Lacrosse is an amazing game that has done so much for me. From the relationships built to the on field experiences, I feel fortunate to have played this game for so many years.
In 2017, I made the decision to leave a finance job, after graduating in 2016, and pursue my passion of playing and coaching. First Class Lacrosse was formed, and it has been a fun journey to see it evolve. I did some lessons in college, and worked camps along the way before starting my own business. The NIL rules never allowed someone like myself to even market their own clinics or trainings back in 2016! Now, it is exciting to see so many young athletes utilize NIL to do local trainings and camps. There have been many challenges along the way, but here are a few things I think can help others in starting a lacrosse business.
1- build relationships
I think this is a key that can't be emphasized enough. It starts with the players. The phrase, "they don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" always resonated with me. Players want to know you care about them and their development. Parents are looking for the same as they entrust others to spend meaningful time with their sons or daughters. Coaches are bringing in outside resources to support their teams and programs. Building relationships and maintaining relationships is key!
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2. Focus on your product
If Relationships is 1, this is 1A. Your product is everything. Your reputation is everything. I learned that from one of my long time mentors. It's time to shift your focus from your playing to what you want to present in the lacrosse world as a business. How are you approaching your craft and taking those lessons as a student athlete into the business world?
3- seek feedback & implement
It can be very easy to think that your way of doing things, or what you think the lacrosse world needs, is the right thing. And you might be 100% right! However, constantly seeking feedback, and looking to implement that feedback, is crucial. Your players and parents, and people you trust, will give you feedback if you genuinely ask, stay open minded, and look to implement. Heading into Year 4 of Best In Class, and Year 7 of "lacrosse training", this couldn't be more true for us.
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4- align your time with your goals
It is easy to get caught up with so many different ideas. It is a common trap to see other people do things, and say "hey, I can do that too". However it is important to know that the biggest cost associated with pursuing those different avenues is your own time. You can't do it all. Do you want to do a few things great, or a lot of things just OK? It's not easy. Everyone wants to build something big or special. It takes time, and you have to trust the process. Keep reflecting every 3-6 months to check in with what you are working on, how you're spending your time, and if it aligns with your bigger goals and vision.
5- shake off the small stuff
There have been countless moments or interactions in my short 7 years of being in lacrosse where I have felt that things weren't lining up, something didn't go our way, or a relationship went sour. Some things are more important than others, and you have to prioritize. Don't sweat the small stuff. Some stuff feels bigger in the moment. Take a deep breath, keep working and focusing on the above, and trust that it will work out as you keep making solid decisions.
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Deemer Class
Deemer Class : Nov 2, 2023 12:00:00 PM
