In the coaching profession, there are always games within the game, and networking is one of those extracurricular activities that can change the course of a career path. The “not what you know, but who you know,” line is so overused in the industry that it would seem that the number of contacts in your phone is a direct correlation to the likelihood of being considered for job opportunities. What happens when all those texts or emails are left on read with no response? Despite all those phone numbers or e-mail addresses, are you actually networking?
Let’s get one thing straight right away: coaching is not a meritocracy. Suppose you are the person who believes that paying your dues or being the genius behind the scenes will eventually lead to the ideal professional opportunity. In that case, there is usually a sad ending to that story.
Networking is about being intentional, and – let’s face it – timing. Being at the right place, at the right time to connect with someone. Then taking additional time to intentionally cultivate said relationships by asking reflective questions, exhibiting acts of support, or consistently being available. Eventually, a time will come when opportunity intersects with mutual acquaintances and the foot in the door is twice as wide because of your net-working.
This is not diminishing the value of experience, or suggesting compound interest in professional development is a fruitless ambition. It has simply been my experience and observation that climbing the ladder in this profession is based on timely connections developed from intentional efforts of relationship building.
The basketball coaching industry is highly competitive, and building a strong network is crucial for advancement. There’s a delicate balance to connecting for professional gain versus genuine support for/from friends seeking opportunities; the challenge can come from sustaining those relationships over time.
Connecting with Peers for Professional Gain
Every coach is seeking an edge to land the best opportunity for themselves. This should come as no surprise. However, the way in which we attempt to connect with others separates a symbiotic relationship while networking from being overtly transactional.
Couple of quick “Do’s & Don’ts” when connecting with other coaches:
- DO share experiences and ambitions to see where any commonalities may exist.
- DON’T play the polo caste system; rising stars come from every level.
- DO follow up with any/every connection that was of genuine interest. Keep it simple!
- DON’T try to compare paths.
Most of my networking occurred in the beginning stages of my career, so take any thoughts here with consideration that the game is always changing. Social media provides a tremendous opportunity to engage with peers in the industry, and member organizations continue to grow facilitating – Rising Coaches or WBCA – professional development opportunities.
Any of these efforts made to networking are clear in the intent to climb the ladder professionally. But with more and more connections being made digitally, it can be hard to cultivate a genuine friendship to support opportunities that present themselves. The common denominator in any hiring decision tends to land on trust. So while Zoom clinics may help put a name to a face, allies from the actual trenches still appear to form the most reliable bond.
Supporting Friends Seeking Opportunities
This is where playing the long game can be most impactful. While some could name-drop a coach at any level of every state like an Uber driver at the Final Four, others prioritize quality over quantity. By in large, networks start small with friendships developed from positive experiences working with or for a coaching staff. This initial coaching tree then has the potential to branch into either thicker roots or extended limbs over time.
Friends with deep roots often can make a stronger case on your behalf based on increased knowledge of your body of work, understood personality-to-job fit, and real feedback on the chances for success if hired.
The basketball coaching industry is a small world with only a couple degrees of separation from knowing everyone. So it’s not uncommon to have acquaintances who are seeking career advancement reach out for support. This could be considered a litmus test of the relationship. As a friend, there is a sense of responsibility to get them the gig. Followed by the vicarious satisfaction when hearing the opportunity turned into an offer. Doesn’t always work that way and part of the breakdown in support stems from the challenge of staying connected as life fast-forwards.
Sustaining Relationships as Time Passes
This is the most difficult aspect of networking, and one I can say I have not been great at over time. Sustaining relationships in the basketball coaching industry can be challenging. People move on to new opportunities, priorities shift, and life gets in the way. Those are just excuses! Yes, and admitting you have a problem is the first step, right? Life moves fast and the truth is some are better than others at having a system in place to authentically sustain friendships and professional relationships.
The best at maintaining connections find ways to reach out periodically, possibly over the holidays or during big wins in a season. Others (intentionally) carve out a designated time to check in with coaches. Just had a conversation with a coach the other day that incorporates a system of “Saturdays are for check-ins.” Give Coach Harris a follow on Twitter for some other words of wisdom, but essentially he carves out time 1x a week to stay connected with peers on a variety of levels. Some contacts might be closer than others, but with any interaction, it all speaks to demonstrating support and accessibility.
There’s a balance to this aspect, where some delineate friends versus acquaintances and how much someone might be willing to help when seeking support for a job opportunity. Whether it’s once a year or hearing from someone every other week finding ways to genuinely connect can go a long way; I’m speaking this into existence!
Coach's Climb 