NFL Player turned entrepreneur: Kent Jordan & Klicksports.com
Just in time for today’s Super Bowl between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, I had the pleasure of interviewing a gentleman by the name of Kent Jordan last week on my podcast, “The Dino Herbert Show – Every Day Hero“. Kent is a former NFL player who played for the Oakland Raiders (they were in Los Angelos at the time). Kent was able to live the dream of many young college football players: he was drafted into the NFL!
Kent’s experience provides a good example of lessons that can be learned by entrepreneurs: new or otherwise.
Let your disappointments drive you
After the initial excitement of being drafted, Kent’s career in the National Football League was short-lived. After only 2 years as a professional, Kent had a career-ending accident that ended everything. As Dr. Seuss says in his classic, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”, you can achieve your dreams in an easy manner “…except when you don’t; because sometimes you won’t. I’m sorry to say so, but sadly it’s true…that Bang Ups and Hang Ups can happen to you” (Excuse the reference…I have toddlers in the house – and the Doctor’s lessons are fresh!)
Kent could have chosen to follow the path of some former NFL players and turned to drugs and alcohol. Or he could have chosen to lean back on his communications degree and get a “real job”. But he chose otherwise. He chose the path of becoming an entrepreneur. Soon after his NFL career ended, Kent found himself at a technology start up. It was at this start up where he met his future business partner, Jose daVeiga and the two eventually decided to start Klicksports.com. Kent stated that it was perhaps his disappointment at having such a short NFL career that has fueled his desire to succeed as an entrepreneur.
Fill a need in the market – Klicksports
Klicksports has been dubbed “the Twitter for sports fans”. Officially it’s live sports-based interactive gaming, but the analogy gives you the sense of what’s its all about. The system allows you to make predictions about scores, support your team and show off your sports knowledge about the National Football League, Major League Baseball, major college teams and they’re considering cricket at some future date! Klicksporters can participate either online or via their mobile device while the game is in progress. The top players earn points and can win prizes.
I took part during the Super Bowl and found it simple to sign up and participate. There were several questions that were asked during the game, but not enough to be distracting. The system also me appraised of how my performance compared to other players.
It seems that Klicksports has found a niche and is serving it well. A very important component of being an entrepreneur.
Other Words of Wisdom
Mental toughness
Just like in football, an entrepreneur must have mental toughness to deal with the many obstacles that will come. In fact, Kent believes that you have to be a little stubborn to do well as an entrepreneur.
Believe in your ability
No success is possible otherwise.
Seek advice
Every one needs a coach or a mentor at some time.
It’s Tough Out There
It’s not an easy task. Sometimes a change in plans will be necessary. Sometimes you may need to “take a job” to tide you over.
Be able to see the entire field
“Be open to options” or “don’t close your mind” to associated opportunities, is the way Kent put it. This will allow the entrepreneur to take the path that is most likely to lead to success.
I hope that you were as encouraged by the story of Kent Jordan and Klicksports.com as I was.
For the thrill of the jump,
Dino Herbert