Allison Galer is the founder and president of Disrupt The Game, a sports and entertainment agency. Her entrepreneurial mindset started forming in college where she was surrounded by great minds and encouragement. Read our interview with the lovely Allison below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
While I believe I am entrepreneurial by nature, I am confident that my undergraduate experience at Brown University led me to start my own business. With Brown’s open curriculum I had the flexibility to pursue my academic interests, I was surrounded by incredibly entrepreneurial peers and professors and was encouraged to create the sports business undergraduate club (Brown Sports Business) and actually teach a sports business class. These experiences made me realize that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. I like to think of myself as a WNBA optimizer.
Tell us about your business.
I launched Disrupt The Game in April of 2012. I am licensed as a WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) agent; a FIBA (International Basketball Federation) agent; and a talent agent. I represent clients in the following areas: women’s basketball contracts both in the WNBA and overseas; speaking engagements; endorsements; on-camera opportunities (including broadcasting, hosting, and show development); and advise clients on public relations and social media. My clients include 4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Lisa Leslie, WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike, AP Comeback Player of the Year Chiney Ogwumike, WNBA Most Improved Player Elizabeth Williams, along with many other WNBA players and women’s professional basketball players overseas.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science (Honors), Pi Sigma Alpha
- Brown University (2011)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), Entertainment, Media, and Intellectual Property
- University of California, Los Angeles School of Law (2016)
Where is your business based?
Los Angeles, California.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Creating my LLC; reaching out to my contacts and being proactive in building contacts and network; signing and helping build the careers of my clients.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
To date, my best method of raising awareness of my business and getting new clients has been word of mouth from my clients and their friends and family. Fortunately I work with amazing women who know the person I am and how hard I work, and have been proactive in passing along the message to others.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Being a one-man-band definitely has its ups and downs. While it allows for the most flexibility I could imagine for a job, ultimately my company is literally on my shoulders. Disrupt The Game only grows as far as I hustle to grow it.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I love what I do, and I really do love the hustle. Relationships are the key to my business, and I try to keep a pulse on my clients while being proactive to build new relationships and keep my clients growing both on and off the court.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I’m a relatively optimistic person, and when you love what you do and believe in what you do, you can persevere through anything.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
The reason I named my company Disrupt The Game is because I really am on a mission to disrupt the game that is the representation of professional athletes and talent. My business is focused on being proactive, seeking opportunities on behalf of and with my clients and truly helping grow their brands. I work very closely with my clients to strategize and grow together.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Make sure you love what you do. The hustle will never stop, but won’t feel like a hustle if you love what you do and the people you work with.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
LinkedIn, for sure! LinkedIn has been an incredible tool for me to create relationships.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @disruptthegame @allisongaler
Twitter @disruptthegame @allisongaler
Facebook www.facebook.com/DisruptTheGame
Website www.disruptthegame.com
Email Allison.Galer@disruptthegame.com
Hashtags #DisruptTheGame
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Fanatical Prospecting” by Jeb Blount. I had the recent opportunity to sit down with Jeb in person and he gave me some great advice on improving sales productivity.