Hello there!
Last week I went to my first ever networking event in London. The event was a meet up with the UK Sport Network, networking and a Q&A with Richard Ayers.
It was an enjoyable evening, the Q&A session was really interesting, it had a big focus on digital media and it's impact in sport. Which is quite remarkable, as brand and other industry's have flourished with using digital media. However, sport is still quite behind, not only in the UK but globally as well.
Although I enjoyed the evening afterwards, it was quite daunting at the beginning. Through my own research about how to network I know the basics, I'm not a particularly dull or boring person and I can talk for Britain. However it was nervous as you do hope these connections you make here can lead in to job prospects.
So after getting a drink at the bar and starting my first chat to a stranger it wasn't long before the Q & A started. I must admit I didn't quite follow everything they were saying as a few parts were brand new to me. But it was very interesting.
Luckily I did bring a friend to keep me company. This did three things....
1) I could always stand and talk to at least someone
2) if I got stuck or shy she could help (could lead to dependence of her in the conversation)
3) push me to talk to these strangers
What I did find interesting about this networking event it was quite a small gathering compared to other events I have heard of, just about 100 attendees. It was in a Sports Cafe in Piccadilly so nice and relaxed atmosphere. I found interesting that I was the only student there and the only person looking/hoping for a job through this. Which I think proved more difficult here as everyone would have long conversation about what they do and if they could become job clients etc.
I did sometimes feel a bit out of my league and hard to start something, if at the moment all I do is
study and have a part time job, that doesn't relate to what I want to do in the first place.
However, I did talk to a few people and have a interesting conversations with them. One man was so lovely he even gave me some career advice!
After I got home, I got a few new follows on twitter and some Linked In connections from people I didn't think we're that interested in me or some didn't even speak to me. So I am assuming I made some sort of good impression! I followed up people with emails and to those who said they could help me. So fingers crossed....
What I did learn from this is what to expect in future, it not about how many people you talk to or how many business cards you give out but the quailty of those conversations and you just got to jump into the deep end and do it! You may even surprise yourself!
Looking forward to my next event
Wally Woman x
Monday, 28 January 2013
Saturday, 19 January 2013
Lance Armstrong- winning at all costs?
Hello there,
For serveral years and more intense recently Lance Armstong has been under scrunitiy for cheating, using banned substances and lying. This seven times Tour de France winner and Olympic Brozne medalist has recently been stripped of all trophies and medals ever won in professional sport. He also took part in a no holds interview with the Queen of interviews Oprah.
Although, Lance Armstrong, the sport of cycling and most likey Lances charity, Livestong have all been disgraced. There are still many unanswered questions. I hope in the light of recent events more in depth interviews are carried out and some sort of justice is made. This man has cheated his way to success, demolished millions of peoples hope and dreams, and something needs to be done to clean up the sport of cycling.
Whilst talking to my house mate about this issue, he expressed a view of "he was just a cyclist, he didn't murder loads of people, why is there so much news on him, it's just pointless". While I do slightly agree with him, Lance isn't a murder of people. But he has slayed dreams of young people wanting to be like him, cancer surviveors who admire him, cycling fanatics who love the sport. One mans mistake and wrong doing is another mans broken dream.
Sports people are made great by their talents, the support around them and their loyal followers. They are pushed to succeed by themselves, their team and supporters. So when they cross the finish line first or win the match, they owe a lot to themselves and everyone who got them there. So them being a good role model to people isn't much to ask when so many people have helped these sports people achieve greatness.
Lance has not only cheated like many other cyclists in the past. He lied, continuously and defiantly. That is what I think is the one thing that hurts so many more people than him just cheating his way through, Lying... A powerful and hurtful thing.
However I also understand that the sport person feels a huge amount of pressure from all angles in their life . Us the viewers, sports fans and wanna be champions, we all play our part in demanding more from these people. For example, Wanting a better competition, more hills, faster races, and indirectly forcing the race organisers to make it like this. Perhaps forcing is too strong there, as they didn't have to make it extremely hard, I'm sure the Tour would still be successful and create lots of money. But who knows...
Going back to the interview, lance with Oprah. One of my un answered questions is why Oprah? Watching highlights and things, Oprah wouldn't have been my first choice to interview this man. She, for me, doesn't delve deep enough in certain areas and just brushes over others.
However, she did manage to get the truth, which is always a start.
Here are some clips from both part one & two of the interview. Please check them out, they are definatly worth while.
