How to connect Sports Marketing Firms with Start-Ups

[JP]

I run a web2.0 sports start-up and am looking for a sports marketing firm for some upcoming work

Two questions:

1. What sports marketing firms are on the cutting edge of web2.0 technology and aren't solely focused on big ticket clients (go ahead, plug your own shops - I'm in the market)?

2. Who are the industry experts/pundits in sports marketing (outside of this fantastic group of course!) and where can I find them (once again, if you're an expert let me know!)

[Jason Cronkhite]

Hi JP,

I've been out of the traditional sports marketing (on the agency side for sometime) and can't say who would be the agency of choice here. I don't know who are the leading one or two in this pack yet as it seems many of them are just beginning to grasp social media. I personally have pretty good working knowledge of the both disciplines and would love to chat more. In order for me to help you better, what is it that you are trying to accomplish?

Here are couple of firms I've dealt with that have some of both disciplines down:

M80 - http://www.m80im.com/
GMR - http://www.gmrlive.com/sportsMarketing.html
BRCGroup - http://www.brcgrp.com/main.html

I know folks at all these firms and can make a referral if needed. I would also recommend that if you are looking to hire a firm I would lean on the expertise of social media/interactive technology experts as they will know a bit more about how to activate crowds with interactive media. Now that statement make get a few folks in the traditional sports realm a little .....

[JP]

Hi Jason -

Thanks for your note. Drop me an e-mail at [e-mail] and we can set up some time to chat.


Best,
JP

[Jason Cronkhite]

sent you a note :)

[JB Vick]

We provide some of the most cutting edge mobile interactive apps to over 25 pro sports teams. Brands use them as "hooks" to get fans engaged. We can really deliver lots of customers if you are looking for them on the web or mobile web. www.FanDriveMedia.com

if you are looking for someone to buy or activate traditional media try Velocity Sports. Joe Carrol is a member here and they do a great job.

[JP]

Thanks for your reply JB.

There are a couple mobile services out there that we're looking at. Two that stand out are AdMob and Target Mobile.

What makes Fan Driver Media different is the high growth mobile space?

Thanks also for the recommendation on Velocity. Do you know if they have worked with start-ups in the past? They seem to be a bigger shop, but thats just my first impression. I defer to your expertise.


Best,
JP

[Mark Heller]

JP,

I know the guys over at Ad Mob and they are a good company but do not focus primarily on sports. As a new member of this group and to the whole world of sports marketing and developing a start up just like yourself I would suggest working with groups that are focused on the whole sports marketing 2.0 opportunity. I would love to know more about your company.

Mark

[Jason Peck]

For industry experts in sports marketing I would recommend you talk to Wasserman Media Group (formerly OnSport). They are more on the consulting/strategic side of things. I worked there for about 2 years and everyone there is very bright and knowledgeable--maybe not as much about web 2.0 stuff, but definitely about the business side of sports.

[JP]

Thanks Jason!

[Toby]

I would recommend speaking to Deep Focus in NYC. They have considerable experience in the entertainment and sports marketing space. They are also equally strong on the traditional and web 2.0 side of things so you're likely to get more bang for your buck with an agency like this.

www.deep-focus.net