Argumentative parents who won't stop saying they are right to listen to someone who has been on both sides of top level recruiting is probably branding his dd even though he is unaware. The question is. Is it a positive brand?
Building Your Own Personal Brand - Affecting College Recruiting
- Thread starter amandascarborough
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- Dec 2, 2012
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I REALLY appreciate this comment because from the small number of posts I have put on here (in my 24+ hours of joining in on the conversation) I feel like this forum is going to be a no-win situation for me to talk about anything on here!
My main goal when have posted has not been to brag about what I know, but to help others find out information that they might not have known in the first place to help their daughters in any way possible earn a college scholarship and/or be able to compete at the next level. I want to be able to share this information to help shed light, but I am not really wanting to do it at the expense that everyone on here is going to disagree with me and talk about what I am saying is completely wrong. So maybe I am in the wrong placeAnd that is fine! Thoughts?
With all due respect Ms Scarborough, I'm disappointed. Threatening to take your marbles and go home is not what I expected from someone who has achieved so much. You didn't achieve all of those great accomplishments without being able to handle differences of opinion, or challenges to your thoughts and ideas. You're a tough, accomplished young woman that I admire greatly. That being said, your brand needs to be an impeccable example for little girls and young ladies with a passion for the game you mastered. That brand is every bit as important as the messages you're trying to communicate. I truly hope you're willing to stay and model, for those following in your footsteps, the behavior that made you the success you are today. Your willingness to offer your insights here is greatly appreciated. Who knows, you might learn something from all the experience here as well.....
BTW. Your branding message was spot-on...
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Cannonball
Ex "Expert"
- Feb 25, 2009
- 4,880
- 113
I apologize ahead of time for a long post.
I agree with many who have stated that "Branding" has been done in many ways before. However, the fly in ointment now is the social media aspect. As most of the adults register for those Facebook accounts, their dds are moving to other alternatives away from the eyes of the adults. The collegiate powers that be are aware of this. Some college coaches will know as much about a potential player's social activities as their parents because players who are being recruited to be cornerstones of a program will be highly scrutinized.
I believe that attitude is a part of it when a player is seen by the coach. I love the tournaments my dd played in where each inning started with a different scenario. My dd drew the inning with bases loaded and no outs. There were 4 college coaches in the stands who were recruiting her and they got to see first hand how she handled it. Much of that was through attitude. IOWs "affect never whispers, it screams!" Reputation is also a part of branding. I have a sign on my classroom wall that says, "Reputation is what others think about you. Character is what you display when no one else is looking." As much as reputation is a part of branding, so is character.
I have a sign over the door of my classroom for my students to see as they exit my room. It say, "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future!" That too is a part of branding. Honesty and integrity are also huge parts of branding.
Other things that college coaches care a lot about are grades and work ethic. A part of branding that will be hugely important for our dds when their softball careers are over is how well they did in the classroom. Sure they will be able to say that they played a college sport and so, perhaps their grades suffered some. However, a lot of employers are going to want to see a potential hire overcome those moments of adversity because in their business they expect that of employees. That academic record demonstrates the importance of branding. That is why I would suggest that recognition by various conferences for academic excellence is exceedingly important to our dd's futures.
I would suggest that branding is nothing different than what successful HS, TB, and Collegiate Programs do. When my dd went on to the various college camps, she was expected to wear her TB uniform. She was expected to act in a particular way. For example, she was expected to shake the hands of every coach who participated in the camp regardless of whether they worked with her or not. That is demanded by her TB program. For my HS softball team, I made my players wear practice uniforms. Why? Because they came from various TB programs, which was fine, but in HS we were one team and not competing teams. It was a part of the program. BTW, I got that idea when my dd took a picture of her BFF and I noticed not one player wore any HS T-shirt but rather their TB practice stuff. Successful college programs monitor social media and so, my dd's TB program did the same. That TB Program had the same academic demands as well.
I have made this too long and so will wrap up. How you carry yourself, a part of branding, is multifaceted. I do think it is important. As someone mentioned, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
Thanks for reading.
Darrell
I agree with many who have stated that "Branding" has been done in many ways before. However, the fly in ointment now is the social media aspect. As most of the adults register for those Facebook accounts, their dds are moving to other alternatives away from the eyes of the adults. The collegiate powers that be are aware of this. Some college coaches will know as much about a potential player's social activities as their parents because players who are being recruited to be cornerstones of a program will be highly scrutinized.