Part one
http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/8854829/situation-was-one-big-lie
Lance is definatly emotional, but I still feel he hasn't quite opened up fully. He doesn't seem sorry enough, just not enough of anything. But then he may just be in world wind of emotions, or a professional liar.
Let me know your thoughts and views.
Wally woman x
For serveral years and more intense recently Lance Armstong has been under scrunitiy for cheating, using banned substances and lying. This seven times Tour de France winner and Olympic Brozne medalist has recently been stripped of all trophies and medals ever won in professional sport. He also took part in a no holds interview with the Queen of interviews Oprah.
Although, Lance Armstrong, the sport of cycling and most likey Lances charity, Livestong have all been disgraced. There are still many unanswered questions. I hope in the light of recent events more in depth interviews are carried out and some sort of justice is made. This man has cheated his way to success, demolished millions of peoples hope and dreams, and something needs to be done to clean up the sport of cycling.
Whilst talking to my house mate about this issue, he expressed a view of "he was just a cyclist, he didn't murder loads of people, why is there so much news on him, it's just pointless". While I do slightly agree with him, Lance isn't a murder of people. But he has slayed dreams of young people wanting to be like him, cancer surviveors who admire him, cycling fanatics who love the sport. One mans mistake and wrong doing is another mans broken dream.
Sports people are made great by their talents, the support around them and their loyal followers. They are pushed to succeed by themselves, their team and supporters. So when they cross the finish line first or win the match, they owe a lot to themselves and everyone who got them there. So them being a good role model to people isn't much to ask when so many people have helped these sports people achieve greatness.
Lance has not only cheated like many other cyclists in the past. He lied, continuously and defiantly. That is what I think is the one thing that hurts so many more people than him just cheating his way through, Lying... A powerful and hurtful thing.
However I also understand that the sport person feels a huge amount of pressure from all angles in their life . Us the viewers, sports fans and wanna be champions, we all play our part in demanding more from these people. For example, Wanting a better competition, more hills, faster races, and indirectly forcing the race organisers to make it like this. Perhaps forcing is too strong there, as they didn't have to make it extremely hard, I'm sure the Tour would still be successful and create lots of money. But who knows...
Going back to the interview, lance with Oprah. One of my un answered questions is why Oprah? Watching highlights and things, Oprah wouldn't have been my first choice to interview this man. She, for me, doesn't delve deep enough in certain areas and just brushes over others.
However, she did manage to get the truth, which is always a start.
Here are some clips from both part one & two of the interview. Please check them out, they are definatly worth while.
Part one
http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/8854829/situation-was-one-big-lie
Part two
http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/8858810/highlights-part-2-lance-armstrong-oprah-winfrey-interview
You can catch the full part on the discovery channel at 8pm tonight.
Lance is definatly emotional, but I still feel he hasn't quite opened up fully. He doesn't seem sorry enough, just not enough of anything. But then he may just be in world wind of emotions, or a professional liar.
Let me know your thoughts and views.
Wally woman x
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Google yourself- it's worth a go!
Hey
When I was younger and still did until a few days a go, thought that googling yourself was pointless as nothing would come up as I wasn't famous or been in the news or anything like that. However, times have changed and with the globalisation of social media you can and do show up in google searches. This is slightly worrying as anyone can find you and track you down, read tweets or posts and even see those pictures you wished no one could see.
Now, if you can see it then just think about who else can see it....EVERYONE! This is extremely important if your about to graduate. Around 81% of employers look you up online before they meet you. So if you've written some fantastic CV and cover explains and showing how amazing you are, then they google you and see all those tweets about going out getting wasted, fresher steals or those awful pictures. Maybe you should think a little about what you put on the Internet or when your fraping some one.
I'm not saying change everything, just be a bit more careful, or change privacy settings so they can see you have a profile but can't see anything else. If you really don't believe me about the consequences of what can happen with mis judged posts then check out channel 4 tv documentary- 'don't blame Facebook'. It certainly was an eye opener. People lost jobs, sent to prison or lost relationships due to social media.
Google yourself, re read your last five tweets and maybe de tag yourself from those pictures. Every little helps when trying to get your dream job!
Wally woman x
When I was younger and still did until a few days a go, thought that googling yourself was pointless as nothing would come up as I wasn't famous or been in the news or anything like that. However, times have changed and with the globalisation of social media you can and do show up in google searches. This is slightly worrying as anyone can find you and track you down, read tweets or posts and even see those pictures you wished no one could see.
