Little Yim is a financial investment company and offers the world's first stock market of "professional athlete's." Public investors buy stock in professional athletes listed on the Little Yim stock market. The athletes receive the investment proceeds to improve the quality of their
training and to cover the costs of travel, entry fees and other expenses.
Interview with Cindy Yim - Founder and CEO of Little Yim
http://www.littleyim.com/
sz: Cindy the Little Yim business concept is easy to understand and a cool idea. You're giving investors an opportunity to purchase shares in young "undiscovered" professionals. What is the screening process an athlete goes through prior to becoming listed for sponsorship through Little Yim?
cy: Thanks Susan, I really appreciate the chance to chat with you.
There is a lot of young talent out there. Athletes have worked hard just to get to the point of competing at the pro level. You see these athletes sweating hard training on the court and competing their hearts out in matches. It is too bad if these athletes can't pay for travel expenses or hire coaches and fitness trainers. Money problems cause a significant amount of stress on top of the enormous pressure that athletes already feel.
So I say we take away the money problem! :-)
We focus on supporting a group of high performance athletes who are already professional and will be playing in tournaments. Our selection process is based on an athlete's strong past performance at the junior, collegiate or professional level. Many of these athletes have obtained a high junior ranking, and have competed in high-level national and collegiate tournaments.
A lot of people want to be professional athletes and we want to help athletes realize their dreams. We wish that we could help everyone. But we have to limit our program to a select
group of athletes in order to provide investors with a small return on their investment.
sz: How do athletes learn about your company? Do you scout different sports and initiate contact with the athletes? Or do the athletes find you?
cy: We love it when athletes find us. Athletes often come to our site when they do online searches for athletic sponsorships and funding. Having our website pop up when you Google
"athletic sponsorships" helps us. The other way we get in touch with athletes is through athlete management firms and sports academies. Corporate sponsorships at professional tournaments
introduce our company to athletes there. We were a corporate sponsor at the SAP Open, Bank of the West Classic and East West Bank Classic presented by Herbalife.
We want to bring on athletes from different sports and expect to increase our efforts in initiating contact with athletes. Initially, we focused on tennis but have now branched out to many other sports.
sz: Do investors receive a prospectus? If so what content is included such as background information of past and present athletic results, current training programs, coaching staff, and upcoming event schedules?
cy: Investors are able to review the details of the sponsorship contract in terms of the tournaments included in the sponsorship contract, and information about the tournaments such as the prize money offered to athletes. We want to provide investors with as much information about the athlete as possible. From the athlete's past performance, to their coaches and training programs, it will all be there for investors. It is important for us to make sure that investors get all the information they need to make an informed decision knowing the athlete's ability, tournament plans and goals.
Since this is sports, we also want to make it fun for investors and give athletes the opportunity
to showcase their personality. In their profile, athletes talk about cool stuff like their favorite music and interests. Russ Marchewka, a beach volleyball player, indicated that beer is one among his many interests like ping pong and real estate investments. I think that's funny and interesting information that you aren't always going to see.
sz: What are the most interesting aspects of running your business?
cy: There are so many interesting aspects to running my business. I would have to say that the concept itself is the most interesting part. Getting to implement something new and work on the market design is really fun. it is just that a stock market of people is a very different idea. I feel like it's a chance to create something that can make a lasting contribution.
What's interesting about running my business is that I am utilizing the fun and excitement that sports fans have always experienced to provide athletes with funds. Fans like seeing how athletes do at tournaments. Not knowing whether an athlete will win the match or finish in the top sport in competitions makes it exciting for viewers. Now, all that excitement that fans feel from watching athletes can be used to encourage them to invest in athletes. They can make a difference in the athletes that they follow and in the sport itself.
The other interesting aspect is that my business blends sports and economics, which seem like totally unrelated fields. There have been economic studies on sports and athlete performances, but not so much the creation of new markets to provide services directly to athletes. I really like economics so it is fantastic that I can use economics to work with athletes and support them in their training and development.
sz: Cindy, you are an athlete and played in college on the Princeton junior varsity tennis team.
What athletic experience at Princeton or other athletic experiences in your life influenced the development of this business idea?
cy: As an athlete, I have encountered some disheartening moments whether it is not playing well in a match or losing in the early round of a tournament. There is so much focus on performance on-court and it is not easy to bounce back after a bad match to play your best in the following tournament.