I believe that attitude is a part of it when a player is seen by the coach. I love the tournaments my dd played in where each inning started with a different scenario. My dd drew the inning with bases loaded and no outs. There were 4 college coaches in the stands who were recruiting her and they got to see first hand how she handled it. Much of that was through attitude. IOWs "affect never whispers, it screams!" Reputation is also a part of branding. I have a sign on my classroom wall that says, "Reputation is what others think about you. Character is what you display when no one else is looking." As much as reputation is a part of branding, so is character.
I have a sign over the door of my classroom for my students to see as they exit my room. It say, "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future!" That too is a part of branding. Honesty and integrity are also huge parts of branding.
Other things that college coaches care a lot about are grades and work ethic. A part of branding that will be hugely important for our dds when their softball careers are over is how well they did in the classroom. Sure they will be able to say that they played a college sport and so, perhaps their grades suffered some. However, a lot of employers are going to want to see a potential hire overcome those moments of adversity because in their business they expect that of employees. That academic record demonstrates the importance of branding. That is why I would suggest that recognition by various conferences for academic excellence is exceedingly important to our dd's futures.
I would suggest that branding is nothing different than what successful HS, TB, and Collegiate Programs do. When my dd went on to the various college camps, she was expected to wear her TB uniform. She was expected to act in a particular way. For example, she was expected to shake the hands of every coach who participated in the camp regardless of whether they worked with her or not. That is demanded by her TB program. For my HS softball team, I made my players wear practice uniforms. Why? Because they came from various TB programs, which was fine, but in HS we were one team and not competing teams. It was a part of the program. BTW, I got that idea when my dd took a picture of her BFF and I noticed not one player wore any HS T-shirt but rather their TB practice stuff. Successful college programs monitor social media and so, my dd's TB program did the same. That TB Program had the same academic demands as well.
I have made this too long and so will wrap up. How you carry yourself, a part of branding, is multifaceted. I do think it is important. As someone mentioned, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
Thanks for reading.
Darrell
I come to this board to "argue". Present opposing positions. It is my release from my real life softball. I certainly cannot voice opinions like this at home, now can I?
Locally, I am the most positive and pleasant supporter of my DD's softball world. And if I am branding my DD, which I probably am, we are presently in the sweet spot of our softball season.
You really have no clue about how my family is thought about in our small little local softball world.
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Branding is simply establishing a public image, typically with the intent of capitalizing on it. Truth is, you have a public image whether you are aware of it or not. There are also good images and bad images. Therefore, it is wise to be self-aware and proactive in making sure your brand is positive and something you want to live with.
People that create an inaccurate public image are nothing new and the truth comes out when the rubber meets the road. College coaches can't rely on the stats they are bombarded with from players and I don't think a player's self-promotion is any different. Coaches are supposed to be able to evaluate skill and talent, so it's their responsibility to separate the wheat from the chaff. A player's image becomes more of a factor when determining who they are as a person and team member. Coaches want players with the talent to play at their level and the personality to be a member of their team for 4+ years.
People that create an inaccurate public image are nothing new and the truth comes out when the rubber meets the road. College coaches can't rely on the stats they are bombarded with from players and I don't think a player's self-promotion is any different. Coaches are supposed to be able to evaluate skill and talent, so it's their responsibility to separate the wheat from the chaff. A player's image becomes more of a factor when determining who they are as a person and team member. Coaches want players with the talent to play at their level and the personality to be a member of their team for 4+ years.
amandascarborough
where's the chocolate?
Hi Joe! Thanks so much for your kind words.
Don't take it the wrong way, I am constantly, constantly learning, and I know I have stuff to learn from you all, WITHOUT a doubt. I am a sponge when it comes to learning, which I attribute to a large part of my success -- my willingness to learn and try new things, make adjustments . With that being said, if you know me, I am not one to get into controversy/arguments going back and forth. I value everyone's opinions who I talk to and I am definitely not one to judge. I'm not saying I CAN'T handle it, I'm just saying I don't LIKE arguing, and I definitely don't seek it out. That's just not my style! Just think there is a right and a wrong way to get your opinion across without coming across the wrong way. I've always been the nice girl who gets along with everyone, and, honestly, I will always be that way because truly I see everyone's views with no judgement.
