Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ivan Malagon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ivan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

Currently I manage my own social media. But I have had someone helping me out with editing some of the videos I’ve posted. I think being active on social media and have a company specialized on editing is key for the growth of your business. Makes it more profesional and helps to reach more people.

Ivan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Ny name is Ivan Malagon and I am the coach and owner of Soccer up. I started this project about 5 years with a dream to have my own business with the sport I love since I was a kid. Soccer up focuses on individual and small group trainings for player of all ages. From the ones that are starting and giving their first steps into the sport, until the elite ones that play for the best schools or clubs in the area of Greenville, South Carolina.
It started as a hobby and a way to make extra money since I have always have a passion for the game. But quickly I realized that I was doing a great job teaching and encouraging the kids to be better not just at the sport but also made them feel good with themselves as well . Parents loved the way I managed the sessions for their kids and rapidly they spread the word and all of the sudden I had a bunch of clients wanting my services. I saw the opportunity to bring this hobby to another level. Also with my preparation in physical education and sport management degrees I hold I felt capable enough to start a business on my own.
But it was not easy at first specially after COVID came. I had to start again and tried to find more clients. Meanwhile I was doing other kind of jobs.
I think my perseverance and the desire to succeed made me keep going and always found the way to get by .
One of the things that sets me apart from other is the fact that I speak two languages (Spanish and english which is huge knowing that there is a large Hispanic community in the country . That helped but every year you see more and more Americans practicing and loving the sport which makes it easier sometimes. There is always competition but my forte is communicating and understanding the needs of the player rather than just planing and executing good drills. I think soccer goes beyond that.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Social media is a great tool in this business in specific. There a lot of drills that can be photographed, recorded and posted on internet, it’s a great way to interact with people and let them know the quality of your work . Also the word of mouth from people. Actually most of the clients I got have been through recommendations. They spoke highly to others about this project, that’s one of the things that made me go further ahead with this business it’s a great motivation knowing that people like what you do and want to share it with others.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Since I started this business I told Myself this is no just about money, it’s about building relationships. Thanks to that I have grown personally and professionally. A
I have a great communication with all my clients and nothing better than do your job with honestly and transparency, they notice that from the very first session I have with their kids.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @soccerup.10
• Facebook: @soccerup_10