Professional athletes probably experience this on a magnified scale. Their performance at competitons determines their career and how many ranking points and prize money they will earn. Their expenses are much higher than mine with the need to travel consistently on a global basis. Knowing that athletes have a lot to worry about in trying to play their best, I thought that it could be helpful for them if they did not have to worry about funding.
I have found that playing tennis is a great way to meet other people. when you all like the same thing, there is an endless amount to talk about. Princeton's junior varsity tennis team had a bunch of people involved in different activities and studying different majors, many of them whom I ended up never taking the same course with. I most likely would not have met these people if it weren't for the fact that we played tennis together. The opportunity for fans to invest in athletes is also a way for fans to get to know professional athletes. The funding that fans provide is most helpful to athletes. But what about having all kinds of people from all over the world visit an athlete's website and read an athlete's blog to get the latest update? So far, the media has been the only way for athletes and fans to connect. That's why I put links to an athlete's website and blog so that fans can see how their athletes are doing.
sz: Do you have any favorite motivational stories, tips or quotes that guide you?
cy: The Olympics provide me with some of the most motivational stories. Athletes competing in the Olympic Games have come very far in order to qualify to represent their country in one of the world's great sporting events. These athletes made a lot of sacrifices along the way and fully committed themselves toward attaining their dream. It is not possible to be lazy and get to that level. Their training is intense and the adversity they face is challenging.
From the recent 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, I had read about a track and field athlete who developed painful blisters in her mouth and around parts of her face in early 2008. Doctors had rcommended that she not train and compete for several months. She knew that she would not be able to perform her best in Bejing if she did this. Despite what she described as feeling great pain, she still trained just as hard to make sure that she gave her fastest race when the moment came. In training, she would bite on a paper cup that she put in her mouth to order to ease the pain she was experiencing. This is true determination and shows tremendous perseverance through times when unfortunate events occur.
My hope is that my company can help the little guys with big dreams.
sz: The Little Yim website is so well designed and easy to use and understand. I look forward to checking back with you in a year to see how the business has grown as you continue to offer young professionals a chance to make it into the spotlight of their sports!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Girls4Sport
Girls4Sport (www.girls4sport.com), based in Santa Cruz,CA., designs and manufactures high quality performance clothing for active girls for all ages. Girls4Sport promote camps and clinics that provide learning opportunities and inspiration for girls of all ages to lead active lives. Leanne Salandro and Kim Ruby are co-owners of Girls4Sport. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Leanne & Kim about the company, and their peak performance perspective of business.
Interview with Leanne & Kim:
Z: Girls4Sport has grown quite a bit in the last 5 years.What are 3 essential ingredients for success that future female entrepreneurs should know before starting a business?
LS: Know that with every big step forward, there are side steps, backwards steps and quite a few stumble steps on the way, is #1. Be ready for anything and keep that sense of humor handy.
#2, all those steps, they just make you smarter (a bonus!). #3, follow what you know is right. We've had to make decisions based on money, time, resources, etc. but the biggest guiding force should always be what you know is best for your business and customers. That simply gets tempered by money, time, resources and all the rest.
Z: How does the statement, "Without Risk There Is No Success" apply to your success as a company?
LS: Without risking time, money and face, we wouldn't have anything but an idea, some sketches and some words on paper. We risked heading out into an industry we knew little about. We've tried and continue to try minimizing risks by asking questions of people who have a lot of experience doing the types of things we want to do. It's been a lifesaver for us and we're grateful for the wisdom that has helped minimize our risk when making big decisions. Finding smart people to answer questions has moved us forward safely more than anything else. It's been key to our success (and fewer backward steps).
Z: Can you name anything about running a business you know now but wish you had known when you were starting out?
LS: More often than not, it will often take longer than you think. We seem to have raging optimism and lofty ambitions that we daily need to reign in. From day one, our heads and hearts were light years ahead of where we are even today. A mixed blessing! We get impatient to meet goals but gain so much in getting there even if it does take a little longer than we thought.
Z: Are there any athletes' (role models) or business models that keep you focused on your company goals/vision for the future?
LS: We have such a wide range of inspiration to choose from and the pool of greatness grows continually. We both have friends who are amazing athletes who also have great careers. That is always a wonder. People like Arien O'Connell who surprised everyone at this year's Nike Women's Marathon in S.F. define inspiration. Arien is someone who quietly surprises us in the spotlight. She got there simply based on the love of what she does, who she is as a runner. That is both beautiful and uniquely powerful. From the business world, we've always had a fondness for Ben and Jerry's. Who ever thought you would get ethics, ice cream and a great plan for collective success? Admirable and delicious! We strive to be that kind of company. (Check out girls4sport website to see how they embrace the B&J model of philanthropy).
