I often explain to athletes all the time why they need a virtual office and someone handling all their website inquires and phone calls. There are plenty of wasted opportunities when a company is looking to contact an athlete for an appearance or speaking engagement and  find it difficult to locate a direct contact for them. This was a problem I saw in this industry and explain to as many athletes as I can about the importance of having someone actively managing their online requests and inquiries. Not only are they losing opportunities, but “wallets” as well.

I couldn’t give a better example than what recently happened from a call I took the other day on 855.OWENS.81., the contact number on Terrell Owens’ official website. While eating dinner with friends at Gyukaku in Beverly Hills, the phone rang and I answered. It was a man on the other line looking to get in contact with “Terrell Owens”. I explained that I managed his appearances and marketing. With his strong accent, it was hard to understand what he was trying to say. While explaining that I was at dinner, he kept asking if this was the best contact for “Terrell Eldorado Owens” who lives in “Miami, FL”. I said yes, I handle his marketing, but how can I help you?

He says, well I found the wallet of a “Terrell Eldorado Owens” in Sherman Oaks, CA. So happens that Terrell had just lost his wallet in that area. After a call to Terrell, he realized his wallet was missing. Within 30 minutes, he was able to get his wallet back. The honest guy who found it, went to Facebook, which led to TerrellOwens.com, which led to the phone number to call, which led to me. It’s good to know there are some honest people in this world. This is exactly why every athlete or public figure needs a virtual office and someone answering their calls. It just may get your wallet back one day!