The Super Bowl of Super Bowls

 

 

It’s that time of year you guys. You know what I’m talking about. It’s Super Bowl Sunday this weekend, featuring probably the most intriguing match-up in recent years. There hasn’t been this much excitement since 2015 when the then, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots eclipsed the then, defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks in one of the most controversial endings ever. 

 

Now, the Legendary 43-year-old takes on a new challenge. Only one year after leaving Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Tom Brady looks to become the only Quarterback in N.F.L history to win his Seventh Championship Title, one in both Conferences and only the second Championship for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hold on folks because in order to achieve this feat, he’s going up against his toughest test to date. 

 

The defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Lead by none other than two-time league M.V.P Patrick Mahomes. Ever since taking over the starting job in Kansas City, Mahomes has been nothing short of amazing. Taking his team to three A.F.C Championship games in a row. Reaching his second Super Bowl in consecutive years, looking for his second Championship title, all at the age of 25. Trying to out play, this generations greatest player, Tom Brady.  

 

This game has the makings of an old school Hollywood Western showdown between two gunslingers, whom both of which, all they do is win. This will be Head Coach Bruce Arians first time as a Head Coach, pursuing a Super Bowl title after winning one back in 2009 as the Offensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Andy Reid looks to elevate his Hall of Fame career, by winning his second Super Bowl Championship. 

 

This one is going to be close. Tune in! See you on Monday.

 

Super Bowl Prediction:

Kansas City 34

Tampa Bay 31

 

Picture Credit: Collectible Supplies

 

Is Digital Marketing the Wave of the Future?

The future of media and marketing is beginning to shape into form. Traditional media included; Newspapers, Magazines and Television. The future of digital marketing is turning towards online markets and social networks to take the lead for the first time ever. It is anticipated by many that viewers around the world will be online more consistently than watching Television or utilizing traditional media outlets.

Proctor and Gamble Robert McDonald stated “There are just so many different media available today and we’re quickly moving more and more of our businesses into digital.” In a conversation with a Wall Street Analyst, Proctor and Gamble is anticipating to spend a third of their budget ($10 Billion Dollars) towards digital marketing. The concept is, through social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google) engines, a larger audience can be reached more directly.

This is also proven within pro athletes, as their individual brands have grown into digital marketing strategies. Athletes like; Usain Bolt, Mike Tyson and more recently, LeBron James have all attempted or applied a personal application to their brand. Usain Bolt was one of the first international stars to apply this strategy during the London Olympics. Bolt added an application that allowed fans to race his character during the Olympic games. By adding strategies like these, athletes gain a larger fan base and direct income towards their campaigns.

McDonald compared the expenses towards traditional marketing as opposed to digital marketing as “pennies on the dollar”. By shedding expenses by nearly 80% or more, digital marketing looks to be the new trend and target market for the future of any business. With an untapped network accessible at the tap of a button, look for more companies to join Proctor and Gamble by spending large amounts of investments towards their digital marketing campaign. 

Big Spending Franchises vs Small Market Franchises: Who's Better?

Big spending franchises haven’t always panned out to be winners within their respective sports. The Brooklyn Nets have recently become one of the top spending teams in sports with the acquisition of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry. Putting the franchise salary totaling 105 million dollars according to business sports daily.

Throughout the years, many teams have attempted to buy their way to a championship. The Miami Heat did so by acquiring Lebron James, Chris Bosh and bringing back then free agent Dwayne Wade. The New York Yankees are the probably the most infamous franchise in utilizing this strategy. The late great George Steinbrenner was the most ambitious owner that didn’t care about spending any amount of money for a winner, just as long as they won.

Mark Cuban is another owner who is not a shy spender in order to win. His attempts the past two NBA off seasons in trying to land an additional superstar next to Dirk Nowitzki, in order to pursue another championship proves owners pressure to win now. Probably one of the more recent teams using this strategy is the Los Angeles Dodgers. Spending nearly 2 billion dollars in reinvesting the teams stadium, roster and new ownership.

