Much like our beautiful game of football, this has been a week of two halves.
For the first part of the week, I was based in our Jak HQ, but for the second I’ve been out on the road with those pesky artists of ours, Bill & Ben. We’ve been speaking to football clubs about an exciting new initiative, and even as I write this week’s blog, I’m at none other than Manchester United’s Old Trafford, enjoying a spot of lunch in the Reds Cafe.
As I’m surrounded by quotes from the likes of legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby and Eric Cantona (when the seagulls follow the trawler…), I thought I’d dedicate this week’s blog to the similarities between business and football…
Building A Successful Team
Every football team needs a group of players with complimentary skills. In your business, it works the same way. You need skill players, a great striker and a staff of supporting coaches.
In business, however, if your team players have passion and drive, you can teach them just about any skill they need to be successful. You can’t teach passion.
Training To Develop Skills
No matter how many years a footballer plays for, they still show up at every training session early and eager to learn. They work on their conditioning and skills. They review strategy, and practice set pieces like free kicks and penalties. You never hear a professional footballer say “I don’t need to practice”.
In business, the top performing companies are the ones constantly refining their skills, and role-playing with each other to ensure they’re at the top of their game.
Preparing For Every Game
It’s not enough just to say “we want to win”. Beyond training, football teams review film footage from past games, and the best coaches know that there are preparatory practices that will turn the tide in their favour.
In business, what can you do to help your team prepare for a client meeting?
Here are a few things that you might consider:
- Write down your goal for the meeting, along with what you think the customer’s would be. If they aren’t in line with each other, you may be in trouble.
- Define the conclusions you need to reach in order to achieve your mutual goal.
- Make a list of all the questions you’d ask if you were the client.
- Make a list of the elements that would prevent the opportunity from being a good fit for you and your organisation.
Anyway, it’s time for me to head back out on the road! Enjoy your weekend!
Anything is possible,
Andy Knowles
Managing Director
P.S. In & Around Online is now officially live! We’ve had a fantastic first few days, with some really great feedback, and I recommend you all check it out at www.inandaroundonline.co.uk. Let us know what you think of it, and if you’d like to make a contribution (perhaps you’d like to promote your business?) then get in touch with me, or send an email to online@inandaroundmag.co.uk.
#HaveYourSay!
