NY Liberty - Marketing Manager


		Simon at Work
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		Promotional Flyer
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		Game Script: Fact Sheet

When you enter an arena for a basketball game, you are often handed a free gift with a team or sponsorship logo. But how does that premium, a towel, key chain, pennant, banner, poster, T-shirt, tote bag or other item get to you?

One of the responsibilities of the Marketing Manager is to work closely with the VP, Marketing & Communications to create and design these giveaways promoting a team such as The Liberty. The Marketing Manager is involved in the entire process from the initial promotional idea to the production of the item to making sure the arena staff hands them out as fans enter. Another fun, yet busy aspect of the job is coordinating and implementing all of the contests and promotional moments you see during timeouts or between quarters. The Marketing Manager makes sure everything is in place for a contest including prizes, copy for the PA system announcer, graphics for the scoreboard and music. He or she also has to run all promotional ideas for the team past the league office to make sure the league approves of the idea.

Howard Simon handles the busy job of Marketing Manager for the Liberty. Simon graduated in 1999 with a B.S. in Exercise Science and Sports Management from Rutgers University. He credits a lecture course called Professional Seminar, where each week a representative from different sports areas would speak, as being very instrumental in his career. During school he also found time to hone his skills by interning for The Liberty. When he graduated, he landed his position where he helps promote ticket sales and spread the word about the team. Prior to each game, Simon creates a form, including all the required details of the game's sponsors and league elements. The sheet is used to break down all of the evening's promotions. He then assigns responsibilities to the game night staff. "Once the game is underway I am on standby in case there are any issues regarding tickets, unhappy fans or any problems arise."

After the game, Simon arranges for one lucky section of Liberty fans to meet two players who sign autographs. He also makes sure that all promotions went off without a hitch and that all clean up is executed. He will then meet with the VP, Marketing and Communications and review the success of the promotional campaigns.

Simon suggests that anyone interested in a career in sports should attend a college with a specific major in sports. This will provide you with a good insight into the business side of sports. He also recommends internships as a marvelous way to get in and learn from the inside.

For someone who is detailed oriented, likes handling several projects at once and enjoys being part of the excitement that is professional sports, this is one important way to get involved.