How to Become a Sports Agent January. 2014 | Page 8

"What skills do

I need to have to be succseful?"

ecoming a sports agent is the easy part, but being successful is a little more challenging. In order to be successful in representing athletes, one must possess many different attributes and traits, plus a wealth of knowledge. However, looking at different sports agents and how they became successful, We can see the similar characteristics they possess that make them successful. The three most important skills to be a successful sports agent are interpersonal skills, perseverance, and honesty.

Interpersonal

While it might be a bit obvious, interpersonal skills are one of the three keys to success. Being a sports agent, one has to be able to communicate with others in the best possible fashion. Knowing how to interact with others in every situation, whether it is with a client or with a company who wants to endorse an athlete, possessing highly developed and strong interpersonal skills will help anyone in these situations. Now Jerry Maguire is definitely the “hollywoodized” version of sports agents, it is still a perfect example of what interpersonal skills will do for the agent-client relationship. When Jerry Maguire took Rod Tidwell through the lobby of the NFL draft, is something that every agent should be able to do. possesing interpersonal skills will also help make connections in the field. Alex Radetsky, president and founder of Radegen Sports Management, said “I know millions of people have said this, but it is all about relationships. It is important to remember you’re building these relationships so that you can continue to add value to your clients.” Interpersonal skills will make it happen. These skills will build those relationships between the agent and anyone in the field. Breaking into the industry is a big part of becoming an agent. One day while small talking the person beside them in an elevator about the basketball game last night, they figure out they were talking to Alex Radetsky, and because they possess great interpersonal skills Radetsky offers them an internship and his firm.

Perseverance.

Perseverance is something that is needed in every aspect of life. Being able to work through struggles and overcome obstacles to never stop moving forward, that’s perseverance. Vince Lombardi preached hard work and perseverance to his players, and we can learn from his words. “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” ― Vince Lombardi.

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The Three Most Important Characteristics of a Successful Sports Agent

The Best Chartaristics of a Sports Agent

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