Keys to Business Success: Lessons Wrestling Taught Me About Business

Each weekend is filled with wrestling matches and tournaments, as this is the winter sport for both my boys. It's one of the hardest sports around -- just you and your opponent, one-on-one. There's no one to blame but yourself if things don't go well. It occurred to me the other day as I was watching them just how much the sport reminded me of business, which similarly isn't easy to do. The following are 5 instructions I typically hear my son's coach yelling from the corner during a wrestling match that I couldn't help to relate to success in business: "Get to your feet." In wresting one thing that is critically important is to stay on your feet because this is where you are strongest. In a business sense, this is a lot like staying true to core: your business vision, mission, what you do really well, and niche focused. There is so much competition in the marketplace. When things don't happen for your business as quickly as you would like, it's tempting to change your course and become something else for whomever is willing to hear, listen, and respond to your message. However this "make it up as you go along" approach leaves you scattered with no sense of purpose or direction. And as a result you will struggle to establish your brand and jeopardize your position in the marketplace. Although there are times when you feel "lost in the wilderness" with aimless pursuits, you can always find center and get back on track when you stay grounded and "get to your feet." "Pop your head out." Sometimes when a wrestler gets tangled up, their head can get trapped in an awkward, downward position. This keeps the wrestler from executing other moves because their eyes are focused in the wrong place - down at the mat. In business it's important to keep your head up and eyes open to new possibilities, and pay attention to new trends in your industry and/or niche. With this global perspective coupled with your own knowledge and expertise, will not only elevate your expert status, but also position you as a thought leader and the one to watch in your niche. Rising to a level of prominence and influence sets you apart from all the rest, as well as attracts other potential JV partners and prospective clients too. So stop looking down - pop your head out! "Shoot." This is when both wrestlers are standing in neutral and one reaches or drops low with the intent to grab the leg of their opponent for the take down. What's critically important about shooting successfully is focus, speed, and precision; otherwise you end up in a vulnerable position for your opponent to score points. It's so important as a business owner to take risks and be decisive. Seeing an opportunity and going for it (even if you're not 100% sure it will pan out) is an important success trait to adopt. Sometimes you can self sabotage by over thinking and over analyzing a situation. Meanwhile, as you sit and ponder, should I or shouldn't I, the opportunity could pass you by. Focus on what it is you want and make the decision to go after it. Realize of course your aim should always be calculated; but once you've determined that it's the right thing for you and your business, trust it, and go for it - full throttle, no hesitation. Shoot now! "Circle, circle." Whether on your feet or down on your knees, you've got to move constantly or risk getting called for staling. Long term sustainable business success requires stamina, consistent devotion of time and attention to avoid stagnation. Remember small consistent steps can sometimes get you to where you want to be faster overtime than taking bigger, more sporadic activity. The small wins you experience every step of the way are what affirm yes over and over again, and provide you with the motivation to keep moving forward toward your goals and executing your action plan without fail. It's time to achieve more of what you really want for your business - circle, circle! "Grab a wrist." This is what allows a wrestler to get control of their opponent so that they can set up their next move. The fatal mistake for so many new solopreneurs is spending so much time on preparation and planning of an upcoming teleseminar, webinar, launch of program, etc. (the set up), but failing to focus on the backend (what comes next). The objective should always be to keep the sales dialog going so that you retain subscribers, and foster loyal customers and clients over the life of your business. Before you finish planning your next event or program, remember these three steps: begin with the end in mind, offer next steps that your target market wants, needs, desires; create calls to action that will lead them down your sales funnel. So "grab a wrist" and lead them to YES over and over again over the life of your business.