Z: Girls4Sport Foundation supports organizations and programs that provide girls of all ages with the skills, support and opportunity to lead active lives with confidence. In what ways does this branch of the organization inspire you?
LS: We get so many e-mails from people out there doing amazing things. E-mails that often bring tears to our eyes. For me personally, it reminds me that "female" and "athlete" are two words that didn't appear together until recent history. Pretty much within my lifetime. That continues to shock and amaze me. There were no great marathoners or triathaletes when my mom was a little girl. Who was her role model? It reminds me that we've got big ground to cover, time to make up, athletes of greatness yet to come. That fuels hope for me. As corny as it may sound, I'm deeply touched that the little girls of today have concrete proof, not just dreams and wondering, of accomplishing great things in both athletics, business, competition anything!
Z: You and Kim are both athletes and stay active surfing, mountain biking, running, hiking, swimming etc. Do you have any sport psychology tips that motivate you?
LS: For me, I always set a goal. Always a race or an event to strive for and frequently I'll focus on some type of goal for individual sessions if I'm lacking inspiration that day. There are some sports I do casually, like hiking, but without specific long term goals, I tend to sleep in a little longer, enjoy a few more treats, swim fewer laps, not do as many runs, I get a little lazy! Not only do goals keep me motivated but they keep me trying new things, new sports, new ways of doing things. I turn 40 this weekend and I hope I'm still dreaming up new goals when I'm 80!
Kim later add:
KR: Every phase of my life has had different levels of sports participation. Running a business and raising a little girl (both are 5 years old now!) keeps me busy and getting out and doing something for me refreshes my mind to take on new challenges not so much in sport but in life. What motivates me is simply staying fit, feeling good and clearing my mind so I can enjoy a healthy long life with my family.
Z: Happy Birthday Leanne...the "lazy"side of you is not a glaring part of your personality! Kim and Leanne, I look forward to Girls4Sport.com continuing it's upward journey of growth, success and ongoing health!
Readers: *What motivating forces energize your sport/business goals? What are the motivating long and short term goals you are pursuing for sport and business success in 2009?
Interview with Leanne & Kim:
Z: Girls4Sport has grown quite a bit in the last 5 years.What are 3 essential ingredients for success that future female entrepreneurs should know before starting a business?
LS: Know that with every big step forward, there are side steps, backwards steps and quite a few stumble steps on the way, is #1. Be ready for anything and keep that sense of humor handy.
#2, all those steps, they just make you smarter (a bonus!). #3, follow what you know is right. We've had to make decisions based on money, time, resources, etc. but the biggest guiding force should always be what you know is best for your business and customers. That simply gets tempered by money, time, resources and all the rest.
Z: How does the statement, "Without Risk There Is No Success" apply to your success as a company?
LS: Without risking time, money and face, we wouldn't have anything but an idea, some sketches and some words on paper. We risked heading out into an industry we knew little about. We've tried and continue to try minimizing risks by asking questions of people who have a lot of experience doing the types of things we want to do. It's been a lifesaver for us and we're grateful for the wisdom that has helped minimize our risk when making big decisions. Finding smart people to answer questions has moved us forward safely more than anything else. It's been key to our success (and fewer backward steps).
Z: Can you name anything about running a business you know now but wish you had known when you were starting out?
LS: More often than not, it will often take longer than you think. We seem to have raging optimism and lofty ambitions that we daily need to reign in. From day one, our heads and hearts were light years ahead of where we are even today. A mixed blessing! We get impatient to meet goals but gain so much in getting there even if it does take a little longer than we thought.
Z: Are there any athletes' (role models) or business models that keep you focused on your company goals/vision for the future?
LS: We have such a wide range of inspiration to choose from and the pool of greatness grows continually. We both have friends who are amazing athletes who also have great careers. That is always a wonder. People like Arien O'Connell who surprised everyone at this year's Nike Women's Marathon in S.F. define inspiration. Arien is someone who quietly surprises us in the spotlight. She got there simply based on the love of what she does, who she is as a runner. That is both beautiful and uniquely powerful. From the business world, we've always had a fondness for Ben and Jerry's. Who ever thought you would get ethics, ice cream and a great plan for collective success? Admirable and delicious! We strive to be that kind of company. (Check out girls4sport website to see how they embrace the B&J model of philanthropy).
Z: Girls4Sport Foundation supports organizations and programs that provide girls of all ages with the skills, support and opportunity to lead active lives with confidence. In what ways does this branch of the organization inspire you?
