Business is like a game of football!
If Aussie Rules is not your game, substitute the team sport you can best relate to.
I ventured to the M.C.G. on Saturday afternoon to watch Melbourne take on West Coast. With the youthful exuberance that Melbourne had been demonstrating in recent weeks, I was looking forward to a contest filled with energy.
Have you ever looked forward to doing business with someone, in the belief that their product could help you?
And, if so, have you ever finished the transaction and felt like you had been shortchanged by the experience?
On Saturday, I felt shortchanged by Melbourne. It gave me the opportunity to liken the game of footy to business and these are the things that were evident:
1. When Melbourne ran through the middle of the ground early in the game, and then kicked poorly, it was like a business having a great product, and delivering it poorly.
2. The quarter and half time breaks were a great opportunity to review and reflect on what was working and what was not. It is a time to build on successes, trial changes to those things not working well, and reset targets. We all should take the time to do this in our business.
3. When things aren’t going well on the field, the challenge is to remember to enjoy the game, take the positives on board and learn from any mistakes.
4. If you see another team (or business) doing something really well, remember that might just work for you!
5. West Coast ended up wining the game because they consistently did the little things that matter. How does your business “score” on taking the time to tend to the little things?
6. If you can get your entire team sharing a goal, then the likelihood of success is multiplied. Get your team playing the game together, and enjoying the game together. Success will follow.
So take note of these points when considering the “game” your business is playing today. Make decisions, take actions that result in your supporters (customers) not feeling shortchanged.
Don’t wait for the whistle, go for the ball!