Watch The NFL-It Can Be Good For Your Small Business!

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Nathan R Mitchell, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.

Nathan Mitchell, Small Business Consultant, Tulsa, OK, addresses the topic of how you can better your small business by watching football on Sunday!

Watch The NFL-It Can Be Good For Your Small Business!

If you are a fan of the NFL, you are aware that the game is much more complex than a lot of people give it credit for. In fact, a lot can be learned about business management by watching football. The next time you find yourself with an underperforming employee, or you find yourself trying to score the next big client, keep the following tips in mind.

So…this coming Sunday, after a long week at the office, grab a seat in the recliner, kick your feet up, and absorb a lesson in management by watching the NFL.

-Know Your Succession Plan–If you need proof that this is important to your organization, read a little bit about what is happening with Hewlett-Packard right now. Ouch!
-New Staff Members Must Fit The Dynamics Of Your Team–Confused on this one? Read a little bit about Terrell Owens!
-Don’t Stop Looking For New Opportunities–Jerry Jones had a vision to have the best stadium in the NFL, and thus far he has achieved it. If there is an opportunity in your industry that can give you a competitive advantage and help separate you from your competition, consider making the opportunity a part of your strategic game plan, but make sure your team is equipped to perform well once your company starts competing there.
-Cut Your Losses–Sometimes it’s time to switch things up, and make a change. If something isn’t working in your business, lose it, learn from it, and start changing your approach. Hire a consulting company if needed. Perhaps you need to rethink your marketing strategy, or start recruiting more talent for your business. If something is not working, and your approach does not change, you will continue to get the same results.
-Special Teams Are Important Too–Your company may be the best at what it does, but if your customer service isn’t there, and your marketing isn’t effective, it won’t be long before someone else will come into the game and claim your prize.
-Motivate Every Player On Your Team–Finding ways to motivate employees is not always easy. After all, not all of your team members will be motivated by the same things. Some may respond to bonuses and pay raises; others may respond with regular feedback and praise for a job well done. With regards to this subject, there is a great book titled “1001 Ways To Energize Employees,” by Bob Nelson.
-Always Know The Score–If you don’t know the score you can’t play the game. How else will you be able to determine whether you should kick a field goal or go for the touchdown? It is also important to note that this is important for all employees in your business. “Open Book Management” is a growing trend, and many businesses are having a lot of success with its teachings and practices.

After a long week at the office, you shouldn’t feel guilty about sitting down on Sunday and watching football. After all, you are learning good leadership and strategy. Just make sure you take good notes, and take it all back to the office with you on Monday.

Keep Winning!