Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts

Sunday, October 25, 2015

How to become a sports writer


          (My own image from inside the Philadelphia Flyers locker room at the Wells Fargo Center.)

As the game begins: Life is your perception of reality. You are mostly responsible for almost everything that happens in your adult life. Own your dreams. Work toward them every single day, in some way, even if that means that you are simply thinking forward. Always continue to make friends, at all stages of life. And, ALWAYS be a friend, which means that people don't need to ask for your help - you offer it, or simply give it, including to people that you don't even know. 

Many talented people strive to work in the world of sports. But, how does someone actually make that dream come true? For starters, consider adapting your goals.

My own background includes a degree in Communications, front office experience at the start of my professional career in the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system, and work as a 'stringer' back in the old 'newspaper is king' days. But, everyone doesn't need to have that specific experience in order to gain access to the world of professional sports.  

1. Make friends

Always treat everyone you meet with respect. That sounds simple, but can be hard to implement at every moment. However, we never know how far good impressions can go. 

I've had many experiences where someone I met voluntarily connected me to another person who became a sports' connection. 

2. Work smart and work hard

Natural intelligence, or past success, doesn't automatically equal future success. That 'strategy' relies on random chance.  

Work, work, work, work, work, work, and keep on working. Yes, you should make certain choices in the efforts that you pursue. But, stay focused, honest acknowledge if your goal(s) need to be adjusted based on realized outcomes, and progress will (not should) result in unexpected ways. 

3. Be resilient

I voluntarily left the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons organization because some people who were important in my personal life needed my help. I chose to move in order to help them, rather than allow those great people stand alone. I have never regretted that choice, as it was the right thing to do on every meaningful life level.

After making that choice I didn't drop my dream of working in professional sports. But, I did adapt it as the years passed. 

As time flowed I wrote for a newspaper and then, many years after that, adapted my print skills to the online world. Doing so allowed me to create new sports' contacts. 

I literally attempted to make connections with more than one thousand people since 2010, when I returned to writing about sports again. That approximate number isn't exaggerated, but represents efforts across many life 'platforms'. Doing so eventually led to the creation of business contacts with the Philadelphia Flyers. And with that, access was gained that allowed me to gain a media credential. 

Similar efforts have allowed me to interview current and former athletes, in various sports beyond hockey, and also to interview people who work outside of the sports' world. 

End Game: I ask that you re-read my introduction in order to reinforce all points made. So here it is, again: Life is your perception of reality. You are mostly responsible for almost everything that happens in your adult life. Own your dreams. Work toward them every single day, in some way, even if that means that you are simply thinking forward. Always continue to make friends, at all stages of life. And, ALWAYS be a friend, which means that people don't need to ask for your help - you offer it, or simply give it, including to people that you don't even know. 

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Scott Hartnell Trade Sets Up Other Philadelphia Flyers' Moves



This week's Scott Hartnell trade (to the Columbus Blue Jackets for former Flyer R.J. Umberger and a draft pick) likely means that Philadelphia Flyers new general manager Ron Hextall will make more significant moves in order to fill a top-line forward position. Of course, Hextall's previously stated desire to increase team speed also means that at least one defenseman could be dealt as well.

I took the photo that heads this post during training camp last season. Hartnell was an affable person to talk with behind the scenes, enjoyed interacting with the fans, and helped the surrounding communities where he worked during his tenure with the Flyers (2007-2014). Everyone who got to know Hartsy surely wishes him well.  

The summer has just started and the NHL Draft will be held in Philadelphia at the end of this week. Another fact is that number 27 is primed to put his stamp on a team that seems bound to be in the playoffs again next season. 

As far as Stanley Cup dreams go, well, that's the ever-elusive dream. However, if anyone can will an organization toward the Silver Chalice, Hextall (1987 reference intended) can. This time, he controls more than just his area around the crease. And, his desire to generate a Philadelphia parade has obviously never subsided.

Social Media Friends: Invaluable, Important Resources

I adapted my old print (newspaper) skills to the online world on Labor Day weekend 2010. Since that time I've amassed over 4 million hits on my sports, news and interview features for a variety of online outlets. Social media connections (aka friends) have been the main factor driving this ongoing success. 

Exceeding expectations

Approximately four years ago I was hoping to find some way to develop an alternative income by using my current skills. The unexpected growth of where online writing has taken me in my career and my life can't be fully expressed within this digital space. Suffice it to say, I'm always amazed at how many regular readers of my features there are and where these individuals are located around the globe. What I've gained from these connections is immeasurable. 

Applying information to your own life

My advice to anyone who wants to try and actually earn a living by writing online (about any topic) is to first make, maintain and continue creating as many genuine social media connections as you possibly can. Doing so will take a great amount of time and consistent commitment. 

However, just as with real-life connections, these human links will begin to pay off in unanticipated ways. Most importantly, beyond any business pursuits, you will find that genuine friendships will result from social media pursuits. And the many great people who I've gotten to know since 2010 are certainly worth writing about.

Thank you  

Thank you to the thousands (yes, thousands) of people who I've interacted with directly through social media during this decade. Always remember that I will continue helping you, as you have helped me, whenever and however I can.

