Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Anderson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sydney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up playing sports, and it’s been my dream to own my own sports agency since the 6th grade. I watched my older brother hire a player agent while he played professionally for 3 years. I remember hearing him complain about what his agent was not doing for him. This really stuck with me. When I entered college at Indiana University, I had the opportunity to help out in the football recruiting department on game days. I began to notice similar issues my brother experienced from my friends who got drafted and went on to play professionally. Collectively, these two things inspired me to want to change that narrative. I wanted to help professional athletes achieve their goals off the playing field and be someone they could count on to get the job done.
I received my second opportunity as a marketing intern for a minor league baseball team my junior year of college. There, I was able to lead the marketing department, assist with game day operations, and help the players with their community initiatives. I learned a lot about myself through this particular internship, including my passion for marketing. When I graduated college the following year, I didn’t have a job. I applied everywhere, even outside my area of interest. I worked multiple jobs while attempting to pursue my passion to work with professional athletes. That same year, I was fortunate enough to land a job at a marketing agency and sign my first client. I spent two years there before branching off and starting my own sports management company.
I started Anderson Sports and Brand Management to help professional athletes achieve their personal and professional goals off the playing field. I took my love for sports and desire to help others and turned it into a business. I noticed there was a lack of off the field representation and some needs of individual athletes were not being met on a consistent basis. I structured my company to be able offer a wide variety of services so that a majority of player’s off the field needs could be met. Recently, I expanded to help those outside of sports. More than anything, my goal has always been to help every individual I come in contact with build a sustainable brand and use his or her platform for good.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has not been an easy one. Learning to build a sustainable business has its challenges. There’s always that “what if” when you start something you have never done. I had never run a business, so of course I second guessed myself numerous times. I learned a lot of business principles in college, but there were still things I had to learn in order to lead other adults and help them with their careers. My first year operating my business was a lot of working and learning at the same time.
Along with these things, it has been tough being a woman working in a male dominated field. It is a constant fight for equality. I started this journey when I was 22 years old, so it was a constant fight to obtain a certain level of respect from my male counterparts. The sports industry is very competitive. You can spend time building a great relationship with a player, and they could still choose someone else for their representation. Knowing this, I still always tell myself that if I can get in the room, I will secure the deal.
Anderson Sports and Brand Management (ASBM) – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Anderson Sports and Brand Management helps professional athletes, entertainers, and businesses/business owners with their personal and professional goals. Our goal is to maximize and secure opportunities, while building a sustainable brand. We specialize in marketing, public relations, business development/branding, and community relations. We also offer social media management, event management, help creating foundations, and concierge services.
I am most proud of the way in which my company has been able to meet the needs of each client, as well as our client retention rate. The biggest difference between Anderson Sports and Brand Management compared to other companies, is the effort we put in to go above and beyond for our clients. Each client is different, so we structure plans to fit each individual or company’s needs. Our level of creativity is unmatched, and we make sure each client has an opportunity to be great beyond their respective sport or business.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success looks different to a lot of people. For me, success means achieving the goals and visions that I set for myself…whatever those goals may be (I add new ones all the time). My indicators for success are personal happiness, business sustainability, longevity, my ability to give back, and overall financial stability.
Contact Info:
- Email: Sydney@asbmagency.com
- Instagram: @asbmagency
- Facebook: ASBM Agency
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