Kann Advisory Group : GOLF: Rickie

Monday, May 7, 2012

GOLF: Rickie - So Fine It's Scary

Rickie - So Fine It's Scary

Winning Smile

True... I've gone from covering the PGA TOUR to the LPGA... but it doesn't mean I've forgotten. Like many golf fans I tuned in on Sunday to watch the final round of the Wells Fargo. I had a rooting interest in Rory McIlory because he's just a classy young man with great skill and the best golf swing this side of Hogan. Also, D.A. Points as we go back to days covering the Canadian Tour on the Golf Channel as he was a rising talent and I was out to get more play-by-play experience. He's a Windermere, Florida kid now - who's not not exactly rooting for the Gators. Nope, he's all ILLINI... though you wouldn't have known it in the costume the wore Sunday afternoon. Rickie Fowler on the other hand? No questions... Okie State. All orange all the way to the shoes and on this particular Sunday it worked.

Truth be told, I've followed Fowler for a few years - much because of a tie-in with his agent group at Wasserman Media Group. They have a television branch and they have a golf division - and for good reason the golf division gets more attention that the media division. Trust you get my point. But I'll add this... Fowler has been handled well by a terrific team that really doesn't need to do much handling.

Since he got on tour... the only real criticism's have been over a lay-up shot he chose over the gambler-go-for-it attitude that most folks see as the norm, and an occasional hat-on-backwards in the clubhouse or in front of dignitaries. But he's learned on both accounts... and he's got a few million young women and boys who would come to his defense if he really needed it. Sunday in Charlotte, there was nothing to question. Playoff perfect - he pumped a big drive, hit a marvelous wedge and holed a birdie putt on the 18th hole to claim his first win. And its not like nobody thought it wasn't coming!

2011 - Fowler Answers Questions with A Keen Eye on Audience

Truth be told, I first met Rickie while he was a college student at Oklahoma State. Stuck in the back corner as I was conducting a media training session for the Oklahoma State golf teams. This was pre- HTK Media where I now have a platform to help athletes become better "salesmen" of their own brand. He was talented and shy... but you could just tell that he was put together in all the right ways. Personality stood out to me, golf game came on reputation.

He knows how to work a room

Finding his way on the PGA TOUR, I always found him a perfect young gentleman, respectful of the game and the folks that cover it. Adored by the fans and a guy who gives them everything he's got. I was - like most who covered the game - interested in seeing him compete at the highest level. And while he came out like a house on fire... he never seemed to lose his composure. In the fall series with a chance to win.... at Colonial with a chance to break 60... both opportunities didn't work out. But he never shied away from the hype or the big picture.

At the Zurich Classic in 2011, I served up a heavy dose of Fowler to the folks in corporate hospitality. To say they were engaged would be an understatement. To say he was engaged would be correct. The kid knows how to have fun. The kid certainly knows how to play. And he certainly knows how to showcase his brand and his message. Rickie is smart... a guy who surrounded himself with a good team of agents and friends... and who hasn't steered from what put him in the spotlight in the first place. Spend 18 holes watching him as a fan and you can't help but fall in love with the game just a little bit more. Spend 10-15 minutes with him off the course and I guarantee you'll spread the word and send more fans to his tee or fairway. Understated personality, big statement game - and just the right dose of flair and marketing savvy.

I wish him the best.... now that he's got his first win on the PGA TOUR, I'm ready for the floodgates to open. In a way, the fact that Tiger left town and left the door open for the likes of McIroy and Fowler was a nice television blessing. I'm guessing the ratings will prove it. What are your thoughts??? Always have an open ear and thanks for reading!

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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

I'm Glad to Have Helped