LS: We get so many e-mails from people out there doing amazing things. E-mails that often bring tears to our eyes. For me personally, it reminds me that "female" and "athlete" are two words that didn't appear together until recent history. Pretty much within my lifetime. That continues to shock and amaze me. There were no great marathoners or triathaletes when my mom was a little girl. Who was her role model? It reminds me that we've got big ground to cover, time to make up, athletes of greatness yet to come. That fuels hope for me. As corny as it may sound, I'm deeply touched that the little girls of today have concrete proof, not just dreams and wondering, of accomplishing great things in both athletics, business, competition anything!
Z: You and Kim are both athletes and stay active surfing, mountain biking, running, hiking, swimming etc. Do you have any sport psychology tips that motivate you?
LS: For me, I always set a goal. Always a race or an event to strive for and frequently I'll focus on some type of goal for individual sessions if I'm lacking inspiration that day. There are some sports I do casually, like hiking, but without specific long term goals, I tend to sleep in a little longer, enjoy a few more treats, swim fewer laps, not do as many runs, I get a little lazy! Not only do goals keep me motivated but they keep me trying new things, new sports, new ways of doing things. I turn 40 this weekend and I hope I'm still dreaming up new goals when I'm 80!
Kim later add:
KR: Every phase of my life has had different levels of sports participation. Running a business and raising a little girl (both are 5 years old now!) keeps me busy and getting out and doing something for me refreshes my mind to take on new challenges not so much in sport but in life. What motivates me is simply staying fit, feeling good and clearing my mind so I can enjoy a healthy long life with my family.
Z: Happy Birthday Leanne...the "lazy"side of you is not a glaring part of your personality! Kim and Leanne, I look forward to Girls4Sport.com continuing it's upward journey of growth, success and ongoing health!
Readers: *What motivating forces energize your sport/business goals? What are the motivating long and short term goals you are pursuing for sport and business success in 2009?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tennis Legend Billie Jean King Donates Racket for Hula on the Bay
Tennis legend Billie Jean King has graciously stepped up and provided the Aunties of the U'ilani Fund an autographed racket for the upcoming fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 9th.
Sports visionary Billie Jean King, also known as "Mother of Modern Sports" over her entire career has lent her name and been a champion as a player and for causes all her life. Billie's accomplishments are profound:
* Won 39 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles tennis titles, including a record 20 at Wimbledon.
* Was one of the players who broke away from the tennis establishment and accpeted $1 contracts from tennis promoter Glady's Heldman in Houston. The revolt led to the birth of the women's professional tennis and the formation of the Virginia Slims Tour and Women's Tennis Association.
* Empowered women and educated men when she defeated Bobby Riggs in one of the greatest moments in sports history -the Battle of the Sexes in 1973. (Although Billie recalls the match not being that great competitively :-). The match between the two is remembered for its effect on society and its contribution to the women's movement.
* Founded the Women's Tennis Association (1973), The Women's Sports Foundation (1974), and Women's Sports Magazine (1974).
* Co-founded World TeamTennis (1974), the groundbreaking co-ed professional tennis league (which remains active today). She founded the World TeamTennis Recreational League, one of the most popular recreational tennis formates in the U.S.
* Billie was honored on August 28th, 2006 when the national Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in honor of King's contributions to tennis, sports and society both on and off the court.
Here is a fabulous opportunity to bid on an auction item donated by the legendary Billie Jean King and support the generous cause of, The U'ilani Fund. The U'ilani Fund http://www.uilanifund.org/ was created in December of 2000. Since it began, the fund has given away over $100,000 to women seeking complementary care for breast cancer. The fund was developed by a group of friends who had a connection with Dr. Marina Lee U'ilani Bermudez who did not survive her battle with cancer. During U'i's illness she managed her pain and took part in activities she loved by utilizing available complementary care, acupunture, Chinese herbs, massage, Qu Gong and other alternative approaches to managing pain and stress.
To learn more about the upcoming "Hula on the Bay" which will also feature, The Kapalakiko Hawaiian Band and Dancers, local wines, tropical drinks, Cal-Hawaiian Cuisine, all on the historical Sherman Restaurant in Burlingame, http://www.theshermanrestaurant.com/ please go to http://www.uilanifund.org/ or purchase tickets on-line at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/. Select event title: Hulu on the Bay.
The aunties look forward to seeing you there!
