Episode 7 is all about the return of rugby! With both codes (league and union for the uneducated) returning in August, we invited Mick Hogan on to the show. Mick has been involved in Rugby League & Rugby Union for his entire 27-year career, in marketing, as CEO, Chair and consultant to major events.
Mick talks about the differences between marketing domestic games and international events, the benefits of community marketing, the challenges ahead for the game and tells a great story about Russ Abbott (ask your granny about him).
We’ve got a T.O.P.T.I.P from Helen Pollitt, MD of Arrows Up. Helen has a brilliant way of looking at reporting and you get a great insight into her thought process in just 90 seconds. Check it out.
You also get 10 minutes from me, talking again about asking the right questions. This dives into the benefits of asking better questions, and builds on the discussion from Episode 6 (which you should check out - it’s great, honest!).
As always, a big thanks to our sponsor, Moyee Coffee. I’m a big fan of the coffee and the work they’re doing to help farmers in Ethiopia and Kenya achieve a living income. Please check them out.
Mick Hogan – MMG Sports Ltd
Mick has worked for both English domestic rugby governing bodies (RFL & RFU) as well as CEO for top level rugby clubs Wigan Warriors, Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons. All three clubs experienced significant commercial growth across attendances, corporate hospitality sales, sponsorship, new events and community engagement.
He worked as General Manager (City Operations) for England 2015, the organising body of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and led the process for the selection of host cities and venues. The tournament attracted 2.4m people who attended the 48 games held at 13 venues in 11 host cities.
Mick was the Event Director for Newcastle 2019 leading the bid and then successful delivery of the European club rugby finals staged at St James Park, the home of Newcastle United. The Heineken Champions Cup Final was the fastest selling in the event’s 24-year history and the Challenge Cup Final broke UK attendance records.
Mick has set up three charitable rugby foundations and served on the board of Premiership Rugby.
Currently he is managing director of sports consultancy business MMG Sports Ltd. He is executive director at Newcastle Falcons, chairman at Newcastle Thunder RL Club, a member of the English Cricket Board’s Host Venue Panel and consults for the Rugby League World Cup 2021.
You can connect with Mick on Twitter @MickHogan2
or on LinkedIn.
No book recommendations from Mick this week. His advice - talk to people in your industry.
T.O.P.T.I.P from Helen Pollitt
Helen is MD of Arrows Up, an agency that empowers businesses and marketers through SEO training, consultancy and digital team growth management.
Helen is a brilliant conference speaker, trainer and writer even if she has issues with my shoe / sock combos.
Find Helen on Twitter @HelenPollitt1 or on LinkedIn.
Andi Jarvis
It’s still worth checking out the 7 Questions framework blog I wrote and read it while you’re listening to me talk about asking better questions.
Make sure to give the show a 5 Star rating wherever you can, it really helps!