In this episode of the Student of the Game podcast, host Brad Noll sits down with his long-time friend, James O'Connor, to delve into the complexities of branding and personal branding in relation to the recent name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations. James discusses, the ABCs of NIL, which helps in understanding the key aspects of these regulations. From highlighting the transformative potential of leveraging NIL for marketing and recruitment to pinpointing the roles of agents, banned industries, conflicts, disclosures, and more, James shares valuable advice for student-athletes, parents, small business owners, and anyone interested in the ever-changing landscape of college sports and branding.

Quote

• "NIL is neutral. You can do good with money, you can do bad with money. Right? So many things in life are neutral. NIL is neutral.” -James O'Connor [06:41] 

• "NIL encourages skills development outside of the chosen sport. If you have put your fundamentals into being able to grow the best grass, then you probably haven't had the time to create the best digital content, but partnering with a person who has the platform and the skills to do the content so that your end user can readily consume it as a win win.” -James O'Connor [36:14] 

Guest Bio

James O’Connor practices employment law by consulting with clients on

compliance matters and by advocating on behalf of clients in litigation matters.

He has extensive experience with asserting and defending insurance-related claims

and coached corporate clients through cybersecurity/data breach events. In the

Name Image and Likeness space, he has drafted NIL policies for universities and

marketing agreements for Student Athletes. He has been a registered civil mediator

for more than 13 years and has significant experience with negotiations of all kinds.

Timestamps

(00:00) Exploring Personal Branding Through Name, Image, and Likeness

(04:19) The Evolution and Impact of NIL in College Athletics

(17:39) Leveraging NIL Deals for Community and Business Growth

(24:08) Guiding Student Athletes Through NIL Opportunities

(28:29) Using Social Media to Help Others and Build Personal Brands

(37:30) Purdue Fort Wayne's Community Impact and Athletic Excellence

(40:56) Winning at Life Through Family, Career, and Community

Noll Team Real Estate

SINCE 2003, Noll Team Real Estate HAS BEEN HELPING PEOPLE IN THE FORT WAYNE AREA FIND THE FREEDOM TO LIVE THE LIFESTYLE THEY WANT.

DESPITE CHANGING MARKETS AND BUSINESS TACTICS, WE HAVE REMAINED TRUE TO THIS BETTER AND IMPROVED BUSINESS MODEL BY FOCUSING ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND SERVING OTHERS IN EVERYTHING WE DO.

WHATEVER STAGE OF LIFE YOU ARE IN, OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE WISDOM AND TOOLS NECESSARY WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME. WE PUT YOU FIRST TO ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE AND PROFITABLE EXPERIENCE.