Now, if you can see it then just think about who else can see it....EVERYONE! This is extremely important if your about to graduate. Around 81% of employers look you up online before they meet you. So if you've written some fantastic CV and cover explains and showing how amazing you are, then they google you and see all those tweets about going out getting wasted, fresher steals or those awful pictures. Maybe you should think a little about what you put on the Internet or when your fraping some one.
I'm not saying change everything, just be a bit more careful, or change privacy settings so they can see you have a profile but can't see anything else. If you really don't believe me about the consequences of what can happen with mis judged posts then check out channel 4 tv documentary- 'don't blame Facebook'. It certainly was an eye opener. People lost jobs, sent to prison or lost relationships due to social media.
Google yourself, re read your last five tweets and maybe de tag yourself from those pictures. Every little helps when trying to get your dream job!
Wally woman x
Monday, 7 January 2013
Sport Industry Networking
Hello
Well after much more research I have discovered that I was in fact correct. The UK doesn't flaunt the sporting industry quite as well as the US. But maybe that in itself has a lure to it. As you have to be in it to know it?
That brings me on to the topic of networking. I have never experienced networking it's just not something I have a eve come across really. I discovered a really good website/blog called the UK Social Media & Sports Network. It's really good and useful so please check it out. They are celebrating it's 3rd birthday (which further supports my Brits don't flint it view). However, as I shall be attending this event I need to get some tips on networking.
Through out my research networking has been valued the most important thing to do to at least gain an entrance into the sporting industry. Especially as I have seen the attendees list and wow! Some Big positions are going. Hence the need for useful tips. So if you have any please let me know... Or if anyone has written a networking for dummies book that would be great!
I also came across some useful twitter chats. Although all run by the Yanks, am sure it will prove to be useful.
Here's when they occur. I have translated the times in UK time. It does seem some late nights are ahead. But as a student I sure I will manage.
#sbchat Sunday's 2:30am. (so Monday really) has a sport biz focus
#sportjc every other Monday 1am job chat
#social4tixsales tues 1am for best practices in ticket sales
#sportsprchat tues 2am
Make sure you use the hash tag. To answer questions. You know it's a question as the person will start their tweet with Q2: etc. make sure you start your tweet with A2: and at the end use the hash tags.
I have yet to venture into one of these chats. But as soon as I do I shall let you know :)
Keep doing what your doing!
Wally Woman
Well after much more research I have discovered that I was in fact correct. The UK doesn't flaunt the sporting industry quite as well as the US. But maybe that in itself has a lure to it. As you have to be in it to know it?
That brings me on to the topic of networking. I have never experienced networking it's just not something I have a eve come across really. I discovered a really good website/blog called the UK Social Media & Sports Network. It's really good and useful so please check it out. They are celebrating it's 3rd birthday (which further supports my Brits don't flint it view). However, as I shall be attending this event I need to get some tips on networking.
Through out my research networking has been valued the most important thing to do to at least gain an entrance into the sporting industry. Especially as I have seen the attendees list and wow! Some Big positions are going. Hence the need for useful tips. So if you have any please let me know... Or if anyone has written a networking for dummies book that would be great!
I also came across some useful twitter chats. Although all run by the Yanks, am sure it will prove to be useful.
Here's when they occur. I have translated the times in UK time. It does seem some late nights are ahead. But as a student I sure I will manage.
#sbchat Sunday's 2:30am. (so Monday really) has a sport biz focus
#sportjc every other Monday 1am job chat
#social4tixsales tues 1am for best practices in ticket sales
#sportsprchat tues 2am
Make sure you use the hash tag. To answer questions. You know it's a question as the person will start their tweet with Q2: etc. make sure you start your tweet with A2: and at the end use the hash tags.
I have yet to venture into one of these chats. But as soon as I do I shall let you know :)
Keep doing what your doing!
Wally Woman
Friday, 4 January 2013
Paparazzi Vs Celebs
hey hey
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/420515/20130104/justin-bieber-chris-guerra-paparazzi-death-marijuana.htm#.UOcCVWtYCSM
I had a topic in mind for this post, it was to do with Julia Gilard controvesial speech that turned out to be a hoax. However, while researching that article I did come across this....
For those who cant be botherd to open the article its about the death of a paparazzi guy whilst trying to snap a picture of Justin Bieber smoking weed. Although, like all this typesof new trying to frane a superstar and the average joe getting hurt. The whole truth has not been discovered as yet. But it does pose an interesting topic of debate. How far can the paparazzi go? and how far is too far?
