, wrote in the May 24th issue of SI:    Talking about Lebron James (and Cleveland), he wrote “It is not exactly fair that you ended up playing for your hometown Cavaliers in a city that has not won a championship since the Browns beat the Colts in the 1964 NFL Championship Game — 20 years, almost to the day, before you were born.”  Ouch.  That’s 46 years between banners if you are keeping score at home.

I am not trying to jump on Detroit or Cleveland.  They are mid-western towns and I am a Chicago guy so I can relate.  This whole business about Miserable Sports city in a story should not even be one.  Once upon a time we, the sports fan, grew up in a town and cheered on the home team.  We had something to believe in.  Now, many of you play Fantasy Sports and cheer on stats, argue salaries and pick one player to like.  You can take me out of Chicago but you cannot take the Chicago out of me.

————-

Here is the Forbes.com list, in order

1. Seattle

2. Atlanta

3. Phoenix

4. Buffalo

5. San Diego

6. Cleveland

7. Washington, D.C.

8. Kansas City

9. Minneapolis/St. Paul

10. Houston

See his video below

Hi all.  Please wait one second for me as I get on this soap box and try not to fall off.

Ok.  There.

I have made it a point to try and never preach here, but after watching a recent episode  The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, I thought it was time we spoke about sponsorship.  During Stewart’s 30 minute nightly broadcast, the comedian and his talented team of writers, comics and  crew went after Bank of America during one of the show segments.  Before we get to the video, I wanted touch on a few things.

1) I am not a customer of Bank of America

2) I have nothing against Bank of America

3) I am only using them as an example for this blog since Stewart skewered them on National TV

That said, let’s take the old 20,000 foot view of sponsors and sports sponsorship.  Anyone involved in sports knows corporate partnerships help both team/organization and potentially the sponsor itself.  Some obvious benefits:

1) Off-sets expenses for the team

2) Tying the sponsor close to the team potentially improves how fans see the sponsor

3) Delivers a new venue for the sponsor to deliver their message

4) Provides the sponsor a new venue to sell their product.

Bank of America is no exception.  They spend a considerable amount of money on sports sponsorships.  Taking a look at their sponsorship website revealed the following:

* The compamy is a Major League Baseball Sponsor

* They also sponsor NASCAR

* They began a sponsorship agreement with the National Football League in 2007.  It appears they are still a sp0nsor.

The web page showcase a few major sponsorship, but I am sure they do much more to generate goodwill as well as some of the points mentioned above.

Now take those thoughts and watch this BBQ.

Part of that comic bit was taken from this video, which Jackie Ramos, a former Bank of America employee, made and posted to YouTube.

Okay, if you have watched either or both of those two videos, you now know that Bank of America took a serious hit to this November, 2009 video .

As a company, you can invest all you want in sponsorships to make you look better and sell more, but if you are not operating in a way that consumers or employees expect, then these videos will become more and more common.

It makes a significant impact on all of the company’s other efforts while still making money.

I do not know Jackie and I do not know if all her claims are true.  However, the damage can be significant (see Dominos scandal which made it to The Today Show).

So, here are a few general thoughts.

1) Always operate in an ethical manner

2) Treat employees like you would like to be treated

3) Always associate with quality people and other quality companies.

2. The Best and Worst Super Bowl Commercials

This is certainly a game day topic and water cooler fodder for all Monday morning fans.  Which was the best, worst, and/or funniest commercials seen during the Super Bowl.  There have been some classics over time including this one I really liked when Michael Jordan and Larry Bird played an outrageous game of h-o-r-s-e in a McDonald’s commercials from a past Super Bowl

3. First For New Orleans or Peyton’s Legacy?

Sentimental favorite is on the Saints side for obvious reasons.  As for Manning, the guy who could not win the big one might own two championship rings within the next five days.  Let the debate begin.

4. The score by quarters

This week, bosses may or may not know that productivity is going down, or, maybe they are part of it.  Fans across the nation and around the world are filling in blank squares as Super Bowl football pools his their stride.  True confessions.  I have never won a dime in a Super Bowl pool, but usually play them every year.  Why?  We all want to have a vested interest in rooting for SOMETHING even if our favorite childhood team is not playing in the big game.  What numbers do you own and how many squares did you initial?

5. Who is Playing at Halftime?!

The legendary rock and roll band, The Who, is scheduled to perform during halftime of Super Bowl XLIV.  The talk is starting this week, will pick up into game time and be reviewed by anyone who saw the performance starting on Monday/

6. Classic Super Bowl Foods

I was visiting the farmer’s market in my neighborhood over the weekend and stopped at a particular farmer who sells avocados (que Pavlov’s dog cause my mouth is watering).  I asked him how business would be this week, leading up to the Super Bowl  His eyes got wide and said this is his biggest week of the year.  No surprise.  Need some off the wall Super Bowl trivia to throw at friends. try these food based facts I wrote about last year at this time.

7. Living Up to Expectations

Reggie Bush has proven, at times to be a dynamic, all-star caliber NFL player.  Bush, the number two pick in the 2006 National Football League Draft, though has also vanished from other football games and has been called Mr. Kardashian by skeptics.  It is certainly a below the belt shot and reference to girlfriend Kim Kardashian.  Bush has three touchdowns during the playoffs  and has the greatest chance to quiet the critics, once and for all with a big game.

8. Media Day

It has been called a circus-like atmosphere, which is disguised as Super Bowl Media Day.  Hundreds of media descend on players, coaches, trainers and even fans looking for a unique angle or story to tell as reporters look to fill time on TV, radio, print and blogs until Sunday.  I always enjoy the story about the idiot questions a few knucklehead reporters wind up asking.  That said, there is no shortage of topics or story lines this week.  The Colts are return to Miami where they defeated the Chicago Bears three years ago during a rain soaked Super Bowl.  You have a few stories lines about Peyton Manning, the son of legendary Saints QB Archie who grew up in New Orleans.  You have the city’s recovery from the Hurricane, the Saints First Ever Super Bowl appearance and on and on it will go…..

9. The Sentimental Favorites

The average fan is going to want the Saints to win.  As mentioned above, having never won the big prize, plus the post-Hurricane impact favors the Saints.  However, the Las Vegas odds-makers for the Super Bowl Think Otherwise.  I heard on the radio, Los Angeles DJ’s mentioning the odds had started at 5 points in favor of the Colts and since have moved to six points.  Are they right?  We will have to see….

10. Oh Yeah, the Game

After all is said and done, it is about 60 minutes in the biggest game, on the largest stage for people in the United States and around the world to watch.  Four hours of an actual game-day football presentation and even more hours of analyzing the pre- and post game make it a day that keeps millions of Americans glued to the TV. (Hint) If you enjoy shopping with no traffic, today is your day.

Yesterday, we tackled the NFL and today we feature the National Basketball Association and how its teams use social media.

Let me just begin by saying, if you did not see yesterday’s article on the NFL, you can easily click on it here. Overall, I applaud teams for entering into the next stage of sports marketing and that is using social media to listen, brand and communicate with fans via different platforms.  However, just because they develop a site does not mean the team is using best practices.

Today, we begin with Twitter.  I put together a brief chart on the top five teams using Twitter. based on the number of followers each organization has listed over the weekend.