Well, that did not take long… My rabid readers will be keenly aware that I intend to be in some form of educational program for the rest of my life. 

Starting in the fall term, I will be starting a Master of Science in Sports Marketing and Media.

Why another Masters Degree? 

As many of you know, my wife Michele and I own Mushing Magazine and its related properties. I am an active member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and wanted to find a project that could advance my knowledge in this area and better serve our clients with the most up-to-date techniques and academic literature to support that mission. 

Besides, I thoroughly enjoy challenging myself in an academic environment, conducting research projects, and delving deeply into academic writing. 

What does the Master of Science in Sports Marketing and Media look like?

I am starting off in the first course, BUSI 520 Strategic Marketing Management, and following that up later in the first term with MRKT 640 Consumer Behavior. 

Other courses in the program will include: 

• BUSI 612 Marketing Promotions 
• BUSI 613 Supply Chain Management 
• BUSI 614 Marketing Research 
• MRKT 600 Applied Market Research
• MRKT 640 Consumer Behavior 
• MRKT 661 Ethical & Legal Issues in Marketing 
• MRKT 670 Brand Management 
• MRKT 690 Marketing Strategy Capstone
• SMGT 502 Sport Marketing & Public Relations 
• SMGT 506 Economics & Financial Management of Sport
• SMGT 632 Sport Development & Sales

I have already completed two of the latter courses, as they are part of my original Master’s program. 

I am most excited about the capstone project, which integrates the concepts, techniques, and knowledge of the marketing core concepts, and I will analyze and develop comprehensive marketing strategies.

I am already thinking of a way to launch a major project for this capstone. 

How Will You Use the Master of Science in Sports Marketing Right Away? 

Michele got me a book for Christmas called Ideaflow (2022), which I am devouring. It is the first non-academic book I have read since I started school in 2014. I am utilizing the key concepts in the book to develop a mindset around idea generation and workflows, and I plan to use this as well as what I learn in the coursework to better understand and serve our customers and clients, particularly in our MUSHING business.

I look forward to learning about marketing research, consumer behavior, and brand management.

For years, I have thought I was fairly skilled in marketing and advertising, and it has served me well in developing a six-figure dog training business; however, there is still much to learn. 

What is Up First? 

Well, like I did (almost) every week, I will update my struggles, triumphs, and tribulations as I move through the program. I hear from at least one person a week who says my blog has helped them in some way.

I will update or tag them by course number (ie, BUSI 520, etc.)

Furthermore, stay tuned for a significant project in Mushing, which we are calling the 24 Hours of Iditarod, taking place in Nome in March. 

I will also be attending several conferences with a deliberate focus on this new venture, including:

• Podcast Movement in Dallas, Texas 
• The Outdoor Media Summit
• The Niche Media conference in Las Vegas, NV
• The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education conference in San Diego, CA. 

I’m not sure if I’ll spend a whole day every week sipping on a single Starbucks coffee as I write, amidst the din of noise and commotion, like I did for the last two degrees, but we’ll see. It is going to be a fun year!