Last Wednesday, I took a late flight down to Nashville, TN, to help a friend get acclimated into her new home.  While there, I went to a AAA baseball game in Nashville, ( A Milwaukee Brewers affilitate), and a AA game in Knoxville TN, (A Chicago Cubs affiliate).   WOW, what a difference...Not only in appearance, but also in the way the franchise carried themselves, and how they put their "product on the field".   I have always known, being the baseball fan that I am, that MANY good MAJOR LEAGUE baseball players jump straight from AA to the pro's, and that AAA teams are used for recovering from injuries, or, to get more "reps" until you make it back to the SHOW!  Until this trip, I didnt realize the direct corrolation between the product and the Marketing plan!  So, here is a comparison between the two...and more importantly, ask yourself.....

How do YOU put your product on the field? 

AA Kodak, Tn- Tennessee Smokies

First of all, they have RYNE SANDBERG as their Coach!  

Second, beautiful stadium.

Third, HUGE gift shop ATTACHED to the Smokey Mountains Visitor Center.

Fourth, WONDERFUL in  between innings promotions, and an onsite "promotions guy" on the field with a wireless microphone.

Fifth, a sports bar/cafe, with a family atmosphere and buffet! As well as a great "set" of Mascots!

Sixth, the STAFF was amazing!  EVERYONE was friendly, and even the guy who sold us our program told us where to line up to have Ryno sign autographs for us!  In addition, the woman in the information booth took our picture! 

Seventh, even with RAIN during the day, the staff was out wiping off the seats so we wouldnt get wet!

Eigth, the FOOD was awesome!  They even incorportated a "local" BBQ place, and I had the BBQ Nachos!  Yuuummmm

Ninth, an awesome post game, Fireworks display! 

Tenth, a SWEET scoreboard, with Huge Video Screen, and Radar gun!

Overall, the CLASS level at this ballpark was extremely high!  Oh, and did I mention we sat in seats right behind the screen on the way to home plate, for $9.00 per seat! NEVER, was any part of our exprienced discounted because it was "Only a AA" team!  They had a MAJOR LEAGUE mentality!

Now, let's talk about the Nashville Experience.... 

AAA Nashville Tn - Nashville Sounds

First, Free Parking but IMPOSSIBLE to find the way to the ballpark!  POOR signage!

Second, Cool new scoreboard shaped like a guitar, but one video screen didnt work, and no radar gun!  They JUST put 2.5 million into the stadium!

Third, beautiful field, but crappy stadium!  (see above) huh?

Fourth, the gift shop was MAYBE 10x16, and had NO Brewers attire at all!

Fifth, food was okay but surprisingly expensive and no "local" flavor.

Sixth, a few in between innings promotions that were very lame..BUT, a great "Run the bases" for kids AFTER the game!

Seventh,  no restraunt on the premises, sports bar, or any "real" kind of place for a family to hang out at!  However, they did sell "boiled peanuts" on the promenade!

Eigth,  the Mascot Ozzie, was okay...but his "FUZZY UNIFORM" was DIRTY and looked "second rate". 

Ninth, the Staff there could really care less if we were there or not...it was kinda like they were all looking around expecting the franchise to fold at any minute!  Even the guy selling programs (that looked like Church bulletins at best) was not motivated!

Tenth, no fireworks, but they DID give away cool hats that were actually really nice! 

Overall, the experience was okay.  Again, sat behind home plate, and the tickets were $10.00 after the taxes.  The most entertainment came from the 3 drunk guys behind us yelling at the RENO ACES catcher!  This stadium was pretty sad, and there was no true effort put into anything!  Noone was excited to be there, but the baseball was very good, and we got to see Escobar, the Brewers most promising player go 0-5, and make 2 errors! 

Again, this is a AAA team, with less than a "Single A" mentality!  

Which way do YOU run your business? 

Do you always present yourself in a professional manner?

Do you motivate others?

Do you create a sense of urgency in your buyers or customers?

Do you provide the best service possible?

Do you smile?? (yes, people notice)

Do you put your best product "on the field"?

I sure hope the answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES!   If it is not, you seriously need to re-think how you are running your business!  Take a lesson from the Smokies and remember that perception is reality, and the reality is that PEOPLE want to work with people that are motivated, honest, professional,forthcoming and MAJOR LEAGUE! 

Happy Selling!  As always, I welcome all questions, comments, issues and concerns!

You can email me at Darin@osmwi.com

or

Feel free to visit my blog at

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!