It’s that time of the year when cobwebs are brushed off jersey’s, cars are adorned with streamers and there’s an air of excitement and anticipation as to just who is going to take home the silver wear. It’s finals fever, and it sweeps across the nation, bringing out that inner competitive spirit.
We’ve spent some time looking at sporting teams and what makes them a top team, a finals contender, and just how small businesses can learn from their actions to be on that golden path to success.
1. Don’t drop the ball
As your business expands, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and potentially neglect some areas of the business. Take the time to focus on the reasons why your business became successful. Is it because you have a great team culture? Can you provide a product or service better than your competitors? Whatever the reason, make sure you stay on your game.
2. Give 110%
Running a small business is a full time gig that requires your constant devotion. It’s about being focused on where your business is heading, what your goals are and how you’re going to get there. At times you will have to take chances, but having that self-belief is going to help you get through.
As the famous saying goes: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
3. It’s a game of two halves
Also known as the financial year, these time periods are pivotal for managing and measuring the success of your business. The end of June is always a busy time of balancing the books and getting ready for tax time. After the half time break of budgets and balancing sheets, it can feel like a challenge to keep motivated, but it’s important to keep the momentum going, you’ve got this!
4. A win is a win
Just like a team claiming a victory, small businesses need to be able to embrace and celebrate the wins too. These don’t always have to be massive milestones like winning a local business of the year award or expanding your business to a new location. Focus on achievements like finally completely a lengthy project, making a big sale, or whatever you feel is a great success for your business.
5. Talk a good game
Never underestimate the power of words. When you’re the face and the leader of your own business you want to instil a positive and productive attitude.
Regardless if you have a team of two or twenty, the way you speak to your team will have an impact on how your business performs.
“Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?”- Anonymous
6. Get on the same field
In our busy lives it’s easy to get side-tracked and forget about the goals we are working towards. A good way to make sure everyone is working towards their goals is making sure you communicate well with your team. Regularly check in with your team, have meetings, and make sure you’re all on the same page and staying on track.
7. Always remember why you started playing
Once your business has been in operation for some time, it’s easy to get into a routine and fall victim to the daily grind. If you feel like you have lost your spark and need some inspiration, spend some time reflecting back to what got you started on your business journey…What was it that motivated you to pursue your passion and make your everyday?
8. First on the field, last to leave
You know only too well the amount of time and effort that goes into keeping your small business running. And it’s not just those first stages of setting up shop, it is being involved in the game 24/7. While it is important to be active in the development and growth of your small business, you need to also give yourself a break, after all that’s what half time and time outs are for right? It’s about creating a happy balance between work and play.
