A Note from the President
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Welcome to Issue 1 of the NetWorks "Changing the Game" Newsletter. Our goal is to share the stories of those individuals who play an integral role in the sports industry today. Their paths may differ, their roles certainly have evolved, and their perspectives vary. But the constant is that they each are extremely passionate about what they do. The exciting thing is that many of these amazing people are willing to discuss what it took to experience great success in their lives. It is our hope that through their stories, you will be inspired to continue to follow their lead by finding your passion & chasing your dream.
Changing the Game is a bi-weekly newsletter that aims to share the stories of some of our unsung heroes & sheroes in the sports industry. Individuals who are in the trenches each and every day helping our leagues, teams, agencies, and associations operate smoothly.
Each issue will include a NetWorks Spotlight Interview with an executive in the industry who has done his/her part to impact the lives of those they work with on a daily basis. We will also catch up with former college student-athletes in the In Their Own Words section. The goal is to demonstrate how former athletes leverage the lessons learned during their playing careers as they aspire to have successful careers in business, politics, sports, and beyond.
In our efforts to identify & promote the next generation of sports executives, a Future Leader who is seeking employment will be profiled in each issue. And for those about to embark on your career journey, a brief excerpt focusing on career advice is available.
It is an honor to have someone I consider a mentor and someone who has had a tremendous impact in professional sports through her authentic leadership over 14+ years with the Women's National Basketball Association's League Office. Renee Brown sat down recently with Tracey Savell Reavis to share what inspires her on a daily basis and what it is like to be a part of the longest running women's professional league in the United States as the WNBA heads into its 15th season this summer.
Our "In Their Own Words" this week profiles Bryant Pfeiffer, a college soccer player who has brought innovative practices to MLS ticket promotions and league business.
Each issue will also focus on important topics going on around the sports industry. This week, we will take a closer look at the Pac-12's landmark media rights deal that is reportedly worth $3 Billion over 12 years for the conference and its membership.
I look forward to highlighting some of the champions who are helping to change the game!
We are starting the newsletter off with a bang. Enjoy the ride!
All the best, Angela Taylor President, NetWorks Sports Consulting |
NetWorks Spotlight Interview
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NetWorks Spotlight Interview with ...
Reneé Brown
Chief of Basketball Operations & Player Relations, WNBA
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Renee Brown announces players selected in the 2011 WNBA Draft in April
(Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser) |
Written by Tracey Savell Reavis
The calendar indicates that the WNBA season officially spans approximately 4 months. The work, however, especially for Reneé Brown, Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations for the league, is in reality more of a 12-month, all-inclusive, lifestyle. So it helps that Reneé, a Henderson, Nevada native, a former UNLV player, an ex-college basketball coach, and a former US Olympic team assistant coach, loves her job.
As Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations, Reneé directs scouting for all players and manages personnel policies and programs. She joined the WNBA in September 1996, right after winning a Gold Medal at the Centennial Olympic Games as an assistant coach of the US Women's Basketball team.
We caught up with Reneé, during a late lunch hour, from her New York office, talking everything WNBA, dishing success tips for women looking to get into the sports industry and letting on that's she's a really big fan of a certain 'Funny Girl.'
More NetWorks Spotlight Interview with Renee...
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In Their Own Words Former Athletes Succeeding in Business |
In Their Own Words profiles former student-athletes who have leveraged their experiences on the field, court, and in the pool to buoy their professional careers. They've had success in the classroom & in their sport, and now are enjoying tremendous success in various sectors around the world.
In Their Own Words with Bryant Pfeiffer
As the MLS season roars ahead, we are grateful to Bryant for taking a few moments to share his journey from the soccer fields at St. John's University in Collegeville, MN to being one of the most innovative executives in the sports industry as he serves as Vice-President, Club Services with Major League Soccer.
What is your current title and how long have you been in this position? I am currently the Vice-President, Club Services with Major League Baseball and have been with the MLS for 3 years.
Tell us what your specific role is with the organization? I work very closely with every MLS team from ownership and senior management to sales and customer service staff to help them reach their local business objectives. This ranges from helping support the development and execution of business plans, best practice sharing, sales and retention, training and benchmarking results between teams.
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Industry News
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Impact of New Pac-12 Media Contract Written by Angela Taylor
While we still don't realize the long-term implications of the deal on the collegiate athletics landscape, a week ago today, Pac-10/Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott stood before an audience of media members, coaches, and athletic administrators gathered in a ballroom at the Arizona Biltmore and shared the nuances of a new 12-year/$3 Billion media deal between the Pac-12 and Fox & ESPN.
