Home
>
Small Business
>
Don?t Quit Before You Get to the City!

Don?t Quit Before You Get to the City!

We were more than excited. Our women's doubles tennis team had won our division, successfully competed in three rounds of the playoffs and had emerged as finalists in the city competition. We fought hard and the results had paid off, but things didn't always look so promising. Just last season we finished in 3rd place. Three of our members decided to throw in the towel and left to find new teams.

At the beginning of the season, we barely had enough members to complete the roster. We needed 10 ladies to play each week; we had 11. At our first team meeting their were only 4 in attendance. Competitively speaking, we didn't have a lot to offer. We had no coach; we barely had players; and it wasn't readily evident that the ones we had were committed. The scenario looked bleak. Seven weeks later we were on our way to the city. Here's how we pulled things together:

1. We had a committed leader ? When our team was on the verge of falling apart our team leader (captain) could have made one of two decisions: 1. She could have bailed out or 2. She could stay with the team regardless of the challenges. Lucky for us, she chose the latter.

Your staff and employees will follow by example. If you are not committed to the vision of your company, others around you can't be either. Even when things look gleam ---sales are down, prospects are few and it appears that you just won't make it, remember dedication and hard work can see you through. Our captain decided to stick with us and in turn we stuck with her and the team prospered. Regardless of what it looks like, continue to motivate your team by staying confident and realistic.

2. We were able to build on the talents of the team ? Although our team was challenged, we knew we had talent. It was just a matter of cultivation. Individually and collectively we were a talented bunch and by recognizing that we were able to build on those strengths and see the potential.

It will be difficult to build on your teams' talents if you don't know what they are. Likewise, if the team doesn't believe in themselves, you won't get good results. To help you work through this, start out by making a list of individual talents each member of your team brings to the company. Let each individual know what those talents are. Secondly, celebrate small successes. After we got through the first week with three points, we had something to build on. We were able to take that success, make some modifications and grow from there. Do the same for your company.

3. We found a good coach ? One thing our team was lacking was a coach. We came into the season without one because the one we had previously failed to motivate and connect with the team. There are teams that choose to play without coaches. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't. Our team realized that we needed a coach, but three weeks into the season, we didn't have one and we didn't have a lot of prospects. Ultimately we found a coach. Not just any coach ------ a great coach! You'd be amazed at what a coach can do for a team. We learned new techniques and new strategies which effectively took our team to the City Finals. Not only did he provide us with new strategies, but he turned out to be a great resource and connected us with two new players. We found a coach that brought expertise, resources, and players, but also one that made a connection with our team, which overall boosted morale.

In a competitive environment getting to the top is not easily done alone. You may have to pull in someone to help. If you're not seeing the results you want, find a good business coach that can help you and your team see your vision and reach your goals.

Sometimes business owners throw in the towel too soon and miss out on the rewards that are awaiting around the corner. Entrepreneurs have a lot to contend with and a struggling business is an easy distraction. If this is the scenario that you're facing, I know how stressful that can be. Sometimes a company or team is so far gone that the only answer is to part ways and take your loses. However, before you call it quits, make sure you're not a season away from going to the city.

Sheronde is a business consultant and trainer specializing in small business marketing and development. She is the author of Sipping Tea and Doing Business: A Holistic Journey to Business Success. For more great tips for business and marketing, you can contact Sheronde at 770-210-0726 or visit online at http://www.sippingteaonline.com

taxi to O'Hare Belle Rive .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

The number of people affected by a UnitedHealth data breach in February 2024 was actually higher than previously reported and was the largest medical data breach in U.S. history.

A phishing campaign uses Google Calendar to schedule fake meeting invitations that appear legitimate, redirecting targets to phishing sites.

Toll road text scam: Fake messages claim unpaid fees, seek payment via fraudulent links. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says this scam is becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says these steps ensure that your friends and family get to the exact moment you want them to see. Try it out and streamline your sharing experience.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers tips on how to protect your identity: Be vigilant, monitor accounts, use smart security, know theft response.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says cybercriminals are exploiting iMessage phishing protection, tricking users to reactivate links.

It's hard to imagine life without in-flight Wi-Fi these days – but sky-high web surfing comes with its own set of privacy concerns. Here's how to protect yourself.

Over 400,000 cases of credit card fraud were reported in 2024 to the Federal Trade Commission. The CyberGuy explains how to protect against becoming another victim.

A nondescript metal box transforms into a fully functional electric motorcycle that blurs the line between vehicle and urban infrastructure.

Many apps unrelated to location still ask users for tracking permission, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking to end this alleged practice by Allstate.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Melody, the artificial intelligence-powered robot, is life-sized and represents a move toward creating robots that resemble people in appearance and interaction.

Here are five easy smartphone rules from the National Security Agency that you can follow to better protect your mobile device from hackers and scammers.

A U.S. robotics company has developed "Jennie," a robotic pet powered by artificial intelligence that's designed to comfort those facing mental health challenges.

Healthcare records for more than 184 million Americans were breached in 2024, but you can take steps to minimize that risk. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.

The Skyrider X1 from Rictor claims to be the "first amphibious flying passenger motorcycle," and it combines land and air travel in one sleek design.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Home inventory and restoration apps help itemize and track every item in your home in the event you have to make an insurance claim after a natural disaster.

The White House launched a new cybersecurity safety label, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, intended to help consumers make informed decisions on smart device safety.

Today's tech can help make life so much easier — if you know how to use it. Here are a few tips on the quickest and best ways to make your phone, laptop and other devices work for you.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers Windows 11 restart fixes: Update drivers, run system scans and check hardware.

Sony and Honda's Afeela 1 EV launches with advanced tech and entertainment for $89,900. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives his takeaways.

With limited hard drive space, tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers these tips for storing large video files and photos.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the $236,000 Yangwang U9 electric hypercar boasts 1,287 horsepower and can jump obstacles.

Don?t Quit Before You Get to the City!

Small Business