How I Built My Brand Through My Own Scouting Report

By Ella Harrison

“Just Do It,” “It Just Means More,” and “Mayhem” are such well known marketing campaigns that Nike, SEC, and Allstate immediately come to mind when we hear those phrases. My goal is to find what defines me. What makes people think “Ella Harrison” when they hear a few short words?

When I first searched my name on Google, I found information on “Ella Harrisons” from across the country. When I included my hometown and interests in the search bar, I was led to specific articles and posts about myself.

From the Google search, I predominately found articles/posts from my senior year of high school when I was named to the All-State Cheer Team, and when I was named the TSSAA Cheerleader of the Year. There were also a few newspaper articles from my tennis career at East High School. The search pulled up a few links with more recent information from my time at Furman including the cheerleading team here and the dean’s list.

Since I am interested in being a sideline reporter one day, I think it is positive that my name is associated with things in the athletics realm. Although this is a good foundation, I realize that to be successful in a career in sports journalism, I need to start building my brand now to extend further than my high school endeavors.

Pictures from Left to Right: Senior Year Cheer Picture; Newspaper Headline from All-State Selection (Courtesy: The Citizen Tribune); Graphic from Cheerleader of the Year Selection (Courtesy: TSSAA); Celebrating with Teammate after Win against West (Courtesy: The Citizen Tribune)

BUILDING MY BRAND

To successfully build my brand, I need to share my current strengths and passions to resonate with my target audience. Below is what I consider my own personal scouting report. I complied information about myself from my closest friends and family.

I want to build my brand around athletes because I am a person who is naturally driven, and I think that many athletes can relate to that. When I surround myself with a community who is motivated, I am encouraged to work even harder to achieve my goals.

Goals For: 6 Months – Solid Portfolio and Website 1

Year – Experience with Paladin Production 5 Years –Covering Sports for a Local News Station 10 Years – Working as a Sideline Reporter for ESPN