We were featured in a very interesting article in Forbes in in 2015 that was discussing our success with our NFL Draft Preparation program. The “success” that was outlined in this article dealt with some aspects of the success of our clients – how well they performed at the pre-Draft events (like the NFL Combine, All-Star Games, etc.) and how well they did in the draft. To our pleasant surprise, one of the main focal points of the entire article was the business side of this process. The business side focused on the schedules, the accommodations, our dealings with agents and NFL teams, the operations, the performance/medical/nutritional/football skills staff, and most important – the finances.
This might have been the most popular and/or interesting media segment we have been involved with. This is just purely judging on the extreme volume of questions, comments and requests for more information from our colleagues and fellow aspiring trainers in the industry. And I was very humbled to find that the majority of colleagues that reached out to me about this specific article were collegiate and professional Strength and Conditioning Coaches – not just those in the private sector who might be attempting to set themselves up for this type of business venture. And that’s when I really started to realize that many of the aspects I was discussing was not just great pieces of advice on a specialized business venture like NFL Draft Prep – it was basically a blueprint of success overall for both of my companies (BPS and BPSU) and for me personally.
As I reflected on my own professional career, I found myself consistently referencing the “transformation”. The transformation into success followed a unique pathway:
- Young, eager, hard-working “trainer” willing to learn from everyone and anyone about applied sciences
- “Strength and Conditioning Coach” that started finding success with athletes and teams
- “Performance Coach” who’s success with athletes and teams started forcing sport coaches, Athletic Directors, directors, and various employers to take notice of my skills
- Young, eager, hard-working “professional” willing to learn from everyone and anyone – about business and operations in addition to applied sciences
- A true Performance Coaching and Educational Professional
A good definition of a true professional could be anyone that can find a way to work successfully in this industry – but also have the financial security and freedom to live comfortably, support a family, and be a true mainstay for life. Someone who can truly progress the applied sciences of the entire industry as a whole, but also be compensated appropriately for it. YES – I understand that discussing money is a very uncomfortable subject, especially in this industry. Understand that NOBODY should get into this industry BECAUSE of the money. In fact, nobody should get into any industry because of the money. The passion and inner drive for excellence because you truly BELIEVE that what you are providing is making a positive difference in the world – THAT is a reason to enter into an industry. That is what makes it pure and genuine. However, if what you are providing and supplying is in high demand – and that demand equates to a specific financial compensation – it is still pure and genuine. Too many times people think that we’re in the fitness and athletic industry (which is highly dependent on the service of clients), that any discussion of compensation is too sensitive and makes