Q&A By Preston McClellan '15
This week's Marketing Monday features has a Q&A with Laura Waters-Brown '13, Innovation Specialist at Propery Consulting Group. Laura discusses some of her marketing challenges, best practices, and the benefits of the Ohio Sports Admin alumni network.
1. What is your day-to-day role as Innovation Specialist at PCG?
There is no "typical day" at PCG. Roles change and vary dependent upon the project I am working on. If anything, I would have to say my day-to-day role is showing up and being prepared to handle whatever projects I am brought in to.
2. What is it like working at an agency in the sports world?
Working at a small agency is amazing! The opportunity for growth and to gain experience is abundant because each team member is responsible for a little bit of everything. Being flexible and able to adapt to different situations is key to success in the agency world. Because we work with traditional properties as well, I get to see both sides of the industry.
3. What was the importance of the Ohio Sports Administration program in your career and personal development?
Without the OU Sports Administration program, I would have never met my future boss, Dan Migala. I would also say that the competitive nature of the program and my fellow classmates only enhanced my determination to always put my best foot forward. The Ohio network also allows me to safely share and bounce ideas off of others in the industry.
4. What is the biggest piece of advice that you could offer someone trying to get into sports marketing?
The biggest piece of advice I would give would be to not get caught up in the "sexiness" of a title or the team/brand you're working for. The focus should be on who you will be working for/with and their interest in your personal and career development. An employer that is personally invested will make sure to give you tasks and projects that will catapult your career. MAke sure you find a company/team/organization, that suits your work and communication style as well.
5. What is the coolest thing you've seen lately in sports marketing?
Cool things are happening daily in the Sports world, however I would have to say the opportunity to have your picture on your favorite player's jersey is pretty cool. "The Australian Football League club Fremantle Dockers conducted a promotion giving fans the chance to have a picture of themselves printed as part of the number of their favorite player’s jumper, or jersey, for an upcoming match at a cost of $275." Check it out at the link below
http://www.sponsorship.com/About-IEG/Sponsorship-Blogs/Danny-O-Leary/June-2013/How-A-Picture-Can-Be-Worth-$100,000-For-Sponsors-O.aspx
6. Do you have any recent or upcoming projects you could share with us?
Most recently, we worked on a consulting project with Cricket Australia where we provided continuing education webinars as well as individual team consultation. Myself and OU Fellow Andy Szabo ('16) were able to work together on this project from start to finish, which is pretty awesome. Our client list span across the traditional and non-traditional space which makes my job that more interesting.