I'm here still.
I love learning and sharing. It's truly one of my passions, as I have stated before, so I hate to sound redundant. But just can't help it! Softball is life…..still.
- Sep 30, 2013
- 415
- 0
I REALLY appreciate this comment because from the small number of posts I have put on here (in my 24+ hours of joining in on the conversation) I feel like this forum is going to be a no-win situation for me to talk about anything on here! I come from a different place, I'm not coming from ego, I'm coming from wanting to help softball athletes grow to their highest potential -- not just on the softball field, but OFF of the softball held, because THAT is what will help them succeed when softball is all said and done (because I hate to disappoint, but at some point it will be over
I hope you stick around as well.
I can’t help wondering if you’d have used a nom de plume you’d be having the same questions about whether you’d made the right decision to try to share your thoughts.
Even though I haven’t fawned all over or agreed with every word you’ve penned here, I’ve found the things you’ve said to be quite interesting and thought provoking. And from I’ve seen, you’ve been treated respectively, compared to what is possible.
I say this with all due respect and hope you won’t find it insulting, but unless and until you’re a parent with a child in a sport, you’re going to find it difficult at times understanding where people who question you are coming from.
Once again, I sincerely hope you manage to come to grips with some of us who you may find insulting or otherwise challenging, and stick around. You just have to be patient and learn the “language”.
I like the term "branding". I think it speaks to young people, AKA "21st century learners". I just found out that starting next spring (2015) the ACT is going to be all online. The SAT and AP tests will also move online- gone with the blue books, the number two pencils, writing WE ARE SPARTA in the middle of our AP US History test, and then crossing it out as a mass protest. Computers and social media are here to stay and with them, there is a need to learn about how to best use this new, powerful piece of our world.
I do think that there is more competition at the top today. Standardized test scores are up (I swear the SAT is easier), grades are up, the number of AP classes are up. Athletically, more and more young athletes are devoting their time to perfecting one sport (instead of playing three or four, each in their own season, and having one favorite to play in college). So yes, how is a college coach to distinguish between players, when many so many have the skills? Athletes themselves are traveling farther to attend school. DD is looking at several schools which are 1000, 2000 miles from home, making online communication and image even more important.
In a way, nothing has really CHANGED- it's still about networking and social connections- we're just talking about a different platform. A platform which, in many ways, is harder to qualify. SCDad did say the he is a different personality here, online, as opposed to real life. This statement actually underscores Amanda's point.
The spirited banter on this forum is very valuable. Some of the ice hockey forums make me want to hide under my bed, so really, kudos to us!
I do think that there is more competition at the top today. Standardized test scores are up (I swear the SAT is easier), grades are up, the number of AP classes are up. Athletically, more and more young athletes are devoting their time to perfecting one sport (instead of playing three or four, each in their own season, and having one favorite to play in college). So yes, how is a college coach to distinguish between players, when many so many have the skills? Athletes themselves are traveling farther to attend school. DD is looking at several schools which are 1000, 2000 miles from home, making online communication and image even more important.
In a way, nothing has really CHANGED- it's still about networking and social connections- we're just talking about a different platform. A platform which, in many ways, is harder to qualify. SCDad did say the he is a different personality here, online, as opposed to real life. This statement actually underscores Amanda's point.
The spirited banter on this forum is very valuable. Some of the ice hockey forums make me want to hide under my bed, so really, kudos to us!
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This board is theriputic (sp). I spend the vast majority of my adult life saying the politically correct things. Have a personality in my DD's world structured to specifically benefit my DD. Nothing big in the national scene, but helpful to many in my little world, a following.
This board gives me practice, and freedom. What is said is what is believed to be true. Hopefully helpful to some young folks in the trenches.
Possibly someone local will figure it out. If that is where their energies lie. Does not really matter, because once you pass 50 years old, you realize what you say has value. The most important aspect is to air these opinions in the proper forum. Always know the forum.
Sure, here I am cocky and brash. Maybe that is who I am. In real life I am humble and thankful. The internet is a wonderful thing if used to your benefit.
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