Q&A by Carson Reider '15
This week's Marketing Monday features a Q&A with Matt Kittle ‘09, Chief Growth Officer for TeamWork Online. Matt discusses his approach to new business opportunities, the influence of mobile on the company, and the benefits of the Ohio Sports Admin alumni network.
What is your day-to-day role as the Chief Growth Officer for TeamWork Online?
Fluid. Fast Paced. As our Chief Growth Officer every day is different, we never know what could happen. Much of my day is dependent on our clients, their needs, and what is going on in their world. My daily schedule is typically rather fluid, and I try to spend at least half the day working on new business opportunities, which could be new clients who are using our talent community, advertising clients, consulting projects, strategic partnerships, or other special projects. With nearly 800 current clients, I typically spend about a quarter of my day working with our services team and looking at opportunities to strengthen those relationships at an executive level. The rest of my day tends to be spent on our networking events and any technology partners we might be working with.
How do you aim to differentiate marketing efforts for TeamWork Online from other sports job placement groups?
Service. Speed. Personal Relationships. TeamWork Online is uniquely positioned as the only talent network that is directly connected with its clients, which effectively allows us to sit next to them and help address their hiring needs. For that reason, we have built a system that will quickly identify and market jobs to people that should be a great fit for the position. Our unique positioning allows us to focus on our ability to service our clients and to fill any level of job or fill any number of jobs for them.
What would you say is the biggest marketing challenge you face today?
Mobile. If you aren't doing something about how to service and leverage mobile, you are behind. We have had a mobile version of our site for a long time and have leveraged and monitized social media. However, we need to have a more developed mobile platform for both users and our clients, which we are aggressively developing. More to come on that in the near future.
What is the coolest thing you've seen lately in marketing, especially online?
Team and Property Apps. The speed at which teams are adopting and monitizing apps is exciting. From paid in-game seat upgrades, to increasing fan engagement, to creating fan communities. We are just at the beginning of how properties can maximize their use of apps. I believe we will see more properties jumping in the mix and trying to see how they can better capitalize on this digital aspect of fans. Many of the NBA and NHL teams seem to be leading the way, but I think the NFL is quietly gaining steam.
What was the importance of the Ohio Sports Administration program in your career and personal development?
The Network. Communication. Solid Foundation. I am fortunate enough to be a triple Bobcat, so I think OU teaches you much more than just what you get in class. In my opinion, OU is what you make of it both in and out of the program and classroom. You have to be willing to go outside of your comfort zone. Personally, I believe that we have the single best network in the industry full of the best, brightest, and most passionate people in the industry who are willing to help help each other. I believe Athens forces you to be able to be able to communicate with almost anyone. I also believe that the program as a whole provided a great foundation of general business and industry principals.
What is the biggest piece of advice that you could offer someone trying to find a career in marketing?
Network. Be Humble. Be Active. Who you know is critical, but you need to continue to grow your network because you never know who you can help or who can help you. Treat people how you want to be treated. Be humble. Let your work speak for itself. Finally, be as active as you can. Be willing to take on new challenges, to sell, to serve, to work on projects outside of your comfort zone. I firmly believe the next generation of CMOs will be marketers with deep digital knowledge and skill sets, who also have a broad understanding of how marketing and sales impact all parts of the business.