The paparazzi man was only trying to make a living to get that picture. but Justin wether he was prersent or evn smoking weed, as just trying to live his life. But on the otherhand, Justin has all is fame and fortune because of the media and those average joes taking those snaps. These reason can go on and on, all in a circle.
My opinion is, yes everyone is just trying to make a living or just trying to live their lives. But I do think boudaries should be put in place to protect both sides, the stars and those photgraphers. Whether it be no camping outside peoples homes or only having lincesned photograhpers being able to sell their photos. Or serious punishments for those celebritys that lash out on the paparazzi. But I do some think something needs to happen, but something both sides can benifit from.
What are your thoughts?
Wally Woman
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Preparing to enter the sporting industry
Hello,
I have a keen interest in sport. As I am currently in my final year student sport science at Brunel University in London. As my time at university is nearing an end and graduation is fast approaching. Like every other undergraduate student who is about to enter to 'real world', we have to start making choices and decisions of where we want to go and what we want to do.
For me, it has been hard to decide what I want to do, I know I want to be in the sporting industry, but where? First came the idea of being performance analyst, hence the sport SCIENCE degree. But that proved to be very competitive and required to give up years of my time to work un-paid. That is just not something I am prepared to do, for a number of reasons. Next, maybe a psychologist? Again un paid and very competitive. It also requires a masters degree which, I cannot afford. But the option is definitely not off the cards.
The more and more I started looking into the global phenomenon that is the sporting industry. I quickly came to realise where the money and more jobs are. Behind the athletes we see on tv, be it football stars, Olympians or boxing stars there is a whole network of businesses. From media, sponsorship, PR, management and a whole lot more. So I started looking for jobs in those areas of the sporting industry. The more I researched the more I realised that this I where I wanted to be. In the middle of fast paced world of sporting business. However, getting a job somewhere in here is just as competitive. It seems to be a huge business based on who you know and not what you know...
But if anyone has any tips out there for me then please share away.
Now while I haven't got any answers out there for you, especially you UK folk. As it's seems we haven't quite got the hang of this industry or don't quite flaunt it as the Americans do anyway. I did come across a very interesting YouTube about social media during my research today, which is definitely worth a good look!
So here it is, tell me what you think.
Wally Woman
I have a keen interest in sport. As I am currently in my final year student sport science at Brunel University in London. As my time at university is nearing an end and graduation is fast approaching. Like every other undergraduate student who is about to enter to 'real world', we have to start making choices and decisions of where we want to go and what we want to do.
For me, it has been hard to decide what I want to do, I know I want to be in the sporting industry, but where? First came the idea of being performance analyst, hence the sport SCIENCE degree. But that proved to be very competitive and required to give up years of my time to work un-paid. That is just not something I am prepared to do, for a number of reasons. Next, maybe a psychologist? Again un paid and very competitive. It also requires a masters degree which, I cannot afford. But the option is definitely not off the cards.
The more and more I started looking into the global phenomenon that is the sporting industry. I quickly came to realise where the money and more jobs are. Behind the athletes we see on tv, be it football stars, Olympians or boxing stars there is a whole network of businesses. From media, sponsorship, PR, management and a whole lot more. So I started looking for jobs in those areas of the sporting industry. The more I researched the more I realised that this I where I wanted to be. In the middle of fast paced world of sporting business. However, getting a job somewhere in here is just as competitive. It seems to be a huge business based on who you know and not what you know...
But if anyone has any tips out there for me then please share away.
Now while I haven't got any answers out there for you, especially you UK folk. As it's seems we haven't quite got the hang of this industry or don't quite flaunt it as the Americans do anyway. I did come across a very interesting YouTube about social media during my research today, which is definitely worth a good look!
So here it is, tell me what you think.
Wally Woman
Welcome
Hey,
Welcome to my blog, not sure what all the content on here will be like, nor how good the writing will be. But if you like then please feel free to stay and look around.
I first got into writing a blog when I travelled South Africa, it was a way of sharing stories with family and friends back home. To keep them up to date and to tell them that we are alive. Since then I missed writing a blog, it's like a social and interactive world. Where you can communicate ideas of anything you can imagine, whilst addressing an audience who you don't know... Sometimes good and sometimes bad. But let's see how this one goes.
Hope you enjoy it,
Wally Woman
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