Aloha
Sports visionary Billie Jean King, also known as "Mother of Modern Sports" over her entire career has lent her name and been a champion as a player and for causes all her life. Billie's accomplishments are profound:
* Won 39 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles tennis titles, including a record 20 at Wimbledon.
* Was one of the players who broke away from the tennis establishment and accpeted $1 contracts from tennis promoter Glady's Heldman in Houston. The revolt led to the birth of the women's professional tennis and the formation of the Virginia Slims Tour and Women's Tennis Association.
* Empowered women and educated men when she defeated Bobby Riggs in one of the greatest moments in sports history -the Battle of the Sexes in 1973. (Although Billie recalls the match not being that great competitively :-). The match between the two is remembered for its effect on society and its contribution to the women's movement.
* Founded the Women's Tennis Association (1973), The Women's Sports Foundation (1974), and Women's Sports Magazine (1974).
* Co-founded World TeamTennis (1974), the groundbreaking co-ed professional tennis league (which remains active today). She founded the World TeamTennis Recreational League, one of the most popular recreational tennis formates in the U.S.
* Billie was honored on August 28th, 2006 when the national Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in honor of King's contributions to tennis, sports and society both on and off the court.
Here is a fabulous opportunity to bid on an auction item donated by the legendary Billie Jean King and support the generous cause of, The U'ilani Fund. The U'ilani Fund http://www.uilanifund.org/ was created in December of 2000. Since it began, the fund has given away over $100,000 to women seeking complementary care for breast cancer. The fund was developed by a group of friends who had a connection with Dr. Marina Lee U'ilani Bermudez who did not survive her battle with cancer. During U'i's illness she managed her pain and took part in activities she loved by utilizing available complementary care, acupunture, Chinese herbs, massage, Qu Gong and other alternative approaches to managing pain and stress.
To learn more about the upcoming "Hula on the Bay" which will also feature, The Kapalakiko Hawaiian Band and Dancers, local wines, tropical drinks, Cal-Hawaiian Cuisine, all on the historical Sherman Restaurant in Burlingame, http://www.theshermanrestaurant.com/ please go to http://www.uilanifund.org/ or purchase tickets on-line at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/. Select event title: Hulu on the Bay.
The aunties look forward to seeing you there!
Aloha
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Bright Young Female Athletes of Today
I had the pleasure of participating as a speaker and participant at the StoneFit Professional Women Athletes Career Conference, in S.F. last weekend and was impressed by the young and talented female athletes that attended. The choices of sport careers for young women of today has expanded tremendously. Although most sports outside of tennis, or golf don't provide enough substantial prize money to actually live on the winnings. The quest for sponsorship from companies to keep the professional dream alive is a true challenge for these women. For many others they must keep under the umbrella of an Olympic team to further their athletic adventures.
The goal of the two day conference was to help professional women athletes by including new information on training, conditioning and injury prevention. As part of the weekend, CrossFit trainer, Kelly Starrett and Eva Twardokens gave attendees an opportunity to participate in morning work-outs. It was impressive how quickly, Olympians and athletes who work-out on a regular basis can be exhausted! Applause goes out to Amy Seiwert, the dancer in our group work-out, who danced for the Smuin Ballet for nine years and now is a choreographer....she showed up and pushed, pulled, jumped and ran along with all of us!
I hope my presentation in the career development sector of the conference, "Maximizing the Athletic Transition" connected with some of the audience. Successful or not the paid athletic career is a quick window of opportunity. Many of the sporting dangers of the skiers left me with the impression that their time can be particularly short. Transition out of sport happens for a variety of reasons. Transition motivators include,
Age, De-selection, Injury or Chronic Illness, Goal Fulfillment.
Why do athletes put off exploring the next phase of their professional careers?
Common Myths:
a) Planning for life after sport interferes with focusing on current achievements.
b) Being an athlete, "I don't know how to do anything else." (concept makes some sense since being an athlete you have been competing, training and traveling, vs. looking at other aspects of your career goals.
c) No other profession could ever be as satisifying.
Myth Busters:
a) Research studies suggest that post athletic career planning actually lessens anxiety about the transition process.
b)Athletes develop transferable skill strengths through-out their athletic training and competitive experiences. (Ask me what they are and I will give you a list).
c) Post athletic careers take a different form and can be more broadly life fulfilling. ( I offered plenty of examples during my talk).
Process of Transitioning:
Keep in mind that as an athlete when you retire from competitive sport you still have many productive career years left.
Similar to visualizing your development in sport you begin to visualize your post career professional life. For most people career development is a gradual process. Each experience builds into the next.
