Duct Tape Marketing

Business life is full of sports metaphors.  But the upcoming tournament provides us with more than just great analogies.  There are lessons demonstrated each of the 40 minutes that every game is played. 

Here are 5 big lessons every business leader can take from the tournament, even if you’re not a fan:

5.    You can’t win without good communication.
Business action is fast and furious. The best teams have constant communicate among teammates and leaders.  Whether you’re letting team members know there’s a competitor sneaking up behind you, or that you see an opening to capitalize on, winners talk to each other all the time, are encouraging, and are truthful in their talk.

4.    When you’re rated high, everybody’s gunning for you.
In the field of 65 it’s all about knocking off the big guys.  Every team brings its A game on to the court every single day.  The lower ranked teams look for and will capitalize on every advantage you give them.  So will your competition.  You have to play to win every single day you’re at work.



3.    You gotta execute, baby!
Sure, those dunks make for great highlight film.  But the team that is brilliant at the basics who will win in the long run.  You’ve got to convert leads to sales.  You’ve got to deliver outstanding service.  You’ve got to keep expenses low.  You’ve got to keep your cool under pressure.  You’ve got to keep your eyes and ears open to capitalize on mistakes when the competition makes them.

2.  It’s a team effort.
Every team may have one flashy star player, but the real winners don’t count on their star to win the game.  Winners know their roles and execute them well.  Each team member knows their strengths and uses them effectively. The teammates make the plays that allow the star to shine.  If the rest of the team didn’t show up, the star can’t shine.  In business it takes every single person executing their role, putting in extra effort, and allowing the stars and everyone else to do what they do well.  Every single person plays a critical role on the court and in the office.

1.    Dream big and believe.
You can bet those unknown teams from smaller schools like Winthrop and Wright State started the season with dreams of going to the Big Dance.  They may not have voiced those dreams outside of their own locker room, but in their very big hearts, the dream was there.  When your company opened its doors, the owners didn’t sit around thinking of ways to barely get by.  They wanted to win.  They wanted to be the biggest fish in the pond.  When others doubt you can do it, you’ve got to have faith that you can, stare down the big guys, and play with heart. 

So watch as many games as you can and absorb the many lessons on leadership, dedication, and passion you’ll witness.  Make a commitment to dream big and make those dreams come true.


About Abiah

Abiah is an award winning brand strategy and full service marketing firm that helps mid-sized businesses uncover and leverage what makes them unique to become the recognized leader in their market segment. Find out more about them and take the Brand Alignment test at www.abiah.com or call them at 866-982-2424.

To grow your brand call 609 653 2233.

©Abiah  2007 / www.abiah.com. All rights reserved. You’re welcome to share this article with others as long as you retain this copyright statement in its entirety.



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