1) Assuming you're safe. In these lean times budgets are being slashed and programs are being cut. Don't think you're insulated. Take action to minimize your risk (raise money, strengthen your fan base, create multiple means of communicating with thousands of fans)

2) DIY Approach. You don't have to be the Bob Villa of your program and fix everything yourself. Learn to delegate. Choose three simple tasks that you can outsource to a student, parent or supporter.

3) Believing that better technique will strengthen your program. Head wrestling coach at the University of Minesota J Robinson said it best (paraphrased) "Wrestling will not survive based on how well we teach single-leg and double-leg takedowns but on how well we market the sport."

4) Looking for instant results. Strengthening your program through marketing, fundraising and "fan raising" is a process, not an event. Just because you send a press release or email newsletter doesn't mean you're done. Just like building an athlete, building a program is a process.

5) Believing that a good athlete= Good coach- Don't rest your hopes upon hiring the best athlete you can find to be an assistant coach. Find the best program administrator (think communication skills, organization skills, and action-oriented people).

6) Seat-of-the-pants approach - Good businesses operate based upon replicable and profitable systems. So do good programs.

7) Do the Talking- Successful leaders are good listeners. Do more listening and decision-making becomes more informed and easier.

This is going to be short and simple because you don't have time to worry about this kind of stuff right? You're putting out other, more important fires today, right ? I ask you this... what is more important than building a community of supporters around your program? So, here's the quick list:

1. Start a Facebook Fan Page (not Group). Thousands of your fans are already on Facebook and getting their news there (and yes, you have thousands of fans). Pages have tons of funtionality that you really don't need to worry about until you get over 100 fans. At that point you can get a custom URL (like www.facebook.com/riotsportsmarketing). Then you can add tabs and links to your online donations page, your email newsletter sign-up page, your text message alerts sign-up pages, etc. These are more advanced for those wanting to start a riot. For now, just start a Facebook Fan Page and invite some friends.
* www.Facebook.com/Pages

2. Get a Twitter account. Some experts recommend getting a Twitter account just so that no one else can claim your name and use it erroneously. This is a good method for me to scare you into getting started on Twitter too! I didn't use mine for the first 6 months I had it. I gradually worked my way into it and discovered that there is real value in Twitter. There is a conversation going on in the Twitterverse about your sport, your program, and your community. You should have a voice there too.
* www.twitter.com

3. Start a blog. I know, I know. You think blogs are for political junkies, techie geeks and business people. Wrong. they are for you and your fans. You're reading one right now. Blogs are simply this- a simple means of posting news quickly in a chronological order (newest posts at the top). Everyone wants a beautiful website with a dozen pages. Each page that you create just adds work to your plate. You have to maintain and update these pages or your site will look dead. An out-of-date site is worse than no website. I know that you have "a guy" that is doing this for you but what about when his kid graduates or when he's on vacation and you win the big tournament? Create a blog where you can post information quickly and easily so that your fans have a reliable place to get up-to-date information regularly.

Yes, I know that you have fires to put out that are right at your feet. But the biggest fire is raging up ahead (called budget cuts, Title IX or indifferent administrators). Start building!