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

---

We Know Who THEY Are

Am I the only one that does not have an... Read More

Building Marketing Momentum For Your Small Business

The success of your business depends on your ability to... Read More

How to Sponsor an Event for Fun and PROFIT

How do you sponsor an event and get personal introductions... Read More

How To Create A Business Note That Is More Attractive To A Note Investor

You are selling your small business (business value under $1... Read More

Employee Induction - Are you Inducting your People - A Practical How To

In today's fast paced marketplace it is easy to neglect... Read More

Get Out Of The Rut And Back On the Track

Do you sometimes find yourself just going "through the motions"... Read More

Uncover Free Veins Of Gold By Prospecting Online Guru Newsletters (Part 1 of 2)

Incredible as it sounds, you have a goldmine of free... Read More

How to Successfully Avoid Becoming One of The 80% of Small Businesses That Will FAIL

It's a commonly quoted statistic: 80% of all small businesses... Read More

An Example of Business Automation - eCards with pizazz

The last time I spoke and went into a bit... Read More

Keeping Business Alive

Who is responsible for maintaining the business relationship?Nurturing a business... Read More

Survival Tips For Your Small Business

No matter type of business you operate you've got to... Read More

Franchise Territories for Mobile Businesses; Why Limitations

In franchising an individual desirous of their own business will... Read More

Find Your Niche & Follow It - Part 1

In this series of articles I'm going to show you... Read More

How to Get Maximum Results With Minimum Effort

Get maximum results with minimum effort. Sounds great doesn't it?... Read More

Designing a Franchise Training Program

If you intend to franchise your company you will need... Read More

Credit Repair Business Opportunities - Huge Profit Potential!

In the world today, many people are further in debt... Read More

Secrets Revealed To Having The Most Professional Staff On The Telephone!

Do you have all the customers your business can use?The... Read More

Electronic Franchise Disclosure and E-Signature Future for Investors

It has been discussed allowing Franchising companies to electronically disclose... Read More

WARNING to Home Based and Small Business Who Want to Buy Television Cable Advertising

Most small businesses will not even try to advertise on... Read More

Change May Be Your Ace in the Hole

Whether it has been thrust upon you by external market... Read More

Small Business - Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off?

My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More

How to Promote Your Business by Entering Contests

You are probably hard at work promoting your business (and... Read More

Why You Need A Virtual Assistant

How much is your time really worth? Is it worth... Read More

How to Promote Yourself to Small Business Riches

You've heard it before; we're living in an information age.... Read More

Alliances: What works, what does not

Why Alliances FailWhen do you know an alliance is falling... Read More

Arent Small Businesses Lucky?

Why? Because they have access to world class public relations... Read More

How to Find A Group that Needs Speakers

How do you find groups that are in need of... Read More

Genius Time? It Matters

I frequently give presentations at small business gatherings, providing me... Read More

Small Business Essentials: Start Here

Thinking of starting a business on line? If so there... Read More

The Most Important Decision of Your Massage Business Career

Don't you find that there are so many decisions you... Read More

Pressure Washing Business and Post Fire Cleanups

Many have not experienced a fire up close. One year... Read More

Entrepreneur to Employer

You make the decision to go into business and for... Read More

Batting Cages Business - Making Profits With The Swing Of A Bat

There is a Batting Cages Business for those people who... Read More