Sure, we are all professionals, so I could be talking about you. But this story is based on a professional basketball player. Have you heard about this?
Apparently, over a week ago (I just caught this story recently) a Professional Basketball Player from the Milwaukee Bucks was caught TWEETING during halftime during HIS basketball game. Charlie Villanueva (@CV31 on Twitter) was tweeting during halftime of the Celtics / Bucks game a week ago Sunday. The tweet read "In da locker room, snuck to post my twitt. We're playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half. Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up."
The message seems simple enough. He was just sharing his thoughts, like we all do during the day, right? Well, the Coach Scott Skiles didn't think so. He wanted it clear that Charlie is to take his job seriously. During halftime is a time to reflect on things the team needs to improve upon to win the game. He felt that his TWEET was a sign that he was not focused on the game.
Some people just don't get twitter. Coach Skiles may be one of those people, or perhaps in this scenario he has a valid point. There were tied at halftime, so its not like the team was WAY ahead and could relax a little. So naturally it makes me wonder about our customers and what they think about Twitter. Do you think your clients feel the same way? Perhaps they are watching your twitter updates and wondering if you found their new home, marketing their property, designed their website, or closed their loan.
What do you think... did Coach exaggerated or did he have a right to talk with the player?
If you are interested in the full story, here is the link from NBCNewyork.com website.
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He gets paid to perform while in uniform... in my opinion, that includes half time preparation for the second half.
Cameron Novak
Corona & Riverside Short Sale Specialist
The Homefinding CenterTM
Corona, California
951-212-7479
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John -
This is not a big deal! But it seems the media will grab anything!
What if the player said a prayer or affirmation - or meditated for a minute - or wrote a positive note to himself?
Not tweet-worthy, I guess!
As long as it didn't interfere with half-time pep-talk - no big deal, I say!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
I think that the coach was spot on, half time is definitely a time to focus on the team. There is a time and place for Twitter, half time isn't it. We are going to see more of this kind of thing with Twitter. People don't stop and think about how public it is.
I certainly think the coach had a right to talk with the player since he's ultimately responsible for the team's performance and has the right to impose whatever level of discipline he deems necessary to keep his team in focus. Coaches have the right to expect 110% during a game (especially considering how much money some pro athletes are paid). I probably wouldn't have flipped out like the coach, but i've never coached a pro team before so i really can't say what i would do. but when coaches slack on discipline, the results can be devistating. i'm sure you recall the wonderful season the Cowboys had this past year, and many people seem to believe the breakdown in discipline was the straw that broke the camel's back.
In our business, there are certain situations and times that are "game times" when we have to give 110% of our focus and attention either directly or indirectly to the client. Loan applications come to mind, as well as pretty much any other time when we have outstanding work to complete to meet a deadline or ensure a closing will happen on time. If I started Twittering or writing a blog in the middle of a loan app, obviously I could see where someone would have a problem with that. That would be akin to Twittering at halftime. But as long as we manage our time wisely and perform as expected, i think people realize that blogging and tweeting is something that's both informative and helpful to our clients, as well as necessary for us to gain new business. Perhaps that's a difficult concept for some people who have jobs outside the realm of sales and/or marketing to grasp, but it's part of our job as much as turning a wrench is part of a mechanics job.
Uh, who won the game? That would be the true test! The guy gets paid to work (play basketball) and he should understand that. If his followers really paid attention to him, they'd be WATCHING the game and know it was tied at halftime!
To me, it seemed as if he was thinking out loud and just putting his thoughts down on paper. I see nothing wrong with what he "tweeted" about. Had it been, "The coach is an A**" or, "I'm not into the game tonight", that would be a different story. I agree that he is paid to wear the uniform and perform, even during half time. I don't understand why he can't share his feelings, however. I feel like he did nothing wrong. I suppose the coach has to draw a line in the sand, however. It could get out of control with future players.