Some women athletes that attended the conference, will make it onto the podium and hold up the big prize and hopefully convert the victory into dollars and endorsements. Others will continue to try. Both athletes will bring a tremendous amount of enterprise and energy to the table in their next careers.....thank you for sharing your stories with me.
Thanks to, Dr. Kevin and Susan Stone of the Stone Clinic
Brett Ortiz
Trish Fong and the rest of the Stone Clinic Staff for their time and putting on a fun event.
Congratulations to SheJumps
Thanks,
Bee K.
Career path is not typically a linear process, where are you now in your professional career?
The goal of the two day conference was to help professional women athletes by including new information on training, conditioning and injury prevention. As part of the weekend, CrossFit trainer, Kelly Starrett and Eva Twardokens gave attendees an opportunity to participate in morning work-outs. It was impressive how quickly, Olympians and athletes who work-out on a regular basis can be exhausted! Applause goes out to Amy Seiwert, the dancer in our group work-out, who danced for the Smuin Ballet for nine years and now is a choreographer....she showed up and pushed, pulled, jumped and ran along with all of us!
I hope my presentation in the career development sector of the conference, "Maximizing the Athletic Transition" connected with some of the audience. Successful or not the paid athletic career is a quick window of opportunity. Many of the sporting dangers of the skiers left me with the impression that their time can be particularly short. Transition out of sport happens for a variety of reasons. Transition motivators include,
Age, De-selection, Injury or Chronic Illness, Goal Fulfillment.
Why do athletes put off exploring the next phase of their professional careers?
Common Myths:
a) Planning for life after sport interferes with focusing on current achievements.
b) Being an athlete, "I don't know how to do anything else." (concept makes some sense since being an athlete you have been competing, training and traveling, vs. looking at other aspects of your career goals.
c) No other profession could ever be as satisifying.
Myth Busters:
a) Research studies suggest that post athletic career planning actually lessens anxiety about the transition process.
b)Athletes develop transferable skill strengths through-out their athletic training and competitive experiences. (Ask me what they are and I will give you a list).
c) Post athletic careers take a different form and can be more broadly life fulfilling. ( I offered plenty of examples during my talk).
Process of Transitioning:
Keep in mind that as an athlete when you retire from competitive sport you still have many productive career years left.
Similar to visualizing your development in sport you begin to visualize your post career professional life. For most people career development is a gradual process. Each experience builds into the next.
Some women athletes that attended the conference, will make it onto the podium and hold up the big prize and hopefully convert the victory into dollars and endorsements. Others will continue to try. Both athletes will bring a tremendous amount of enterprise and energy to the table in their next careers.....thank you for sharing your stories with me.
Thanks to, Dr. Kevin and Susan Stone of the Stone Clinic
Brett Ortiz
Trish Fong and the rest of the Stone Clinic Staff for their time and putting on a fun event.
Congratulations to SheJumps
Thanks,
Bee K.
Career path is not typically a linear process, where are you now in your professional career?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Raising the Ceiling of Possibilities
Congratulations to all the Beijing Olympians and the many amazing performances they have produced so far during these Games. Congratulations to the steadfast support people that have and currently participate in the athletes journey of success. The parents who created the opportunity for an athlete to participate in sport, knowledgeable coaches, nutritionists, sport psychology counselors and consultants, sport medicine docs who continue to develop treatments for faster injury recovery, physical therapists, resistant stretching coaches etc....The athlete becomes the super star on stage for all to watch - the spotlight performance. After years and years, hours and hours of training, competing, developing their physical and mental skills they've won their spot in the "big show." (Opening ceremonies was a decadent beginning).
Noteworthy during the very visible successes of athletes such as Michael Phelps and Dara Torres is that in their success they raise the bar of possiblities for every young or aging athlete who will follow in the years to come. Achieving such success at their level, because of fantastic talent coupled with refinement of expanding knowledge in sport science creates opportunity. At the junior, collegiate, senior and social recreational level, coaches and athletes listen closely to pick up more information about the Olympians process and what they can add to their work-outs to become better performers. The Olympics is the vehicle to display the athletic goods, but the overall athletic process is the ingredient worth taking time to study. Success from the super stars bump up the the level of sport in every bracket of participation, because it expands peoples belief in possibilities for their own athletic accomplishments. As the innovations of sport science expand, the information continues to improve and trickle down into the general sport populace and as a results broadens choices of physical and mental training.
So much gratitude to all the Olympians who continue to raise the bar of athletic development and offer the rest of the world the gift of these amazing performances!
