Pippen Perfect, Even for a Knicks Fan

Just a few days ago, we put the final touches on an appearance with former NBA star Scottie Pippen for a corporate client. I am very happy we got the business and that the client is using Mr. Pippen as a spokesman.

Pippen is a perfect choice for the client, who is from the Chicago area. And I mention the Pippen appearance not only because it’s an example of how TSE tailors appearances to the client’s target market, but also because it reminds me of the importance of getting to know the athletes. For me, I grew up a Knicks fan, so I was rooting for Pippen to fail as much as possible. It’s funny how most of the guys I couldn’t stand as a kid turn out to be the best people in the business. I only didn’t like them because of the uniform they wore!

Others in this category? Jim Rice and Bill Walton. A Red Sox and a Celtic. Are you kidding me? I couldn’t have rooted harder against these two guys watching them play. Now, after meeting them and seeing what an amazing job they do at company outings, I couldn’t be a bigger fan of both of theirs. Same with Andre Tippet of the Patriots. Truly a first class person.

Of course, sometimes it works the other way. Guys you grew up rooting for turn out to be real jerks. Fortunately the majority of these players mellow out as they get older and are easy to be around. Still, some just aren’t great to work with.

With years of experience in the athlete and celebrity marketing game, I know who to recommend. He or she may not be the superstar you grew up idolizing, but I know who works best in certain corporate situations. I often look forward to meeting my arch enemies as a kid because it seems they are the nicest guys. I guess I was rooting for the wrong teams!