Kann Advisory Group : Opinion: Why College Sports Grows

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Opinion: Why College Sports Grows

New Look Mizzou - I'm ready

On the heels of an announced contract extension for the athletic director (Mike Alden) at my Alma mater, and just hours away from a kick-off that I've waited for since.... well, the final gun of Mizzou's Independence Bowl win against North Carolina (yes, we were there) last December....I've decided to talk college football... and the pride that goes with college sports.

College Pageantry

Hey, everyone else is! It's been the big talk all week. How soon before Alabama and Michigan go toe-to-toe in Arlington, TX? How soon before Boise visits Sparty? Is Urban Meyer really back on the sideline? Mike Leach is at Washington State?? Even Western Michigan fans had reason for big optimism with the return of a quarterback in Alex Carder who could hold several school records before the end of the season. At this point, everyone has dreams of a Bowl Season.

If you know me... or my twitter account... or have followed this blog.. you know I went to the University of Missouri. Like most Mizzou grads these days, I bleed black and gold. I read articles in the Columbia Tribune, I subscribe to PowerMizzou.com and am working behind the scenes to get one of the three kids under my roof to go to school there. So far, so good. My oldest daughter is hoping for a Mizzou cheerleader position and her twin brother who plays football and baseball is now saying "we" when referring to a big game.

College sports equals passion. College sports equals tradition. Professional football makes older men wear jerseys. College football makes everyone in the family wear the colors.

In today's economy, there are choices to make. People give up certain things but stick with the things that are most important to them. Tailgating and Saturdays in front of the television are tough to give up.

New Look Faurot Field in 2015

Tonight, I'll drop money on a pay-per-view game between Mizzou and SE Louisiana. Its the first game on a new field, with a new conference affiliation... new helmets, new uniforms, and a celebration of a newly approved $200 million upgrade on facilities that will be done by 2015.

Two weeks ago... I rolled through Columbia during a busy travel week for a day spent at the University. I toured the campus with one of my best friends (who happens to be a former quarterback at MU), watched practice as an "invited guest" inside the stadium and talked with Coach Gary Pinkel, visited the football offices and facilities, and ate at some of the old campus spots that never really get old. An added travel headache for most... for me it was a pleasure.

Watching Practice August 16th

"Chased" a national title

Yes, I spend a few dollars in the bookstore (my kids had an "over-under" on cash out of pocket, and the Tiger Spirit store - all to get properly ready for the season which is now upon us. This is the time of year when I tweet about games, during games, after games etc. I talk about games that were and games that will be. And I didn't even go to Alabama or Michigan or Ohio State or...... Florida.

To be honest... I'm proud of what Missouri has become. We won 12 games during my four years at school from 1984-88. A few years back with Chase Daniel at the helm under Gary Pinkel we won 12 games in one season. Now we've gone SEC... and many are ready to say we can't compete. That's fine by me... it's good to be in the conversation. Step up... or step out of the spotlight. My how things have changed.

     College sports is about pride for your school... an attachment to an alumni base and a campus that you just don't get with the NFL. It's about the hope that ESPN College Gameday will visit your campus as it did for us in 2010 on a memorable Saturday capped by a huge win against Oklahoma. And its about the belief that your school will challenge for a national title.

    Tonight, SE Louisiana... next week our first game in the SEC as top-10 Georgia visits. Tickets to games in Orlando against UCF, Gainesville against the mighty Gators already secured. One game at a time, I know.... but the flag is outside today, and I'm wearing my black and gold today.... just as you might be wearing your colors. It really doesn't get any better. M-I-Z.......

Tell me about your college passion.... and Follow me on Twitter @KraigKann

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Finding Success in Business - My Tip of the Week

In starting HTK MEDIA, joining LPGA as its Chief Communications Officer, and now leading Kann Advisory Group, I've learned more about daily organization and the importance of networking and business relationships than I had in all my years of working in television. Most people just go to work, do their job and head for home with little structure to their day. The good people come to work, create ideas and spend the day trying to make a difference - bringing others up in the process.

Tip - Be a "Difference-Maker." Business relationships that last are formed through using personal experiences to help build the brand of others. The key to keeping them? Confidence and delivering on the ideas you're selling. With all that, your brand sells itself.

The "Why" Behind This Blog

Sitting in the Golf Channel television studio back in 2010 during a lengthy rain delay, I decided that idle time needs a purpose. What could I do to put my experiences in front of an audience and help others become better? And thus ... a blog was born in between hosting a pre-game and post-game show.

First of all, these thoughts are my own.

I've spent twenty-five years in front of the camera as an anchor and network host at Golf Channel/NBC.

So aside from talking on TV, you might ask ..."what does this guy really know beyond teleprompters and make-up and what has he really done?" Good question ... here's the list:

* Leadership and Team Building
* Strategic Communications and Marketing
* Brand Management and Elevation
* Message and Content Development
* Traditional, Social and Digital Media Expansion
* Media Coaching and Presentation Skills Training
* Broadcast Talent, Spokesperson and Brand Ambassador

I was blessed to spend an equally rewarding five-plus as Chief Communications Officer at the LPGA. I've seen plenty in the world of professional and collegiate sports, media, broadcast television and corporate communications. I've elevated the brands of blue chip corporations and senior executives through strategic messaging and delivering for them on stages in front of big audiences that matter to them.

In November 2016, I officially formed Kann Advisory Group with designs on using my experience to elevate people, brands and events through strategic media and marketing communications. For years, I've built and delivered creative messages and worked to lift the brand images of others. So... this is the place where I'll share my thoughts on what I've experienced traveling around the world building brands and delivering messages over the years.

"I get tremendous satisfaction from the creation and development of ideas that get results, strategic concepts that get people and brands noticed, and I will always push people to be better." Kraig Kann

I post about Media Messaging, Media Coaching, Individual Branding, Public Speaking, and other professional tips and personal stories that have helped me along my career path.

I'ts my belief that it's not just about finding a platform - its about building one and then using what you've built to do something special that adds value to others. I hope you enjoy and I always welcome your feedback.

Enjoy!

Kraig

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