Most people do not think of LeBron James outside of the professional basketball player. While some consider him to be the greatest basketball player of all time, not may consider the entrepreneurial skills he holds. LeBron not only markets himself, but also has his own brand and clothing line.
The number one thing that people should take away from LeBron James is his personality. First of all, he is never in trouble with the law, the media , or his teammates. I believe that respect in your craft and among your peers is a key to success. Unlike many athletes, LeBron James has never been into any serious trouble with the law. Keeping your nose clean is extremely important when it comes to marketing yourself. Looking at this from a prospective of marketing yourself, it is extremely hard to get a job when you have an offense on your record.
Secondly, LeBron James does an extremely good job at handling the media. He is very respectable and understanding that this is how reporters make a living, but he does not compromise himself or ever lose his temper. Just ask Tiger Woods how public image affects entrepreneurs. After his incident with his wife, Tiger lost major sponsors like Gatorade and Gillette, costing him millions of dollars. James also is a very good teammate. While he expects a lot from those around him, like a good leader, he realizes that they do not have the same talents as he does. This is something that entrepreneurs must understand, they need to rally their team or co-workers in order to see the vision that they see.
LeBron James is not just a phenomenal athlete. He is a leader that does things the right way. This is why he has a rumored billion dollar contract with Nike. He keeps his nose clean, his family close, and respects those around him. He even named coach Greg Popovich, a man who has beaten him twice in the NBA Championship, the greatest NBA coach of all time. He shows respect where it is due.
I just wrote a blog post on how his “I Promise” school is a great innovation to his hometown. He truly is a great person and is making an impact in his community.