On the other hand are there are problems and issues to address as sport participation advances.
Kids "chosen" for athletic greatness, leaving for academies while still in childhood. (Although most countries do have a system or methodology to gage the probability of a child having the genetic potential to become a great athlete). In some situations sport is the great hope for a family to made ends meet. When the athlete reaches stardom the lives and future of the family change forever. The now have life choices they never would have been offered before.
This occurs in the U.S.A. and in other countries. There are athletes who benefit but others who don't make it through the academy systems. This is a long study in and of itself. Athletes who don't recover from early injuries due to over use, a fall, or other injuries. The taboo of discussing homosexuality in sport continues to scare people. Which is interesting because most athletes know who is and is not homosexual. The subject matter appears to be a bigger issue for administrations than the athletes. Gender and the particular sport makes a difference as to the level of queasiness this topic of discussion produces. The use of steroids and designer drugs will continue to be a hot topic in the years to come. But again the drive for excellence alters athletes and spectators. Sport continues to evolve and with it the athletes who participate, their support systems, and the audience that are drawn to watch.
Keep raising the bar of excellence.
Noteworthy during the very visible successes of athletes such as Michael Phelps and Dara Torres is that in their success they raise the bar of possiblities for every young or aging athlete who will follow in the years to come. Achieving such success at their level, because of fantastic talent coupled with refinement of expanding knowledge in sport science creates opportunity. At the junior, collegiate, senior and social recreational level, coaches and athletes listen closely to pick up more information about the Olympians process and what they can add to their work-outs to become better performers. The Olympics is the vehicle to display the athletic goods, but the overall athletic process is the ingredient worth taking time to study. Success from the super stars bump up the the level of sport in every bracket of participation, because it expands peoples belief in possibilities for their own athletic accomplishments. As the innovations of sport science expand, the information continues to improve and trickle down into the general sport populace and as a results broadens choices of physical and mental training.
So much gratitude to all the Olympians who continue to raise the bar of athletic development and offer the rest of the world the gift of these amazing performances!
On the other hand are there are problems and issues to address as sport participation advances.
Kids "chosen" for athletic greatness, leaving for academies while still in childhood. (Although most countries do have a system or methodology to gage the probability of a child having the genetic potential to become a great athlete). In some situations sport is the great hope for a family to made ends meet. When the athlete reaches stardom the lives and future of the family change forever. The now have life choices they never would have been offered before.
This occurs in the U.S.A. and in other countries. There are athletes who benefit but others who don't make it through the academy systems. This is a long study in and of itself. Athletes who don't recover from early injuries due to over use, a fall, or other injuries. The taboo of discussing homosexuality in sport continues to scare people. Which is interesting because most athletes know who is and is not homosexual. The subject matter appears to be a bigger issue for administrations than the athletes. Gender and the particular sport makes a difference as to the level of queasiness this topic of discussion produces. The use of steroids and designer drugs will continue to be a hot topic in the years to come. But again the drive for excellence alters athletes and spectators. Sport continues to evolve and with it the athletes who participate, their support systems, and the audience that are drawn to watch.
Keep raising the bar of excellence.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sport Psychology Consultants
The term "Peak Performance" has come a long way in the last 10 years. It has developed into a commonly used buzz word in business, athletics and day to day living. More than ever there is a link between the word peak performance and sport psychology consultant.
In the book, "Applied Sport Psychology,"(1993), Ken Ravizza, Ph.D. (kinesiology) a sport psychology consultant interviewed 20 male and female athletes from a range of competitive skill levels in twelve different sports his research findings report that the act of being in a state of "peak performance" to these athletes included: loss of fear-no fear of failure, no thinking of performance, total immersion in the activity, effortless performance, feeling of being in complete control.
Jim Loehr, Ph.D.(education) in the same chapter concluded through his hundreds of interviews with athletes that athletic performance could be increased through a combination of feelings which include:
high energy(challenge, inspiration, determination, intensity), fun and enjoyment, no pressure, optimism and positiveness, mental calmness, confidence etc....
For a moment let's accept that two Ph.D's with different academic backgrounds can help establish an orientation of the word "peak peformance." But what is the definition of a sport psychology consultant? Are training people in peak performance skills the only service they provide?
The Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) puts out a helpful guideline for choosing sport psychology consultants and guidelines for what the differences between consultants and services may offer. In the AASP guidelines for choosing a sport psychology consultant they suggest, "Professionals who provide sport psychology services generally take one of two academic routes to obtain their credentials: the sport science route (through physical education or kinesiology programs) or the psychology route (through clinical
or counseling psychology programs).
