I work in a building that houses Commonwealth Bank, Westpac Bank and us. I have to sell exactly the same product as these two other entities to corporates with sometimes a higher margin of 75 basis points to 125 basis points than the competition do. 99% of the time, I will win the deal. Â
I'd love to see these ex footy players do the same thing.
75 basis points on a 25 million dollar transaction per year is quite a sum.
My first activity though, would be sitting down with BOTH owners in a room together, and spelling out some home truths - no holds barred. I'd be telling them that:-
1. This three entities rubbish is abolished. It's ONE entity;
2. My decisions are final;
3. NO-ONE !!!! will talk to the media, without it being proofed by myself, or my media manager (who wopuld be well and truly briefed);
4. Would be that perception is everything. I don't care what each party thought of one and other. In a professional working environment, and in public, they are to act like adults, act ethical and act in the best interests of our ONE entity.
My second activity would be to secure one or two major sponsors. Probably through my networks I have created through my current employ. I Bank some pretty high rollers (CEO's of certain Banks etc) and would utilise those avenues as large opportunities.
Subsequently - I make valued contact to ALL the existing sponsors, organise functions etc just to express how important every single one of them are. Just to affirm.
My third activity would be to secure a marquee player (salary cap permitting) just to show the players, player managers, and fans that we are open for business, and are looking to improve at every opportunity.
My 4th activity would be to once again affirm player behaviour. Our player behaviour has actually generally been very good, but could always improve. I personally wouldn't like to see players for example, sitting at home doing nothing on days off for example. I'd like to see university degrees, TAFE coarses, apprenteships etc etc being undertaken. I'd also like the players to all have access to a financial planner.
Next, being 5th, I would expressly tell all involved that any roster decisions are to be made, and are final by Des Hasler, Geoff Toovey and Noel Cleal.
6th, I focus on membership. I phone AFL teams CEO'S. I phone NFL teams Managers. I attain best practices. I encourage others to assist in membership drives. MOuntains of things can be done.
7th, and one of the most important things, is a grab a set of the financials, go through them, and work out how to improve our margin. There's nothing I like more than doing this.
8th - I would surround myself with go getters. Not I'm gunnas. Every single person in my organization has to be pro-active, positive and energetic. I don't care what their background is - we need the best people at Manly.
9th - I set up a weekly management meeting Mondays (with all involved), managed properly, and with order - to discuss what each party is looking to achieve that week, how they are going to do it, and what outcome they like. Fridays, I would like a debrief on how they went. I don't want general responses. I want specifics. Accountability people.
10th - I ramp up the traveling supporters benefits (alongside Mark from Brisbane). These seem to be very attractive events - so need to embraced, supported and enhanced.
11th - I ask as many player managers as I can to lunch. Not to try and attain players. Just to give an idea of the positive culture and environment my product is trying to achieve in the marketplace (no dick-heads policy). I try to befriend the player managers (I currently know a few through work anyway - and this is how I would try and get my marquee player)
12th - Communication. From top to bottom this clubs struggles with communication. To sponsors (A board member told me this wasn't Grant's best attribute), to fans (when IS Matt Orford's original signing going to be announced - hehehehe), to the members, but more importantly - to the players - I have been told (3rd party rumours mind you) that certain players think the communication levels around expectation etc is really, REALLY poor.
That's just a start. I could go on. Surely I wouldn't be TOO bad Dan ! Hehehehe...
Oh - and I will join the players on their nude run should they not score a try ! Â