I am a big fan of “Sports Talk” Radio, specifically the Dan Patrick Show. The cast, consisting of Dan Patrick and his four “Danettes,” talk about the daily happenings and events encompassing the world of sports. Throughout the course of a show, they often pose questions and present different scenarios for further discussion and debate. For example, they might ask the question, “Whose career would you rather have…Charles Barkley, a former NBA Most Valuable Player and Olympic Gold Medal winner who played on the original Dream Team? Or Robert Horry, who over a 16-year NBA career won 7 NBA Championships with 3 NBA teams (Rockets; Lakers; Spurs)? Sir Charles never won an NBA Championship, while “Big Shot Rob” won 7, earning that nickname because of his propensity to hit clutch shots in big games.
I am a big fan of “Sports Talk” Radio, specifically the Dan Patrick Show. The cast, consisting of Dan Patrick and his four “Danettes,” talk about the daily happenings and events encompassing the world of sports. Throughout the course of a show, they often pose questions and present different scenarios for further discussion and debate. For example, they might ask the question, “Whose career would you rather have…Charles Barkley, a former NBA Most Valuable Player and Olympic Gold Medal winner who played on the original Dream Team? Or Robert Horry, who over a 16-year NBA career won 7 NBA Championships with 3 NBA teams (Rockets; Lakers; Spurs)? Sir Charles never won an NBA Championship, while “Big Shot Rob” won 7, earning that nickname because of his propensity to hit clutch shots in big games.
One of my favorite topics they routinely visit is the difference between a “Very Good” player and a “Hall of Fame” player, the best of the best.
An example of this might be a Joe DiMaggio vs. Mark Grace comparison. DiMaggio, the Yankee Clipper, is considered one of Major League Baseball’s all-time greats who clearly belongs in the Hall of Fame. But what about Mark Grace, the former Chicago Cub first baseman? Over the course of a 16-year career, Grace had 2445 hits, 173 home runs, and a lifetime .303 average. Although perhaps not worthy of the Hall of Fame, he had a stellar career that certainly merits a “great” classification!
I love these questions as there are a lot of variables within these athletes’ careers, no matter the sport, that can impact which Hall they might enter. Career statistics, length of tenure, World Championship Titles, and media relationships all play important roles in either supporting or diminishing a player’s final rank. Any deficiencies in these measurables could mean the difference between the two.
Recently I started thinking of my own profession in this regard.
When it’s all said and done and my possible status within the conceptual “Salesperson Hall of Fame” is decided, will I have a bronze statue of my head in the main lobby? Will customers and peers gather around my bust and reminisce about my career performance, considering it as possibly one of the greatest of all time?
Or would I be a ticket taker on the outside of the Hall, handing out programs and collecting fees for entry? As the guests would walk by, I would hear comments like, “Well, this is about as close to the Hall of Fame as he could possibly get. He was very good (debatable); but obviously not good enough to belong in the Hall of Fame!”
The recognition is not mine to decide as that consensus comes from my customers, colleagues, and even my own company. But I can certainly keep the criteria at the forefront of my thoughts and attitude toward my profession.
Considerations such as:
So Hall of Fame vs. Hall of Great, where will you place? If you’re like me and dedicated to your craft, the Hall of Fame is certainly within reach. And if not, entrance into the Hall of Great is commendable as well. Just ask Mark Grace!
I only ask that you at least do everything possible to stay out of the Hall of Shame! We both know you’re better than that!
Written by John Willman, Sales Manager
The Dan Patrick Show is presented Monday through Friday from 9 AM-12:00 PM Eastern Time on Sirius XM 85. It can also be streamed via the Peacock network.
