With all the recent to do surrounding the ABP and various associated topics I have been thinking about the idea of a player organization and the challenges it faces. A few points that have come to mind are:
- If the goal is a unified front to collectively bargain for members interests then in business matters pertaining to the those interests it is vitally important to convey a coherent, concise and consistent message detailing the objectives and reasoning of the group.
Thats a fancy way of saying "Pick a mouthpiece and everyone else shut up." I think the use of of the ABP account on this forum by an unknown number of people shows what not following the above principle can do to undermine public support for a group effort. By having ONE spokesperson and having everything come through them consistently it allows for people to easily tell when something is coming from the group versus an individual member. This not only appears professional but it gives credibility to the messages that are released by this spokesperson.
- Promote the value added aspect of a players organization to fans and promoters.
In other words "You catch more flys with honey than vinegar." A group would be best served by showcasing the positive aspects of working with them. For example: Explain to promoters that by working with the group and using things such as their seeding process and other points they want to see in the event that the promoter will gain value for his event.
Ways to demonstrate this value:
1.Guaranteeing all players in the group will be at the event and any member who can not attend due to a valid reason will not play in any events on the dates of the promoters event.
2. Have the group and its members actively and demonstrably help the promoter publicize the event through group and individual networks. Think what having 30 top players all blast facebook, twitter and email contacts with news about an event could add for a promoter. It's not inconsequential. But for it to really mean something it would have to be organized and consistent.
3. Provide promoters with access to group partners and sponsors. Mike Janis is probably the best in the world at this. When someone signs up to do one of his events they automatically get access to his network of sponsors and companies that he has put together to add value. Another example would be for a group to make strategic alliances with a table company, cloth company and things of that nature so they could provide a one stop shop for promoters. This is not to say that those companies would be exclusive. It is very important to not restrict promoters opportunities for sponsorship by having exclusive requirements on brands of equipment. The option should be there though for a promoter to use if they see fit.
4. Actively and honestly do the small things needed to grow the fan base at a grass roots level. This is a very simple thing but is so often either done poorly or neglected all together. Simple things like signing autographs, playing free challenge matches and pro-am events all matter but only if done as part of a greater strategic initiative to accomplish the goal of having individual fans leave with the impression "Hey these guys are pretty cool. Next time I get the chance to see them I am going to come back." Two examples of groups where this was embedded in the culture are NASCAR and Skateboarding. Both grew from small niche sports beginning with grass roots PR campaigns that are carried through to this day.
There are many more points where a group could add value to fans and promoters. The key is to stress the positive aspects of working with a group. Everyone knows that the groups big stick is a boycott. There is no need to go waving that stick around in public. Much better to have the people who pay your salary to be focused on the carrot.
- If you can't BE organized at least ACT organized.
It is hard as hell to get ten people to agree on anything let alone twenty to forty people who made a living in a dog eat dog individual sport such as pool. Accept that fact and only make statements on things in which the group will stand behind one hundred percent. There is no need to overreach. As soon as the defections start it is essentially over for the group at such an early stage.
-Know who is in the foxhole with you.
In order to be taken seriously a group must have an unshakeable knowledge about who is in the group and the role they play. If this does not happen the group will fail under stress. Be sure the people you say you represent know you are using their name and have an understanding of the the choices and statements being made in their name.
Finally...
- It's a small world after all.....
Pro pool in the U.S. is a tiny world. A group should do their best to leverage all the contacts and outside resources available to it. Do not be afraid to ask for guidance, advice or support. You don't have to take it but just the fact that a group is open to it will build bridges that can open doors and smooth the way for future. Do not be quick to judge people "against the players" if they do not tell you what you want to hear. Take value from as many opinions and statements as you can in order to constantly reshape and sharpen your message with the end goal always being to improve the lot of group members and add value to the fans.
That pretty much sums up my manifesto on group dynamics in the pool world. I would be interested in any opinions, additions or flame posts anyone may have.