Guidelines: Sport psychology consultants may provide a variety of services. Some providers have combined their training to include sport science and counseling psychlogy services. So when you are thinking about hiring a sport psychology consultant ask yourself the following:
-What types of services am I looking for? Ex: a sport psychology consultant who develops performance enhancement programs for an individual or a team? A sport psychology consultant who is skilled in teaching specific mental, behavioral, psychosocial and emotional control skills for sport. A sport psychology consultant who can help with parental or coach pressure and/or team dynamics. A sport psychology practitioner that can work with injured athletes on the mental aspects of injury and preparing to re-enter the sport competitively.
- Ask, what specific licensing, certifications, credentials, academic training and experience does this professional have that will assist in providing those services?
Sport psychology is a growing aspect of sport culture at every level of participation. Whether the players are professional, collegiate, high school, youth or seniors, the field offers athletes, coaches, families, teams, a variety of useful services. Spend some time thinking about what services you want and do a little research to figure out who is qualified to provide them.
For further information check out: http://www.aaasponline.com/
In the book, "Applied Sport Psychology,"(1993), Ken Ravizza, Ph.D. (kinesiology) a sport psychology consultant interviewed 20 male and female athletes from a range of competitive skill levels in twelve different sports his research findings report that the act of being in a state of "peak performance" to these athletes included: loss of fear-no fear of failure, no thinking of performance, total immersion in the activity, effortless performance, feeling of being in complete control.
Jim Loehr, Ph.D.(education) in the same chapter concluded through his hundreds of interviews with athletes that athletic performance could be increased through a combination of feelings which include:
high energy(challenge, inspiration, determination, intensity), fun and enjoyment, no pressure, optimism and positiveness, mental calmness, confidence etc....
For a moment let's accept that two Ph.D's with different academic backgrounds can help establish an orientation of the word "peak peformance." But what is the definition of a sport psychology consultant? Are training people in peak performance skills the only service they provide?
The Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) puts out a helpful guideline for choosing sport psychology consultants and guidelines for what the differences between consultants and services may offer. In the AASP guidelines for choosing a sport psychology consultant they suggest, "Professionals who provide sport psychology services generally take one of two academic routes to obtain their credentials: the sport science route (through physical education or kinesiology programs) or the psychology route (through clinical
or counseling psychology programs).
Guidelines: Sport psychology consultants may provide a variety of services. Some providers have combined their training to include sport science and counseling psychlogy services. So when you are thinking about hiring a sport psychology consultant ask yourself the following:
-What types of services am I looking for? Ex: a sport psychology consultant who develops performance enhancement programs for an individual or a team? A sport psychology consultant who is skilled in teaching specific mental, behavioral, psychosocial and emotional control skills for sport. A sport psychology consultant who can help with parental or coach pressure and/or team dynamics. A sport psychology practitioner that can work with injured athletes on the mental aspects of injury and preparing to re-enter the sport competitively.
- Ask, what specific licensing, certifications, credentials, academic training and experience does this professional have that will assist in providing those services?
Sport psychology is a growing aspect of sport culture at every level of participation. Whether the players are professional, collegiate, high school, youth or seniors, the field offers athletes, coaches, families, teams, a variety of useful services. Spend some time thinking about what services you want and do a little research to figure out who is qualified to provide them.
For further information check out: http://www.aaasponline.com/
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Finding Articles
Requests for clarity regarding the magazine links to the article from my web site:
Six Smart Tips for Coaching the Adolescent Brain. The articles from the links provided on the bottom of the page may be accessed by going to http://abc7chicago.com/ clicking onto the
"health" section on the left side of the page and inputting, The Teenage Brain April 14th, 2004
by Judy Hsu.
Also, http://www.usaweekend.com/ in the "find articles" space provided put in, The Teen Brain
Tim Wendel May 18th, 2003.
That should do it! The other articles can be found on line by Googling "teenage brain articles."
Enjoy the education.
Six Smart Tips for Coaching the Adolescent Brain. The articles from the links provided on the bottom of the page may be accessed by going to http://abc7chicago.com/ clicking onto the
"health" section on the left side of the page and inputting, The Teenage Brain April 14th, 2004
by Judy Hsu.
Also, http://www.usaweekend.com/ in the "find articles" space provided put in, The Teen Brain
Tim Wendel May 18th, 2003.
That should do it! The other articles can be found on line by Googling "teenage brain articles."
Enjoy the education.
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