4 media relations lessons from Michigan State’s Tom Izzo
Successful college basketball coaches have survived a winnowing far more demanding than most CEOs ever face. Here’s what a great coach can teach us about media relations and interviews.
Regardless of whether you’re a basketball fan or a Michigan State fan, you’ve heard the name “Tom Izzo.”
“Mr. March” embodies success on and off the court. His hard work, commitment and passion have helped him run Spartan basketball like a company and establish it as a well-known brand around the country.
He’s led Michigan State to 18 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, seven Final Four appearances, seven Big Ten Championships and an NCAA Championship, but what is most admirable is his dedication to the “business” he has run for 21 years, and the way he communicates to his “clients” and the media.
What we see on TV most likely isn’t always his behavior in the locker room at halftime, but, win or lose, Izzo knows how to communicate and provide valuable content to get his point across. Izzo not only wins, he understands how to win-in the way he presents himself, the team and the Spartan basketball brand.
It makes sense to note a few of Izzo’s tried-and-true media tactics and learn firsthand from one of the best:
When being interviewed:
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