- If the goal is a unified front to collectively bargain for members interests then in business matters pertaining to the those interests it is vitally important to convey a coherent, concise and consistent message detailing the objectives and reasoning of the group.
Thats a fancy way of saying "Pick a mouthpiece and everyone else shut up." I think the use of of the ABP account on this forum by an unknown number of people shows what not following the above principle can do to undermine public support for a group effort. By having ONE spokesperson and having everything come through them consistently it allows for people to easily tell when something is coming from the group versus an individual member. This not only appears professional but it gives credibility to the messages that are released by this spokesperson.
- Promote the value added aspect of a players organization to fans and promoters.
In other words "You catch more flys with honey than vinegar." A group would be best served by showcasing the positive aspects of working with them. For example: Explain to promoters that by working with the group and using things such as their seeding process and other points they want to see in the event that the promoter will gain value for his event.
Ways to demonstrate this value:
1.Guaranteeing all players in the group will be at the event and any member who can not attend due to a valid reason will not play in any events on the dates of the promoters event.
2. Have the group and its members actively and demonstrably help the promoter publicize the event through group and individual networks. Think what having 30 top players all blast facebook, twitter and email contacts with news about an event could add for a promoter. It's not inconsequential. But for it to really mean something it would have to be organized and consistent.
3. Provide promoters with access to group partners and sponsors. Mike Janis is probably the best in the world at this. When someone signs up to do one of his events they automatically get access to his network of sponsors and companies that he has put together to add value. Another example would be for a group to make strategic alliances with a table company, cloth company and things of that nature so they could provide a one stop shop for promoters. This is not to say that those companies would be exclusive. It is very important to not restrict promoters opportunities for sponsorship by having exclusive requirements on brands of equipment. The option should be there though for a promoter to use if they see fit.
4. Actively and honestly do the small things needed to grow the fan base at a grass roots level. This is a very simple thing but is so often either done poorly or neglected all together. Simple things like signing autographs, playing free challenge matches and pro-am events all matter but only if done as part of a greater strategic initiative to accomplish the goal of having individual fans leave with the impression "Hey these guys are pretty cool. Next time I get the chance to see them I am going to come back." Two examples of groups where this was embedded in the culture are NASCAR and Skateboarding. Both grew from small niche sports beginning with grass roots PR campaigns that are carried through to this day.
There are many more points where a group could add value to fans and promoters. The key is to stress the positive aspects of working with a group. Everyone knows that the groups big stick is a boycott. There is no need to go waving that stick around in public. Much better to have the people who pay your salary to be focused on the carrot.
- If you can't BE organized at least ACT organized.
It is hard as hell to get ten people to agree on anything let alone twenty to forty people who made a living in a dog eat dog individual sport such as pool. Accept that fact and only make statements on things in which the group will stand behind one hundred percent. There is no need to overreach. As soon as the defections start it is essentially over for the group at such an early stage.
-Know who is in the foxhole with you.
In order to be taken seriously a group must have an unshakeable knowledge about who is in the group and the role they play. If this does not happen the group will fail under stress. Be sure the people you say you represent know you are using their name and have an understanding of the the choices and statements being made in their name.
Finally...
- It's a small world after all.....
Pro pool in the U.S. is a tiny world. A group should do their best to leverage all the contacts and outside resources available to it. Do not be afraid to ask for guidance, advice or support. You don't have to take it but just the fact that a group is open to it will build bridges that can open doors and smooth the way for future. Do not be quick to judge people "against the players" if they do not tell you what you want to hear. Take value from as many opinions and statements as you can in order to constantly reshape and sharpen your message with the end goal always being to improve the lot of group members and add value to the fans.
That pretty much sums up my manifesto on group dynamics in the pool world. I would be interested in any opinions, additions or flame posts anyone may have.
Last edited:
All the talk about the pros should keep their mouths shut more, and you come up with 
