If you watch ESPN it is virtually impossible to go a day without watching a story about Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Johnny Manziel—also known as Johnny Football.
Some of the stories actually focus on Johnny as a football player. Many are tied to his activities off the field. His recent weekend trip to Las Vegas was a lightning rod for media attention and scrutiny. Johnny Football’s bigger than life persona on social media adds to the hoopla that exceeds virtually every NFL player at this point in time.
Too often NFL rookies that are thrust into the spotlight are pushed out of it just as quickly. In fact the majority of top draft picks are busts… forced to pursue another career.
Meet Johnny Manziel, Consultant
The jury is still out on Johnny. Will he make it? Will he be a bust? Only time will tell! Based on the miserable draft history of the Browns he would be wise to have a backup plan. Perhaps he could pursue a career as a B2B sales consultant and trainer.
Here are five reasons I think he would be outstanding in this profession:
1. He practices and takes time to prepare.
While most people know more about his off the field activities, he is also known as a player that works hard in practice and spends time preparing for each game.
2. He’s quick on his feet and can improvise.
Johnny Football is tough to tackle and seems to make something out of nothing more times than not. Ask the Alabama Crimson Tide defense… JF’s team scored 72 points in two games against what most believe to be the best defense in college football.
3. He understands how to use social media and get people to follow him.
Over 985,000 people follow Johnny on Twitter. The Johnny Football Dude Perfect You Tube video has over 6 million views—that’s all I have to say about this topic!
4. He is comfortable in the spotlight.
This fact holds true on and off the field. He loves having the ball in his hands when the pressure is on to win the game—he uses social media to keep himself in the spotlight when he’s off the field. Here’s another way to look at this—he won the Heisman trophy as the top college player… he’s been on the cover of Sports Illustrated many times… and his antics on the party scene are legendary!
5. He has a name that people remember… Johnny Football!
Not only does he have a name that people remember, he was smart enough to trademark it to cash in on his fame. That's amazing professional branding.
Here’s the list again with some thoughts about how each attribute would transform Johnny Football to Johnny Sales Consultant:
Practice and Preparation
The best B2B sales consultants and trainers just don’t show up and wing it. They spend countless hours of practice and preparation for each hour delivered to a customer. Additionally,the best have access to sales training resources for consultants—workshops, leaders’ guides and training material—that are field tested and deliver ROI.
Quick on His Feet
The best B2B sales consultants have the ability to modify on the move and respond to various conditions when delivering a training workshop or developing/delivering a strategic plan to a customer. Preparation and practice are essential; however, flexibility is part of the DNA of the best.
Use of Social Media to Develop Followers
Using social media—Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube—as well as Inbound Marketing are essential parts of lead generation and new business development for consultants. Establishing credibility on the web is more important today than ever.
Comfortable in the Spotlight
Top B2B sales consultants love to play a big room! Keep in mind the room does not always mean live and on stage. Today it can mean live via the web or online training.
Developing a Name or a Trademark
Being an unknown in the crowded field of B2B sales consultants is no way to go through life. In fact without a name you are just another nobody!
Would you hire Johnny Football to work for your B2B sales consulting firm?
