Why You Should Consider Community Relations for your Sports Career

Hey everybody, I’m Brian Clapp VP of Content and Engaged learning for WorkInSports.com and this is the Work In Sports podcast…

Community relations is food for the soul of an organization. 

Still one of my favorite quotes. It’s from an anonymous CEO, I’d give credit if I could.

And it’s a true statement. When most departments of an organization are focused on internally beneficial revenue creation, it is the community relations department that is focused on more outwardly impactful projects. 

They are literally giving, with no intention to receive anything but joy and fulfillment. 

But, even though the quote hits the mark on the spirit of community relations, it’s purpose and mission, it doesn’t take into account the actual scope of the job. 

What we see from the outside are hundreds of events each year utilizing the reach and power of a team brand and its athletes to make a difference in the local community. Support for education, the military, cancer survivors, blood drives, coaching -- that what we see, and are moved by as human beings.

But when we talk about the job, when we talk about Community Relations as a career, yes it starts with caring about the people and the causes -- but it also requires elite skills. Event management, marketing, promotions, budgeting, staffing, leadership skills, and more are required to impact and change the local community. 

It starts with heart, but it requires skill.  

Today’s guest is a shining example of that mix, a combination of elite skill and unrivaled passion and enthusiasm for making a positive change the world. 

Kevin Brown is the Director of Community Impact for the Detroit Red Wings  -- it’s my pleasure to have him as our guest 

Here we go -- let’s dive into the world of community relations with Kevin Brown…