As a football fan, it is an unexpected delight to be able to learn from the personalities and individuals involved in the sporting events and story lines that dominate the headlines of the sports media.  The Cam Newton “pay for play” saga has offered a unique opportunity – the opportunity to improve business skills by learning from Cecil Newton.

I’ve learned the following from Cecil…

On Payment Schedules:

When accepting payments of large sums of money – say $180,000 or so – Cecil would encourage you to take payment in three installments, sort of like $80,000 up front, $50,000 after 30 days, and the final $50,000 after another 30 days.

On Representation:

When negotiating the sale of a product or service that might be considered to be in a “gray area” – i.e. the services of an amateur athlete – consider using somewhat shady representation to handle the direct negotiations.  Former 1980s football players that never amounted to much make good candidates.

On Access of Information:

Cecil Newton is a major proponent of keeping people on a “need to know basis.”  When negotiating on behalf of yourself or someone close to, keep others involved in a need to know basis.  Plausible deniability is a beautiful thing.

On Short Term Earnings:

When you need cash, you need cash.  Sure Cecil Newton possibly jeopardized his son’s future NFL plans and potentially millions of dollars.  Cecil is a major proponent of the concept known as the time value of money – therefore, go for the short term money.  The long term will sort itself out.

On Mixing Business & Religion:

Compartmentalization is the key to successful business negotiations.  Religious values or roles are irrelevant on specific business dealings.  Seal the deal now, explain compromising behavior later.  Business is business.

Have you learned anything else?  Has Cecil had the same impact on you as he has me?