Hey you,

As we’re almost midway through the 24/25 NFL season, I’ve got some insights on one of the most powerful strategies brands are using to connect with their fans. 

Plus, I’ll be sharing a YouTube growth tip that’s been a game-changer for us as we launch our long-form Basketball TDAY YouTube channel.

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

1. How Verizon is using storytelling to build deeper connections with NFL fans

2. A look at how Nike uses storytelling to drive emotion and fan loyalty

3. A behind-the-scenes peek at our Basketball TDAY YouTube strategy

Let’s get it!

Verizon's NFL Strategy: It's All About the Story

Verizon (Long-time NFL sponsor) is tossing out the old playbook of plastering logos everywhere and focusing on something way more powerful with their sports marketing strategy…

The stories behind the game…

Nick Kelly, Verizon's VP of partnerships, nailed it when he said, "I don't need another logo. What I need is a story to tell to [NFL] fans and our potential business partners of what we're doing together."

This shift is a game-changer.

And here’s what it means for their sports marketing strategy:

Verizon isn’t just promoting their brand; they’re creating authentic connections with fans. 

They’re weaving narratives that make fans feel included in the experience.

They’re capturing the entire essence of sports.

Imagine this: 

Instead of a generic commercial ad… you’re treated to a behind-the-scenes look at a player’s journey or an emotional moment from a game. 

How Nike Turn Athletes Into Stories

I always come back to Nike when it comes to storytelling. They’ve mastered the art. 

Their ads are never about the product, not even the athlete…

But the human behind the athlete.

I love how their close-up shots strip away everything except the raw emotion. 

You’re not seeing a star athlete; you’re connecting with a person who has their own unique story.

Just like you.

We love Spotter Studio (NOT AN AD)

I had to make it abundantly clear in the title of this section because as soon as you speak about someone else's product online, people tend to throw a fit and accuse you of selling out.

So no this is not an ad…

It’s a YouTube Growth tip that we’ve been using as we launch our Basketball TDAY long-form YouTube channel.

And we’ve got big things planned.

As we launch our Basketball TDAY long-form YouTube videos, we’ve been using this tool to draft thumbnail & title concepts.

For example, we just partnered with the 76ers to shoot a “Testing 1 Star Reviews at Wells Fargo Center” video…

And we came up with these concept thumbnails…

LMK which is your favourite!

If you read my first ever Tactical TDAY newsletter, you’ll know that the title and thumbnail are the two most important parts of the production process.

And should always be your primary focus before you even film your video!

You can read that edition here.

But we are so excited to post our first video.

I will keep you updated once it’s live so you all can check it out :)

And On The Personal Side…

This month’s been wild.

I’ve had 8 speaking gigs lined up! 

Most of them are for classes and clubs here at Penn State, but I’m also traveling to Altoona and Pittsburgh for FBLA and a pitch at the Three Rivers Venture Fair.

These speaking opportunities are all prepping me for my biggest gig yet, happening this February... 😉

On this weeks theme of story - we’re literally writing TDAY’s story each day, and I’m gassed to be able to share that with you on this newsletter.

Anyway, here’s some of the decks I’ve been using in my talks…

• My 11-Year Business Journey - If You Never Give Up, You Can’t Fail

• YouTube Strategy - How To Grow To $20k/mo On YouTube

• TDAY Sports - Gen Z Mental Health Is Bad, TDAY Sports Is Here To Fix That

If you’d like me to send you any of these decks to check out for yourself, just reply to this email with which one you want and I’ll send it! 

That’s it for this week.

As always,

Stay blessed and have a great rest of your week!

Justin.

P.S. I want this newsletter to as much yours as it is mine to write. So if ever you have any thoughts, questions or you just want to say hello… make sure to reply to this email!