Beijing 2008: Go for the Gold Today

I am on my way to China this week to do some site checks for the 2008 Olympics. I am very excited to tour Beijing and I’m looking forward to next year’s Olympic festivities.

While the 2008 Summer games are still 12 months out, we at TSE are already starting to field requests from corporations and organizations looking to bring in former Olympic greats for appearances and speaking engagements. Shannon Miller, Summer Sanders, Carl Lewis. These are just some of the names that bring to mind the excitement of the Olympics.

Its amazing how these athletes maintain their popularity over time. Is it because of their tremendous performances in past games? Maybe it’s because of the way they marketed themselves after the games? I think it’s probably a little bit of both. One thing is for sure… the Olympics give unknown athletes an unparalleled opportunity to leave his or her mark on the world forever. Next year in Beijing, several will stamp their names on the list of greats.

These games are sure to be like no other because they will be played in China. That means more people then ever will be watching. That means more opportunities for these athletes in their post Olympic lives then any who have come before them. I believe it is important for Olympic athletes to strike while the iron is hot. If they that wait too long or fall out of the spotlight, they’ll risk losing the major marketing appeal they garnered during the games.

The smartest athletes are looking for endorsement opportunities even before the games start. They are marketing themselves on the buzz of the Beijing Olympics and the possibility they will become a star. Meanwhile, the smartest companies are booking these athletes right now for speaking engagements and appearances. It’s really like picking a stock. So get down to it, pick your winner, and book a future gold medalist today!