The passion and enthusiasm and the dollars involved in getting a new brand off the ground, or re-establishing a staid one, are so important in phase one of a launch. However in sports, like in an entertainment or a restauraunt or any other start up launch, tempering enthusiasm, living within budget, connecting to the community around you and growing in effective stages (especially in today's economy) are also key elements that often get lost in the shuffle. The UFL, the IFL.the WUSA, the ABL, the New Jersey Gladiators, the AAFL are just some examples of recent startup ventures that had the best of intentions and a lot of the money but missed on some of the key elements in order to complete long term success and vision. Now into the fold comes the NLL Boston Blazers.Already the Blazers appear to have hit on many key elements needed for success…unique, well funded promotions, an understanding of the market, an arena that has interest in them as a tenant, a sport that is “perceived” to be hot, and owners who are both passionate and fiscally responsible about the product. There is no doubt that Boston is a lacrosse town, and the Blazers have made the right first steps in the community to build market awareness. Whether that can translate into financial success in a region that has had more than its share of onfield success lately, or whether that success at first is even needed, remains to be seen. But at first glance the Blazers have pushed the right buttons and could follow the successful stories of franchises in the NLL like Philly and Denver who have done well both in fan perception and at the box office.for those who missed Rich Sandomir's profile of the Tennis Channel's Ken Solomon, it is a great example o.finding the appropriate audience around a mega event to tell a very unique story…well pitched, well placed and well received…the Miami Herald has a good profile of all those going into the Hoops Hall of fame this weekend…the Globe and Mail has a solid profile of Atlanta Falcons GM Tom Dimitroff Jr…and si.com's Michael Lombardi has a very interesting looks at the defining characteristics of what makes a Super Bowl contender.
