Table of Contents

Preface ix

1 The Quest to Become the Best 1

2 Negotiate Everything 19

3 Communicate Your Way to Success 71

4 Develop Your Likability 95

5 Give Back 113

6 Lead Like the Best 131

7 Build a Personal Brand 155

Notes 177

Acknowledgments 181

About the Author 183

Index 185

About the Author

Molly Fletcher is a top-rated sports agent, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and business columnist. Her influence as an agent crosses multiple generations, sports categories, and athletes, including Major League Baseball stars, NBA coaches, PGA and LPGA golfers, NCAA basketball and football coaches, and media personalities. She has been featured in Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and the Washington Post and has appeared on ESPN, CNN, Fox, and NBC, among others. For more information, please visit www.mollyfletcher.com or follow her on Twitter via @mollyfletcher.

Reviews

"Molly Fletcher is a fierce negotiator, sports business owner, and brilliant business mind. I highly recommend The Business of Being the Best. " --Roger Staubach "Molly Fletcher is an MVP sports agent, and that's why I trusted her during my Major League Baseball career. Read this book and embrace the advice inside. It will teach you important skills and tactics you need to know to excel--not just at the negotiation tableor in your career, but in other aspects of your life." --John Smoltz, former pitcher, Atlanta Braves; winner, Cy Young Award "Molly Fletcher breaks down the keys to being the best to their core elements. She then takes it a step further by providing examples and practical tips that anyone can apply to succeed in business and life. There's something for everyone in this book." --Arthur M. Blank, owner, Atlanta Falcons; founder, Home Depot "Anyone trying to be the best needs all the help they can get. Molly Fletcher and her book can provide just that help. The Business of Being the Best is a must-read for high achievers." --Jim Kennedy, chairman, Cox Enterprises, Inc. "This is a must-read. It is compelling and destined to be a classic. Molly Fletcher has given you a gift with The Business of Being the Best, and best of all, she practices what she preaches." --Tom Izzo, head men's basketball coach, Michigan State University "Informative, tactical, and executable, The Business of Being the Best will inspire and enhance you. Buy it, read it, and implement it in your life." --Kathy Betty, former owner, Atlanta Dream (WNBA) "If there's anybody who knows what it means to be the best, it's Molly Fletcher. In The Business of Being the Best she shares wisdom that inspires, encourages, and empowers readers to be the best professional, best parent, and basically best person they can be. This book is a gift." --Ernie Johnson Jr., sportscaster, TNT/TBS " The Business of Being the Best unlocks valuable traits for the go-getters and change agents. The stories are compelling, the messages are clear, and passion for business and life comes through in every story. I hope millions read and get inspired!" -- Edie Fraser, senior consultant, Diversified Search " The Business of Being The Best is a diamond mine of insight. Filled with gems from the world's most successful leaders, this invaluable guide will make your business glitter and your career shine." -- Joey Reiman, CEO, BrightHouse; author, Thinking for a Living