10 Things the World Cup Can Teach Entrepreneurs

Posted on 22. Jun, 2010 by Michael in entrepreneurs

1. The Vuvezula (that long musical instrument played by fans). Should it be banned or should it be band? Think about it? Whatever you choose just remember to make a big noise and get peoples’ attention. Sure, some people will hate it, others will love it but at least you’ll get a reaction and people will remember you.

2. Watch out for the ball – – it’s that round thing that gets in the way of running and falling down. But it’s really important and if it goes the wrong way you can find yourself in trouble. In this world cup some players have been surprised by the ball dipping and bending in an unusual way – especially if you’re a goalkeeper. Beware sometimes in business your attention can get deceived and either you lose an opportunity or make a big mistake. I know I still miss opportunities all the time but the great thing about marketing online is that there are always plenty of others around.

3.  Make the most of your team – you may wonder what they are doing there but believe me you’ll need them. In the early stages Switzerland beat Spain (one of the tournament favourites). You may not have any big star players or even big star ideas in your business but if you are careful and consistent you can surprise those expected to beat you.

4. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and show off what you know about –  you may be amazed at all the amazing talent around but don’t let this hypnotise you. They’re amazed by you too! The world cup is the shop window for lots of bright young players to show their skill. Who knows who’s watching. Someone special may come and make you an offer you can’t refuse.

5.  Sometimes the context in which your business is occurring is more important than the business itself. South Africa’s hosting of the world cup is a monumental and hugely significant event (20 years ago they were banned from participating in any international sporting events). It’s important to recognize this for your business. The very fact your business exists at all is partly due to the context in which it exists – it’s not an island! Websites are only successful because of the internet. Certain websites are successful because of other bigger websites and so on…

6. The other side of the same coin is that the event is not just a product of its context but affects its context. Like the world cup, your business should seek to change what goes on around it and not just be changed by it. Every player in the world cup is looking to make history, change destinies and do something great. Business should have the same aspirations.

7.  Just because you score an early goal doesn’t mean you have won the match. And just because you are led by a ‘legend’ doesn’t mean one good result proves their worth. You need to be there for the long term. Don’t just look for quick mini-wins. Look to win the match, the group the tournament itself. Look ahead not back. Okay there’ll be disappointments but move on. Feel the thrill and the excitement when that happens and remember it for as long as you can.

8. You will find yourself on your backside many times, sometimes because you dived to get someone else in trouble,  sometimes because someone pushed you or kicked you there. You won’t always get justice and you won’t always get decisions that go your way. Get up, forget about it and move on to the next great chance.

9. Finally, if you’re like my team England you’ll know that you can have all the right team in the right place at the right time. Your preparation perfect and everyone’s expectations ridiculously sky high. But occasionally it can still go all wrong. Sometimes it’s unexplainable! Ever seen The Twilight Zone’ just plain bizarre…

10.   If you don’t succeed this time around there is always the next time. Start preparing now and apply what you’ve learnt so you’ll be even more ready next time around.

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Tags: the world cup, vevuzela, vevuzelas, world cup, world cup lessons, world cup vevuzela