I am starting to get a bit concerned with clients following me on FB...one mentioned yesterday about a comment I had made. Luckily, it was a semi-professional statement. Just a reminder that I need to watch my P's and Q's. I really would prefer to just have my friends as followers, so I can be myself and have fun, while staying connected. Many would disagree with me, saying it's all about the social media aspect of growing your business. I guess if I'm going to have fun, it will have to be on AR on the members only posts :)
I just heard about this myself yesterday. I think the coach has a valid reason to be angry about the situation, but I'm sure all the player's followers were pleased with the update.
Cameron - Sounds like you side with the Coach. Cant blame you. He should be focused.
You make a good point Dean. If he had wrote himself a note or something as a pep talk, this would not have been a big deal. Is it because it was so 'public' that this was a big deal? The media does blow things up typically. The coach made him provide an apology though from what I understand.
Kate - When I first read Cameron's message I think I agreed but the more I think about it, I feel like its not that big of a deal. Dean made a good point that if he wanted to meditate or write in his journal this wouldnt be an issue. Its the fact that its Twitter. Who cares how 'others' perceive this basketball player during halftime? He can take a minute for himself as long as it does not interfere with his "work", right?
John - The coach had a right to be made, I agree there. I still don't think it was a big deal, but as you stated the coach is responsible for the teams performance. If the team does not play well and has a losing season, the coach is OUT. So, he has a valid reason to be upset. In general though, I think its okay to send a tweet during the day. Sometimes thats a lunch break for me if I don't leave the office. I pick up on some conversation, share some helpful links, or maybe just play some music. Now, if I drop the ball on something, then people have a right to gripe about my performance. Ultimately, if I can manage my time wisely to network and complete my tasks, then Im doing okay. Completely understand your point though and the perception of our clients who may be watching.
Ken - The Bucks won the game. They won by about 10 or so. CV had 19 points and 7 rebounds. He also ended up fouling out after about 25 minutes of play. I didnt see the game itself. Had to check out the stat sheet. Overall, they beat the #3 team in the East, which is not too bad. But had they lost, I could see the Coach being a little more upset.
E - I think its okay to let your clients see who you are. Then again, I have seen that side of you and maybe its best to keep it hidden a little. LOL Ultimately, that is the goal of social media though. Let them see the true you so they know who they are working with. I agree that it helps business. Sure, there are others that will disagree and clients I will lose because of it. But if they don't like me, perhaps it wasnt meant to be. As for the players comment. I agree that he was just sharing his thoughts. Had he made a bad comment or held a conversation with someone about 'what are you doing tonight', then that would be a different story.
JL - Looking at it from a Coach's standpoint, I can see the issue. But at the same time, he was just sharing his thoughts. He was just stating the fact that he must focus and play harder. Based on stats and the outcome, looks like he did just that.
John... I played sports half my life... I have also referred some, and coached some.... I would not put up with this. Tied, ahead, behind... halftime is a time to focus, listen to the coach, and go over a game plan. To me, he didn't take this seriously and was goofing off... technology can get many of us in trouble. It would be like if you were in a meeting and you were tweeting. To me, that is also showing disrespect because you aren't listening.
I am not trying to sound harsh... but what if you were doing a mortgage application and your client pulled out their phone and started to tweet.... not even ask... and you were asking questions? Just curious...
In regards to his performance... I don't care how well he did.... what if he didn't do well? Then you could point blame? I just think this gives more reason for people not to pay attention.. just my .02.
Jeff - I do see your point. Certainly it would be rude to pull out your phone and text message or tweet while still talking with someone. I didnt see in the report if it was while the coach was talking or afterwards. It would definitely not be okay if the coaches was still giving his 'pep talk'. If he was done, I think its okay that they take a quick minute to send something. He wasn't responding to someone and/or holding a conversation. He jotted down his thoughts, like in a diary.
Again, if the coach was talking, I completely agree with your point. Its disrespectful and it shows lack of focus.