If you’ve landed on this page – you should already be aware of 2 things that ballers MUST know about using Facebook to boost a basketball career overseas. If not, make sure you get up to speed HERE.
This tip is particularly recommended for those who are struggling to get an overseas deal in basketball and/or find a basketball agent willing to represent them.
Oh, when I say platform, I am not talking your own professional page on Facebook, Instagram etc. You most certainly do need this, but I am talking one step even beyond that!
You will need your own website! In my case a site with a name like www.tosinoyelese.com (my name – not a real link) would be ideal.
If your name is more common like Michael Smith you may consider a www.firstnameMIDDLENAMElastname.com kind of set up. You could even put a nickname in the mix.
At the end of the day, a successful overseas basketball career is all about building your baller brand, word to LaVarr. So keep in mind how you are going to imprint yourself in the mind of those who care (fans/potential employers etc.)
THIS RISK YOU RUN BY NOT HAVING YOUR OWN PLATFORM AS AN OVERSEAS BASKETBALL PLAYER
Think about how platforms like YouTube, Amazon and eBay work… I remember a time when I was trying to buy a phone charger on eBay. Here how things went down:-
1)I searched ‘android charger’
2)found a product that I liked and clicked on the product page.
3)I read the description – all good…
4)I got my credit card out to make the purchase… Something caught my sight.
A RELATED PRODUCT
It was the EXACT same as my product – except – this one had free shipping. Needless to say that I went for this product and not the one that had originally caught my eye. I mean I liked the first product but I aint paying no £2.55 shipping when I can get it for free… I AINT NO PUNK!
You’ve had a similar experience yourself when it comes to online shopping!
BACK TO OVERSEAS BASKETBALL TALK (HOW THIS ALL RELATES– After all you aren’t here for a charger are you?)
You could quickly find yourself in that same situation. Imagine that a GM, coach or agent is looking for someone to sign or represent. On YouTube, your video might look great – say you’re a 6ft 6in shooting guard with a 41” vert and 38% shooting from the 3. You’d be damned, if the related video on your page was a 6ft 7in 2 man with the same 41” vert and 3pt%.
Why?
Cos 98% of the time the second guy will be chosen over you. Even worse, the bitter pill to swallow will be that YOU WOULD’VE HELPED IN PROMOTING HIM!
Let’s see if he drops you that agents fee, cos after all you kinda discovered him for the team in question…You may be waiting a while! CONGRATS YOU PLAYED YOURSELF!
I would NEVER want to be in this situation and neither should you! Your marketing efforts are intended for you 1st 2nd and 3rd!
Although social media platforms do offer exposure – not one of the folks down at HQ care if you go pro, give up or if you ever have a hot meal again.
In this world everything is about leveraging power over someone else. Once you realise that Facebook/YouTube only care about getting theirs (more time on platform = more ad money for them!) you can then effectively know how to PUT THE POWER BACK IN YOUR HANDS AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR BASKETBALL CAREER TODAY.
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Related Post: Why is It SO Hard For Americans To Get An Overseas Contract!?
