Today we’d like to introduce you to Cory Hicks.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Cory Hicks, first off, I want to thank Voyage Dallas for the chance to give local entrepreneurs and creatives like myself a voice to share their story. I find it interesting how playing a sport has helped me fine-tune my skillset to become an entrepreneur.
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. It’s a small city especially compared to Dallas. But I love where I came from and how it shaped me. I grew up in a family of six children, four boys, and two girls. My father played basketball and that influenced me and my siblings to play as well.
I always wanted to play college basketball. My plan was to get in front of college coaches who were looking for players for their programs. I searched up and found a basketball camp in Dallas, TX. This camp allowed me to display my talent in front of the right coaches. After the camp, I was able to use the highlights I acquired and sent it out to colleges who were nearby in the Dallas/DFW area. The highlights were filmed on a professional camera, which made me more distinct from the rest.
As a result, I was able to get a basketball scholarship at my school, where I am currently studying marketing at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in Waxahachie, TX.
I learned some key concepts about marketing from my recruiting process:
1. I learned that having a great product wasn’t enough. Although I practice and trained a lot, it would show for nothing if I didn’t create a plan to get in front of the right “target audience.”
2. Professionalism. Being the part, represent yourself as the part. As a result, it allowed for people to take me more seriously because you take yourself seriously. It’s the smallest details that most overlook that matters a ton.
3. Quality over Quantity. I rather have 10 “yeses” than 100 “maybes.” At least the 10 who say “yes” are willing to listen. I understood that everyone can’t be my customer. It’s about nurturing the few that is willing to listen.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During my high school years, I didn’t receive any scholarship offers to play in college. I knew that it was because I didn’t have the opportunity or chance to get in front of the right coaches that wanted me.
Getting recruited for college basketball is very competitive. Roughly speaking about 3% of high school players go on to play college basketball. I had my work cut out for me, but I knew it could be done with a sound strategy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As of now, I am a freelance marketer. Possessing certifications in digital marketing and e-commerce from Google. I have worked with clients ranging from Chick-Fil-A to start-ups. I offer services such as social media marketing, content marketing, copywriting, and website design.
My vision is to help local businesses in DFW get a chance to spread their cause. Businesses that have a great product or service need to be heard. I plan on doing this by providing an ideal marketing experience that is based on character, competence, communication, and consistency.
What do you think about happiness?
Being a helping hand, encouraging and motivating others. I believe that is a true reflection of Jesus Christ, to love others and love him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corynhicks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantguardcory/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corynhicks
Image Credits
Brayden Burkes
