Tim Bursch

I like being involved in sports with my kids. I get to spend time with them and help a group of kids learn some good life stuff.

So, what’s the deal with team sponsors? My experience has been that they make a donation to the League, get their name on the uniforms, and then take a picture with the team at the end of the season. End of story. So, have you ever visited Jimmy’s Barber Shop because you saw the name on the back of a jersey? Me neither. So what’s the point of sponsors then?

If I was a sponsor:
- I would write out the mandatory check and get my name on their stuff.
- I would ask to meet the coaches and ask what they need help with.
- I’d show up. Be at some practices and games.
- I’d buy a big water jug for the team. Kids always forget water bottles. Why not help with the basics?
- Bring treats for the kids and parents one night.
- Ask permission to take pictures or hire a photographer for the team. Make a slide show for them.
- Help throw the end-of-season party at your business. Make it memorable.
- Give out valuable coupons at the end of the season.

Yes this would cost some money and time. And the audience is only 12-15 families. But then they tell their friends. Someone emails the coupon to a friend. You get the point.

What if this happened with more sponsorships? I think a small business could sponsor a few teams a year but why not start with just one, spend less than the last ad you used that didn’t work, AND become a new fan or create a new one. Now, why am I not doing this? Good question.

What would you add?

Image Credit: Photo2217

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Have you been to the Doctor recently? I’ve recently started going to a natural Dr. and it’s a new experience. I feel heard. I learn more about my whole picture of health and I’m actually given tools to live more healthy. Your health matters and it makes sense to get a check up occasionally.

What about your network? How are your connections and do you have the tools you need?

If you care about the health of your network, here are a few ideas for a check-up:

1- How’s your pulse? What are people saying about you? What is your brand? More ideas here and here.

2- Who are your contacts? Find people you have not connected with (no guilt) and reach out. Email, call, Twitter, whatever. Just check in, ask how they are doing. What do they need help with?

3- Are you cross connecting? (via Keith Ferrazzi, Never Eat Alone) Do any of your contacts need to know each other? Introduce them.

4- Is there a solid structure to your network? Do you have all contacts in one system or are they all over? I still have yet to find a great system to manage all my contacts. Please send me your suggestions.

5- Listen to those around you. What are people struggling with? What themes do you notice in your network? How can you help? Pay attention.

We all know we can’t do much without other people. Our networks are critical today for finding work, new opportunities, and staying healthy.
How do you check your network? Be heard.

Image credit: House of Sims

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It’s easy to think of ideas. It’s harder to focus and take action. And it’s sometimes hard to hear “no”.

I have met with small groups of entrepreneurial people over the last few years. I get to try out my ideas in a safe place.

Yet I get feedback. And I get a version of no all the time.

Sometimes I’ve taken criticism too personal. But mostly I see it as support or as an affirmation to my yes.

I need no people. Do you?

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Image credit: Clearly Ambiguous

Tags: Community.