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My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2014.

This amazing real-life story remains within Amazon's Top 100 rankings this month (April, 2014). The book previously appeared within Amazon's Top 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 illustrated children's books during the past five months. 

I couldn't be more pleased at the worldwide response to this story. Every connection helps to raise awareness about an important children's cause. 


Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. 

I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on any of my interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...

Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Vince Papale: Former Philadelphia Eagle/Subject of the Movie "Invincible"
Kevin Turner: Former Philadelphia Eagle Discusses ALS-Concussion Link

Ron Meyer: Blessed2Play Sports Talk Show Has Global Reach
Allison Baver: US Olympian Facing Every Challenge



Here's a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Fox Television's Erin Como Reveals Her Timeless Model for Success: Interview

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

-------------------------------------------------------------
Visit my Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Social Media Friends: Invaluable, Important Resources


I adapted my old print (newspaper) skills to the online world on Labor Day weekend 2010. Since that time I've amassed over 4 million hits on my sports, news and interview features for a variety of online outlets. Social media connections (aka friends) have been the main factor driving this ongoing success. 

Exceeding expectations

Approximately four years ago I was hoping to find some way to develop an alternative income by using my current skills. The unexpected growth of where online writing has taken me in my career and my life can't be fully expressed within this digital space. Suffice it to say, I'm always amazed at how many regular readers of my features there are and where these individuals are located around the globe. What I've gained from these connections is immeasurable. 

Applying information to your own life

My advice to anyone who wants to try and actually earn a living by writing online (about any topic) is to first make, maintain and continue creating as many genuine social media connections as you possibly can. Doing so will take a great amount of time and consistent commitment. 

However, just as with real-life connections, these human links will begin to pay off in unanticipated ways. Most importantly, beyond any business pursuits, you will find that genuine friendships will result from social media pursuits. And the many great people who I've gotten to know since 2010 are certainly worth writing about.

Thank you  

Thank you to the thousands (yes, thousands) of people who I've interacted with directly through social media during this decade. Always remember that I will continue helping you, as you have helped me, whenever and however I can.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2013.

This amazing real-life story remains within Amazon's Top 100 rankings this month (April, 2014). The book previously appeared within Amazon's Top 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 illustrated children's books during the past five months. 

I couldn't be more pleased at the worldwide response to this story. Every connection helps to raise awareness about an important children's cause. 


Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. 

I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on any of my interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Here's a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Fox Television's Erin Como Reveals Her Timeless Model for Success: Interview

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

-------------------------------------------------------------
Visit my Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Books: Public speaking engagements are valuable


I was happy to address an educators' conference that was recently held at DeSales University. The Diocese of Allentown (Pennsylvania) invited me to speak about my background, professional experiences, and having made a mid-career change to become a teacher within the last decade. I also was asked to share the story of how my illustrated children's book (Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile) was conceived, written, and published. 

Connected to the right people

I was humbled that the Diocesan Office of Education purchased copies of Maddie leading up to the conference as well. This real-life story about how a young girl responded to being diagnosed with alopecia and has taught others to embrace differences is now available in every elementary school in the Diocesan's five-county area. 

I requested the inclusion of Jeff Woytovich as part of my presentation as well. Jeff founded the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP) in 2004 and has addressed many groups in the years since. He's Madison's (Maddie's) father. 50% of all book sales are being donated to CAP.

Generosity and kindness

Every children's book author knows that opportunities to speak publicly are valuable. Bulk book purchases (that are also then made available within a school system for student use) are clearly welcomed as well. 

Thank you to everyone connected to the Diocese for your generosity and kindness. You are helping to raise awareness about a cause that affects many children in our world.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2013.

This amazing real-life story remains within Amazon's Top 100 rankings this month (April, 2014). The book previously appeared within Amazon's Top 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 illustrated children's books during the past five months. 

I couldn't be more pleased at the worldwide response to this story. Every connection helps to raise awareness about an important children's cause. 


Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. 

I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Books: Featured Speaker Invitation




I was invited to be the keynote speaker at an educators' conference that's being held this week. I've been asked to share my personal story and to discuss the details surrounding my illustrated children's book (Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile) that was published last year. 

Being asked to address an audience is always a welcomed event and obviously helps to promote awareness of one's pursuits. Whenever I've spoken in public I've always tried to reach each participant in a personal way through an overall message of common inclusion. 

It's a privilege to be asked to address a professional group. Doing so also causes (and should always cause) one to pause and reflect. Recognizing advancing personal achievement is best done by never forgetting how many good people helped one to be successful. 

I'm grateful to family members, hardcore friends, positive colleagues and so many others who have helped me along the way in life. That message is also one that I will be including in my address this week. 

I'll provide details about my presentation in a future post.  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2013.

This amazing real-life story remains within Amazon's Top 100 rankings this month (April, 2014). The book previously appeared within Amazon's Top 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 illustrated children's books during the past four months. 

I couldn't be more pleased at the worldwide response to this story. Every connection helps to raise awareness about an important children's cause. 


Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. 

I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on any of my interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Here's a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Fox Television's Erin Como Reveals Her Timeless Model for Success: Interview

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

-------------------------------------------------------------
Visit my Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.









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