Don't Be a LeBron

Yes, it’s about three days later, but I’m about to develop an analogy based on two NBA Playoff celebs. I mean, I have to; the playoffs this year have too many sound bytes to avoid a comparison. Is your club a LeBron, or a Dirk?

After an enjoyable game six we got to hear from “The Chosen One” (LeBron James) himself. According to him, it doesn’t matter what you think. He is going to go on living his life whether you like him or not, whether he wins a championship OR NOT, whether you buy Nike or not, and whether he plays for Miami, Cleveland, the U.S. national team or in his own backyard.

LeBron doesn’t care about who you are. And, although, Dirk may equally not care about what you think, he makes you believe he does. He has a funny side, he appears to be a hard worker and he had a desire for an NBA title, because Dallas deserved a basketball title, not to complete his legacy.

LeBron may be one of, if not the greatest, basketball players of all time. But, in terms of a club — he’s a virus to a community. He’s the club that receives a lot of bad publicity, the one that doesn’t care about its members. He’s the type of club that makes a lot of money, but that’s just because of volume, not value.

Do you want your club to be the LeBron of society?

(If you answered “yes” to the above question, please stop reading this blog and never return.)

Of course you don’t! That’s why you are my favorite club in the world! You care about your people, and you opened a fitness club because you knew it would be beneficial to the community. Way to go you!

But, don’t pat yourself on the back too much, or you become the Cleveland version of LeBron, that believed he actually won every game with zero help from anyone.

Many clubs have a hard time identifying with their local communities. That’s not always the club’s fault, but it can be hard to identify with people that don’t care about health.

However, it is part of your role to make them care. Sometimes, you have to position your club as a solution to better health and a better lifestyle.

Put yourself out into the community and work with kids, seniors and underprivileged citizens that may not be able to afford a membership. Citizens that CAN afford a membership will take notice and want to align themselves with the club that cares about its community.

Today, Dallas loves Dirk because he brought home an NBA title. But, before, he was an active member in the community. In his post-game interview with Hannah Storm, he thanked the city of Dallas for supporting him and the Mavs during their building years. Who would LeBron thank had he won? One can only pontificate that it would be the big three and potentially Pat Riley (he better thank Riley).

You know you don’t want to be the club version of LeBron James — even if he is “The King” (Note: Elvis was the King, not LJ). Make your club the Dirk. Introduce members to health, fitness and a better life. Make your club the place to be in the community. Remember, all this is important if you have a desire to win championships!

P.S. I’m not from Cleveland, I don’t live near Cleveland, but I like good guys that can hold their own and win national championships.