Mr. Wistrcill's secret to success

[ZachTheZip]

http://www.nacda.com/sports/convention/spe.../062010aaa.html

Mentoring Institute "Putting Together the Most Valuable Network"

Dubbed by NACDA Past President, Women’s Athletics Director at the University of Tennessee and moderator Joan Cronan as the “postgraduate course for intercollegiate athletics administrators,” the Mentoring Institute got underway this afternoon with University of Akron Athletics Director Tom Wistrcill’s discussion on “Your Valuable Network.”

Wistrcill admitted that he has a built-in expanded network as a result of the eight positions he has held within athletics over his short career, but offered up suggestions on other ways to build your own.

“The art of building alliances that are mutually beneficial,” stated Wistrcill, is the true definition of networking. “The NACDA Convention is a great place to be, and you’re not making good use of your time here if you’re not out networking.”

He would go on to point out that collegiate athletics is a small world, consisting of just 1,200 institutions, but its network is huge. Just think of how many people make up the following groups: friends, family, co-workers, former co-workers and all these groups’ entire networks.

A tactic he suggests is to visit with other AD’s and colleagues on road trips, and to call ahead to make random campus visits along the way. “We have a ‘come on over’ profession” as he called it, full of people more than willing to show off their respective campus and have a chat. While visiting, good things to ask include how they got from Point A to Point B in their careers, and how they’ve handled difficult situations along the way.

After the visit, instead of a follow-up e-mail, shoot them a call, or even better, a hand-written note. People get dozens, if not hundreds, of e-mails a day that are instantly forgotten, but calls and personal notes are always remembered. After you’ve networked, displayed patience, listened and learned, and set a goal, Wistrcill gave a final piece of advice on being ready once that call comes.

“There are two elements to keep in mind,” he said. “Documented success and people who can talk about you; being first-team all-lobby at NACDA wont get you an AD job, but having both of these things in place will.”