3 Biz/Marketing Lessons to Learn From Attending an NFL Game

Over the years I've attended my share of live sporting events, but I must say there's a lot to like about live NFL games. In fact, I'd like to share 3 of those lessons below that you too can use to build your business.

1. Know what business you're REALLY in. Think the NFL is just about football? Think again. The NFL is in the entertainment business and yes the NFL is well aware of that.

At least for the Arizona Cardinals (it might be different at other stadiums) but along with the cheerleaders and a big red bird running around, they also have lots of scheduled little skits throughout the game. Considering how many commercial breaks you sit through when you watch a game on TV, it's remarkable how little downtime there is during a live game.

So, what business are YOU really in? And chances are, you're NOT in the business you think you're in. For instance, you may think you're a coach and you're in the coaching business, but truly, do your clients really want a coach? No. They want the results they're getting from your coaching. (Think about it, people are busy enough, do you think they really want to carve out the time each week or month to talk to you? They're doing it because they see the value and are getting the results. They're certainly not doing it because they have an extra hour laying around they don't know what to do with.)

Focus on what business you're really in, and you'll have a much easier time attracting clients.

2. You can't bore anyone into buying your products or services. Now, I agree the NFL has it a little easier since they're in the entertainment business. But what about you?

I'm not saying you need to dress up in a red bird costume and run around acting silly. But you do need to be at the very least interesting to your ideal clients so they want to stick around and listen to what you have to say. If you bore them, they won't be sticking around.

What can you do to more interesting (or, better yet, entertaining) in your marketing?

3. Pay attention to the little things. Again, this just might be Phoenix, but I must say this city has it together when it comes to moving large numbers of people around. (I also experienced this during my marathon participations.) I'm amazed at how fast you get in and out of the games and the parking lots. (They even set up a row of additional bathrooms next to the parking lot in case you didn't want to wait in line inside the stadium.)

While that may seem like a small thing -- after all, you're not going to a game because it's easy to park -- it really does add to the whole experience. How nice it is to know you can attend a game without being stuck in traffic for hours having to go to the bathroom.

So what "little" things can you offer your clients? What intangibles can you give them that seem small but make a big difference? Maybe you have some great forms or templates you can gift them. Or maybe you attract a wonderful community and you allow your clients to network with each other.

Think about some things you can offer your clients that don't cost you much in time or money but can really make a difference in how they feel about working with you.