Messages I’ve Received on LinkedIn and Which Ones I Respond To
Message: “My goal is to work in the NBA. I’m hard working and high energy. Do you have internships available.”
Response: We don’t but send your resume and I’ll put it on file.
Meaning: You’re probably not ready to step into the NBA yet but keep up the good work
Message: I read through your posts. I want to let you know that I appreciate and value them! Your posts motivate me. Good luck!
Response: Thanks so much for your kind words, feel free to reach out anytime!
Meaning: Thanks for not asking for anything, you are welcome to further connect.
Message: Thank you for your article! These are some great tips as I start my internship in the WNBA. Can I reach out to you for some further advice?
Response: That’s exciting, congrats! Here is my number.
Meaning: Good for you to put yourself in position to get an internship, I would love to help in any way I can.
Message: Hi! How are you?
Message: Thanks for connecting! I’d like to connect further!
Message: Here’s my number, call me when you have time.
Message: Let’s set up a Zoom to chat.
Message: Let me know when you have 20 minutes to further discuss your article.
Message: Can you read through my scouting reports and give me feedback?
Message: I have a service that could help you.
Message: I read your article, working in the NBA is my dream. Can we talk?
Response: (…crickets)
Meaning: I’m not interested.
Message: Can I work for you for free?
Response: Sorry… but check in with the G-League
Meaning: There are HR rules, NBA teams often can’t accept free work.
Message: I work in Finance but want to work in basketball. Can you help?
Response: …
Meaning: If you’re working in another industry, you’re likely not jumping straight to the NBA. Go get a job or internship in the G-League or NCAA or even at your YMCA… and take the next step to develop your skillset.
Message: I’m currently coaching at a University and am looking to transition into a VC role in the future. Do you have any advice on pursuing internships?
Response: E-mail me at…
Meaning: Yes, I’ll give you some advice (but please read my articles first, many questions have already been answered, but I am happy to help)
Message: I’ve learned the power of networking and would like to further my connection with you.
Response: …
Meaning: I’m sorry, but I’m not a networker. It’s just not my style. I understand the value for a lot of people but I keep a smaller circle and don’t network for networking sake.
Message: I am currently enrolled in an educational course and am looking to connect for an informational interview.
Response: Here is my email
Meaning: Yes, to informational interview (keep it at that, sometimes, people like to finish it up by expecting a job offer or asking for something, you’ll never hear from me again)
Message: I’m looking to connect and further my work in basketball / video. Any advice?
Response: …
Meaning: I’ve written plenty of articles, read them
Message: I am a student manager at my University. I heard you speak at a conference and was inspired by your story. I’m learning further how to code video. Could we connect?
Response: Here is my email
Meaning: Student managers with a passion to further grow… would love to help
Message: I just graduated as a student manager and am looking for internship opportunities. I’ve read your articles, can I ask you some questions?
Response: Feel free to reach out at phone number or email
Meaning: You’re on the right track, let’s get you to that internship
Message: I am currently working stats for an NBA team with a goal of being in a front office. May I ask you some questions to further my growth and learning?
Response: Feel free to email or call
Meaning: You’re on the right track
Message: I’m a college basketball player at a D1 school and want to get into video after I’m finished. Can I talk to you about your role?
Response: Please contact me after your season is complete, my email is…
Meaning: I was not allowed to speak with current college athletes while working in the NBA (but am available now). After being a college athlete, you have a great opportunity to transition into a GA role or professional internship due to experience you’ve already gained on the court.
Message: I heard you speak and would love to hear more about your path and experience!
Response: …
Meaning: I’ve already written it down… gotta be more creative with your questions
Message: How’s it going? Do you have any opportunities available?
Response: …
Meaning: Go online and look for opportunities
Message: My dream is to work for the Trail Blazers, what advice would you have?
Response: …
Meaning: 90% of us who worked in basketball operations for the Blazers weren’t from Oregon. You go where the opportunities are. I’m from Indiana, moved here from Virginia, taking an unpaid internship. If you want to work in the NBA, it’s likely not going to be with your hometown team.
Message: I am a Grad Assistant and I am looking to build my network of coaches.
Response: …
Meaning: even if you’re a GA or Student Manager, networking still ain’t my thing. Come with something better than networking.
Message: I saw a video on-line of you and would like to talk further about that
Response: …
Meaning: That video was around 15 years ago… a lot has changed in my career and path and I’m not looking to rehash things I said or thought 15 years ago
Message: How’s the team looking this year?
Response: …
Meaning: I’m not on LinkedIn to shoot the shit about hoops
Message: I am a Sports Management student with a deep passion for basketball. I would love to ask you some more questions.
Response: Here’s my email
Meaning: Ask your questions
Message: I found your articles and they have been really helpful and useful to me. I even got an NBA internship. I’d love to chat with you sometime.
Response: Absolutely, that’s incredible! Congratulations. Here’s my number, call when you have a chance.
Meaning: I am stoked that what I’ve written has been helpful. And congrats to you on getting your internship. Now that we’re both working in the League together and likely to cross paths, let’s connect further.
Message: I’m currently in college and want to be a VC in the NBA. Can we set up a Zoom?
Response: …
Meaning: Definitely not, I’m not looking to Zoom… try starting with an email
Message: I’m currently a Student Manager at University, I’d like to set up a phone call with you next week …
Response: …
Meaning: Student manager likely yes… but once you put a time frame on it, I’m likely not gonna respond. You need to work around the schedule of the person you are trying to connect with.
Message: How do I get an NBA internship?
Response: …
Meaning: google it, literally. That’s what I did when I wanted to get in the NBA. I googled NBA jobs. That was the start.
Message: I have a special technique to improve your players shot-making? Hop on a call next week?
Response: …
Meaning: I may have passed your message on to the staff… because they’re entertaining, not because we expect you to improve our players shot-making ability
Message: I read your article. I didn’t know the NBA had internships. Can you tell me more?
Response: …
Meaning: Call an HR department.
Message: I am a student at University and currently interning in the WNBA. Can I pick your brain?
Response: Here’s my number
Meaning: I will talk to almost anyone who is working in the WNBA or G-League. A lot of people want to go straight to the NBA. Gotta get that experience first and you’re on the right track!
Message: I am a Grad Assistant at University. I would love to ask a few questions about your journey?
Response: Here’s my email
Meaning: Ask your questions
Message: Do you have any advice for me to work in the NBA?
Response: Here’s my article attached
Meaning: Here’s some advice written down
Message: I’m a huge Blazers fan. I’d love to connect.
Response: …
Meaning: I’m more interested in connecting with those putting in the work as student managers, GA’s, WNBA, G-League, etc than Blazers fans. You can call any local radio show if you wanna chat Blazers with someone.
Message: I just finished my first season working in the NBA and would love to pick your brain on some work / life balance
Response: Absolutely, here’s my number
Meaning: Thank you for the specific question… it took me 7 years in the NBA to find a work / life balance and I would love to help someone who can maybe find that a little quicker than me. That’s what it’s all about, helping one another.
***
I try to get back to most LinkedIn messages and e-mails. But a 100% way for me to get back to you is to join one of my courses. That’s where I’m pouring a lot of my time and energy into and I am happy to help and guide anyone who signs up.
Sign up here: NBA Training Camp 2022-2023 w/ Full Season Option