Jan. 4, 2012

By Morris White, Director of Marketing and Promotions (Murray State University)

NACMA Online Library Blog - What's the one phrase we've all heard since we were kids? "Treat others the way you want to be treated." I think this comes into play more than ever in the world of athletics. Having the opportunity to spend time with family for the holidays often gives us a chance to take a breath and reflect. I also used this time to think about all of the work that awaits once winter break is over. But this entry is about 'taking care of business' or should I say, 'taking care of others to help your business.' Here are a few tips I've learned that helps make work a lot easier.

1. Develop Relationships with Environmental Staff

Remember the phrase at the beginning? It certainly applies here. As we all know, game day is hectic, busy, and full of unpredictable occurrences. Because of this, my first tip is to make sure you develop relationships with your environmental staff. These men and women are crucial components to the success of our jobs (in my opinion). They make sure the bleachers are properly set, meticulously line the team chairs, they fix the score board in a matter of seconds, and they're one of the last people out of the building after a game. Whether you have daily interaction with environmental staff or only see them for a few hours a week, make sure you say 'Thank You'. They may not get a lot of the credit for that big win, but they are a part of the team.

2. Get Across Campus

Taking care of business also means traveling the unbeaten path...literally. Tip #2: Get across campus and meet new people. Athletics is a business and I think it's important to do whatever it takes to keep your business in good standing. When given the opportunity (if you haven't already) visit your colleagues in academics, chat it up with the student services employees, pop your head into the office of the registar to say 'hello'. Although you may not think so, these are areas on campus that may be able to assist you when you least expect it.

3. Leave it Alone (or at least try)

You've heard this one before but I think it's one of the most important tips to taking care of business (and I certainly don't take credit for being the first to say this). Once you leave the office...leave work at the office. Easier said than done right? But what good are we to the business if we're burnt out? How can we take care of others if we don't take care of ourselves? Make time for yourself to do things that don't involve work. Although I'm not always able to do it, I try not to respond to emails after a certain time. Try it...you'll like it.

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About NACMA: NACMA is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities; enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics; and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of athletics marketing administrators. For more information about NACMA, please visit www.nacma.com. NACMA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 47th year. For more information on NACDA and the 12 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.