Sports Agent Blog interviewed Brian Stanchak, president of BDS Search, a basketball coach management agency. During the interview, Brian is asked about an agent's purpose, the role of social media, mentorship, and managing a one-person company. Here are some highlights:
If you could describe a sports agent’s role , what would that be?A sport agent’s role is to serve their client’s best interests and assist clients in their off-the-court/field responsibilities so they can be as successful as possible in their given sport and career. A sport agent’s role is to bring value to each client that they represent. A sport agent must possess the necessary skills to build relationships, market clients, and be knowledgable about the unique intricacies of coaching contracts. A sport agent’s role is to be a good listener and be an available sounding board and counsel to clients. A sport agent’s role is to build and establish a mutual trust and loyalty with their clients to to truly be successful.
If there was one thing about the sports industry that you could change, what would that be and why?I would increase the endorsement and sponsorship opportunities provided to women’s basketball coaches. I think there are tremendous women’s basketball coaches who would be excellent spokesmen and spokeswomen for products and services, but don’t get provided the opportunities.
Since you’re a one-person operation with your agency, what is a ‘day in the life of Brian Stanchak’ look like?As a one-person operation, my day is full of various responsibilities, and each day is never the same. Currently representing only basketball coaches, from July through February/March is very different than the “movement months” of March through June. Regardless of the time of year, I spend a lot of time on the phone, texting and emailing clients, other coaches and administrators. I am constantly either communicating with my clients or networking. From July through February/March, I’ll spend a lot of time traveling to visit clients, watching their games on tv and online and marketing them via social media and our website. While I still maintain those responsibilities from March through June, I am also gathering information on and promoting clients for prospective employment opportunities, preparing clients for job interviews and advising on and negotiating contracts.
In 100 words or less, what type of advice would you give an aspiring sports business professional looking to work with an agency?I would tell them to begin networking with current agents in the focus area that they desire to work. Reach out to those agents to ask questions and inquire about internship positions. As an intern, you’ll truly learn if this is the profession for you and be provided with an opportunity to prove that you have the work ethic and motivation to succeed in the industry. Once hired, be willing to do even the smallest tasks, within reason, to show that you possess a drive, desire to learn and willingness to do whatever it takes to help your agency succeed.
For the full interview.
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