Despite the lucrative big market teams that have used this approach. Many small market teams have flourished on a high competitive level despite their market. The Oklahoma City Thunder has proven that within the draft and veteran acquisitions, you can be competitive. Star Forward Kevin Durant and Guard Russell Westbrook were both drafted by the Thunder.  Though consistent amongst the best teams in the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs are still considered a small market team.

With coaches and managers pressured to win at all cost, ownership now has a shorter leash in allowing systems to produce. George Karl set a Denver Nugget franchise record with 57 wins for the first time in team history. Even with an outstanding season with a young talented group, Coach Karl was relieved of his coaching duties after the season. Is it better to rebuild through the draft? Or is it better to buy a team of stars?

Business Plan Experts: Helpful Tips Used

In the previous posting, two experts were profiled for their expertise in creating a successful business plan. The two experts profiled were: Andrea Cockerton and Angelo Meneguzzi. Each expert applied different tools in order to create their respective business plan models. Those tools utilized will be discussed within this posting as tips for creating a business plan.

Some techniques applied by Andrea Cockerton were applied to the creation of my business plan. Three specific techniques were: 1) Targeting a growing market, 2) Having a groundbreaking product or service and lastly, 3) Asking for money from investors. These aspects were applied to my own business plan creation regarding a youth development service program for inner city youths.

With school physical education programs slowly deteriorating across the country, the youth program would serve as an outlet for a market in need. Serving as a consultant company to professional athletes, a percentage of revenue generated from services rendered, will assist in sponsoring sports camps, summer tournaments and monthly business seminars. The business seminars will serve as professional advisement to local sports organizations focusing on proper business infrastructure, marketing and creative ways to raise the community involvement with their youth.

The money asked from investors will solely serve as start-up money for company operations and marketing opportunities for the first few months of the company existence. Angelo Meneguzzi has a talent as a consultant for forecasting the future in business opportunities and development. In accord with the assignment, our business plan is developed for forecasting an area of need within the country. Numerous outlets have been attempting to search for the necessary funds in order to keep their schools physical education a float. With a successful sports consulting company, urban and rural youth communities will be funded countrywide.

The most important aspects of a business plan are the financial statements and the marketing plan. The financial statements showcase where exactly the liquidity created is being spent, saved and borrowed. This also shows if whether the business will be profitable. The marketing plan is also a key aspect of the business plan. This shows how the company intends to market their target market, what type of market the company intends on targeting and the need of the product or service within the market.

Spoke.com, 2011

Bplans.com, 2010

Andrea Cockerton/LinkedIn.com

Business Plan Experts

Andrea Cockerton

           

Is an independent pitching advisor and expert that operate in the United Kingdom. She has worked with over 350 entrepreneurs and has become an expert within the field. Andrea is an expert within “Venture Funding and Business Critical Ideas”. Her career expanded by holding workshops and events for businesses within the United Kingdom. She’s assisted large companies and developed their operations through seminars and talks. Andrea has a history in Microsoft, MIT and co-founded her own business titled the “Brick Hanbag”.

Andrea Cockerton believed that a successful business plan needs to ask for money from investors. This needs to be revealed to investors before there is no money left for any new venture. She also believed looking into long term fund raising and investing. She believes that every business plan should have at least three components: 1) target a growing market, 2) have a talented team, 3) having a groundbreaking product.

When any investor is looking into a business plan, they must see reason into investing into a company. These factors are essential any business plan and I agree that such assets should be apart of any business plan. Any business that looks to become successful should have a business plan that embodies such ideals. These components makeup a successful proposal to all investors whom are interested in a new business venture.

Angelo Meneguzzi

Is a business professional with nearly fifteen years of experience within the business world. He has been a key asset to several start up companies across the globe. In recent years, Angelo has been apart of public relations, product development and sales. He has worked with groundbreaking companies such as: Disney, Upside Magazine and ABC News.  over a decade of experience in the business world. His ventures have allowed him to work alongside several start-ups in the technological world. With his advice as a consultant, Angelo believes business plans set the tone for the future. It’s easier to forecast the newest trends within the industry and prepare for changes within business.

Spoke.com, 2011

Bplans.com, 2010

Andrea Cockerton/LinkedIn.com