Cheers To The New Season!!

Midnight Madness at Kentucky

As we start another college basketball season, it gives us a little time to reflect on the off season. But does anyone really reflect at the beginning of the year? Most people are looking forward at this point. But I think it is important to take the time to reflect and analyze the summer months and really think - did I really utilize that time to the max? It's important to look forward, it's important to plan ahead. But one of the biggest mistakes a person can make, is to not reflect and recap what you've just done. Ask yourself questions - what can I do to improve? Did I really get after it? Did I do all I could to get better? Simple questions, ones that will hopefully help you improve the next time around. There's always room to improve, cliche, but be true. In everything you do, make sure you reflect.

At Midnight Madness the innocence of freshman and leadership of seniors is obvious. New managers awkwardly take their places and sit in awe at the atmosphere while the veteran managers scramble to make sure everything is in place.

Have patience with your new managers. Treat them well. You are who they look up to. You are the one they will learn from. There is a lot on the line, and you senior managers / head managers are responsible for a lot. But just be patient. Teach them the ropes. Bring them along for the ride. There is nothing worse then working for someone who treats you like garbage - always bossing you around and never thanking you for what you do. Say "Thank You" once in a while - give a little encouragement once in a while. It's what keeps people going. It's what makes them come back. Create an atmosphere for your managers to enjoy. Create an atmosphere for a freshman, for them to call home and say, "Mom or Dad... I work for one of the hardest working kids ever. He's teaching me all the things I need to know and I can't wait to get back to work tomorrow. I love it here". You guys are a team - work together. There's no reason to bring anyone down. Help them up the ladder.

It's a fresh start. Everyone is starting from scratch and now, more than ever, is the time to get after it. Be prepared everyday. Be organized everyday. And have fun with what you do. You are in a position that thousands of people across the country want to be in. It's a privilege. Enjoy it.

Last thing I'll say is in relation to the NACBM in hopes that we can continue to grow as an organization. We're really excited about how quickly the first 300 managers have hopped on board. But we're even more excited about the growth going forward. But, we need your help. We need you to continue to get the word out. We'll continue to work for you, but we need your help. This whole gig is about communication. If it's your biggest conference rival or a team you're playing for the first time.... it doesn't matter. What matters is that you reach out to the managers on the other side of the court. Why wouldn't you? You need to network yourself. You just never know where that other manager might end up. And hey - you might want to hire that other guy one day? Or even better...he might be looking to hire you. So help us get the word out and let's have some fun with this season!

Cheers to a new and exciting season!