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Former Member

“There’s something about 18 years, 18 is a good number, and today I retire from professional football.”

True to his character, a humble, eloquent, and emotional Peyton Manning took the stage to offer his heartfelt message speaking to his past, present, and future. He thanked everyone that helped him along the way, expressed a deep reverence for the game, and yet seemed eager for what’s next…

There are moments in time when mankind is blessed with a cadre of greatness. A group of trailblazers that mastered their abilities like no one before them. This rare breed inevitably changes the landscape for everyone that follows. Magically, the stars align every so often to provide a flash that changes the course of our world. From the Founding Fathers of the late 1700’s, to the musical revolution of the 1960’s. Or tech icons Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates, to the latest golden age of Quarterbacks. Greatness comes in many different varieties, and today, an instant legend, is hanging up the cleats. But I can assure you, he’s not “retiring” just yet.

Job-Hopping


We all go through it, in fact, the average worker today stays at his or her job for less than 4.5 years. Changing jobs has become the new normal for Millenials, and 91% of us (not me) expect to stay in our current job for even less time (3 years). It may seem like a blip on the radar, but after 14 fruitful years with the Colts, Manning parted ways and spent 4 more at his second place of employment – the Denver Broncos. Now, he’s getting ready to hop again.

Although he’s technically part of Generation X, he’s starting to act like a Millenial. Perhaps it’s time for Peyton Manning to consider building his digital footprint, starting with these 5 tips:

  • List Experience Relevant To The Job You Apply For: So while Mr. Manning is a savvy business man (partnering with the likes of Papa Johns, Buick, DirecTV, Nationwide, Gatorade, and Nike), this won’t help him earn a coaching position. Instead, he’ll want to tailor his profile to focus on his ability to win the locker room, QB experience, and relentless game day preparation. All are qualities that translate into a successful coach.

  • Seek Recommendations: Many suggest that Peyton may want to stay in the NFL and transition from QB to General Manager. With no previous GM experience, this could prove challenging. If hired, it will be based on his potential, not experience. A recommendation from a respected leader in that role, can carry some serious weight. Like this one from Bill Polian, “He’s well-prepared to do that. He could step right from the playing field into a role like GM, because he’s ready.”

  • Show Your Loyalty: A common fear toward someone that has continually job-hopped, logically is… they’ll do it again. No employer wants to invest in a new employee that doesn’t plan on staying (Employer tips for onboarding & retention, here). Peyton has two kids and if he decides to apply to be their “Soccer Dad”, he’ll need to earn his wife’s confidence. It would behoove him to ensure that she’s fully aware of his volunteer work to help ease her anxiety. For instance, he’s run the Peyback Foundation since 1999, and the Manning Passing Academy for 21 years, proving he’s not afraid of commitment.

  • Write A Dynamic Digital Summary: To someone unaware of the future hall of famer, he may appear somewhat dry on paper. But there’s more than meets the eye here. Peyton is very likable, well-spoken, and he’s a subject matter expert when it comes to football. He may be interested in becoming an announcer. To do so, he’ll need to ensure that his vibrant personality POPS on his profile. He’ll need to express his passion, team-first attitude, and ability to both work off a script and ad lib. A high quality head shot and embedding some multimedia to his LinkedIn profile (preferably his SNL skits) will also serve him well.

  • Social Listening: Whatever he decides, he’ll need to tactfully collect intel to help devise his strategy and better influence decision makers. What he learns could be as simple as finding a connection or passion point with his hiring manager, to offering a new tactic against the competition. He’s utilized game film to exploit the weaknesses of his opponent for years and it’ll serve him well to continue this moving forward.

Personally, I'd love to hear him announcing games but I wouldn't be surprised if he joined the coaching staff for his alma mater, the Tennessee Volunteers. Now it’s no secret that Manning isn’t on LinkedIn or Twitter just yet, so he’s got some work to do. But I’m confident that once he starts his digital transformation, he’ll do just fine no matter which path he chooses.

Wanna help Peyton? Add your tips in the comments section below. Think you know what his next career will be? State your case.

Are you an SAP Employee and would like to learn more about social selling? Reach out to me privately for info, training, and access to some very powerful tools.

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