(Picture: Championship Game )
Strategy 4 Saturday (<4 minute read)
- Championship Night
- The Winds of Change
- Return to Your Habits
- Strategy Planning Calendar
- Measure Success Podcast | Author & Former NFL Offensive Lineman | Marques Ogden
- Also on the Measure Success Podcast | Founder and CEO | Wendy Fisher
- Coming up this week | Writer, Entrepreneur, and Musician | Dr. Kent Gustavson
- Read all our Blogs on our 40 Strategy Website
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Welcome back to our first article of 2024, Strategy 4 Saturday. Today, we’ll explore recent events in the sports and business world that happened within a mere four days, and how they relate to the importance of maintaining and returning to effective habits in times of turbulence. Strategy and habits…
Championship Night:
On Monday, January 8th, 2024, I was in Houston to witness the showdown between the undefeated #1 University of Michigan Wolverines and the underdog, undefeated #2 University of Washington Huskies, at the college football National Championship Game. Huskies Coach Kalen DeBoar had orchestrated an incredible turnaround, taking them from a 4-8 team in 2021 to a remarkable 21-game winning streak, earning them a shot at the National Championship.
Despite the excitement and the company of fellow Husky fans, Michigan ultimately emerged victorious. However, the journey was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. Strategy and habits. They defied the odds and showcased their potential.
The Winds of Change:
Just 48 hours later, the college football landscape experienced a seismic shift. Legendary coach Nick Saban announced his retirement after winning six national championships with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Within another 48 hours, Washington’s Coach Kalen DeBoer, represented by the same agent as Saban, accepted an offer to lead the Crimson Tide.
In a mere 96 hours, the University of Washington’s football program went from the brink of a national title to a coaching transition. This whirlwind of change demonstrates how quickly circumstances can evolve.
Return to Your Habits:
Over the past month, my personal habits were disrupted by a series of challenges, including illness, vacation, holidays, and intense focus on Husky football. As a result, I have been out of sync and a bit exhausted. After the game, I recognized that I need to get back to my habits that bring me energy, including writing this blog. Strategy and habits.
Last year, one of my clients faced challenges due to an unexpected surge in demand followed by a sudden decline. Their habit of outbound selling had waned during the busy period, which ultimately led to a sales decline. They lost their strategy and habits.
The client felt paralyzed. The sales decline accelerated, and they had to cut costs. They hired me to help them turn the business around. Initially, the goal was to create a new strategic plan. However, this turnaround required focus on one key thing. They were so concerned about the bottom line, I asked them not to pay me until they had results.
We developed a clear action plan to restart the outbound sales process by connecting with past clients and contacts. For the client, this was uncomfortable, and they wanted to avoid it. Every week, I was their accountability partner. We talked through the challenges and set up a target each week for outbound calls. If they missed a weekly target, they would make it up in the next week. They appreciated the consistent coaching to assure they were getting things done and overcoming their discomfort.
By recognizing the need to revive their selling habits, they turned the situation around in six months. They reconnected with past clients and contacts, setting up phone calls, Zoom meetings, and lunch appointments. This led to new sales opportunities and increased profits. Cash balances were restored and they gratefully paid for the services. This client success story emphasizes the power of returning to effective strategy and habits in challenging times and having a trusted accountability partner to help you get there.
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, both in sports and in business. The ability to adapt and return to effective habits during turbulent times can make all the difference. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape in 2024, remember the lessons of how change can happen very quickly, and the importance of returning to your strategic habits.
(Picture: National Championship Game)
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