The press conference lasted for less than 22 minutes but has captivated the attention of sports executives around the world. One senses that Larry Scott, through his innovative leadership, is setting the Pac-12 Conference up to challenge what many consider to be the elite conferences in college sports (the SEC and the Big XII). Watch the press conference here.
Yesterday, the Pac-12 announced their inaugural early TV Schedule for games that will be televised on ABC/ESPN during the 2011 football season. The schedule, which includes 20 games televised on either Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, pales in comparison to the extensive coverage Pac-12 football & men's basketball will receive under the new deal. Fans, however, will have to wait until 2012-13 to enjoy this widespread coverage. More Industry News... |
NetWorks Rising Stars Talented Future Leaders Looking for Employment Opportunities
| NetWorks is committed to supporting young professionals looking to get their foot in the door in the sports industry. Our team has received an extraordinary amount of support throughout our careers and are truly impressed with the generation of young leaders who are ready to help take the sports industry to all new heights. If you know of any individuals like this, please let us know about them. If you are in a position to hire or recommend these NetWorks Rising Stars, please contact us and we will put you in touch with them. They are our future!
Today's NetWorks Rising Star is Melanie Murphy

"Melanie is an extremely bright & ambitious individual who has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and determination to be very successful in the business world. A true team player & innovative thinker, Melanie will be a huge asset for any company looking to exceed their objectives." --Angela Taylor, President - NetWorks Sports Consulting
Name: Melanie Murphy
College: Stanford University
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Communications with Minor is Science, Technology, and Society. Master of Arts in Communications with concentration in Media Studies - conferred June 2011
Twitter: www.twitter.com/melmel0
Resume Available: Yes, upon request (send email request)
More NetWorks Rising Stars w/ Melanie... |
Career Advice
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Informational Interviews If you have a strong interest in working in the sports industry or being promoted through the ranks, informational interviews are fantastic vehicles to utilize.
Identify someone in the position, department, or company you have a strong interest in and contact them by asking to meet with them for 30 minutes or grab coffee one morning before work. The key to informational interviews is making sure that you don't disrupt their workday. We all need quick "study" breaks, so executives at all levels are typically amenable to someone who approaches them in a professional manner simply inquires about finding more out about their job and their career path.
Again, we all like to share our stories, so don't be surprised when someone accepts your request.
During the meeting, make sure that you are dressed appropriately, are on time, and have plenty of questions. Don't take too much of their time.
After the meeting send a follow-up email (or better yet, a hand-written note) thanking them for taking the time out of their busy schedule.
If handled correctly, you'll now have a champion who is in your corner & a reference for that elusive job that you have your eye on. If you present yourself well, you may also have a mentor who will provide more career guidance then you could have asked for. |
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Mission |
NetWorks Sports Consulting's mission is to provide customized and comprehensive strategic consulting & marketing services that will assist every client to effectively position themselves in their respective markets with the optimal goal of helping them to accomplish their stated short-term or long-term objectives while incorporating a social component to the project.
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About "Changing the Game" Newsletter
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The Changing the Game Newsletter profiles individuals at various levels throughout the sports industry (high school, collegiate, professional, and international) who have impacted the sports industry through their leadership and those who have leveraged their experience as student-athletes to impact their careers & their communities. Changing the Game is published twice every month. |
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Vol 1, Issue 1
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Angela Taylor
President,
NetWorks Sports Consulting
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Today's Video Spotlight:
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Check out this exclusive video interview with WNBA All-Star Alana Beard from the Washington Mystics.
Click on YouTube Image
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Favorites:
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Bryant Pfeiffer
Book - The Book of Basketball (Bill Simmons)
Movie - Anything with Will Ferrell
TV Show - Survivor
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Quote of the Week:
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"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." ~ Lao Tzu
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Upcoming Events:
| AT&T Sports Facilities & Franchises and Ticket Symposium (May 24-26, 2011)
(May 25-28, 2011)
(June 7-10, 2011)
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Contributors in this issue:
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Exclusive Travel Opportunity
| Spend 10-days/8-nights traveling through Spain with WNBA Star Candice Wiggins
For more information visit: www.travelwithcandice.com
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Book Promotion: | Purchase a copy of SuperParenting: Raising the Next Generation
 Click the book to find out more information about SuperParenting a program designed by 2-Time WNBA Champion, Olympia Scott & her mother Dr. J Parker Scott.
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NetWorks Sports Consulting 2850 S. Quincy Street,
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