Life, Business Strategy and Baseball
I was recently reminded how important life and business strategies are. As the personal and professional impact each other, a solid plan of action with a purposeful plan is imperative. A strategy based on solid values and purpose has the potential to grow in influence, power and success.
I recently attended a Dodger baseball game with some colleagues and once again I took out Throwback, the book written by Jason Kindall, Major League catcher for fourteen years. I did not grow up watching baseball. In fact, I may have attended a high school game, but that’s it. Then I married a pro ball player.
My husband, Greg, played for the Cleveland Indians minor leagues. (up to Triple A) Even though baseball became a part of my life, it still seemed like a forever-game on very hot fields. However, part of the fun was the experience at the fields and getting to hang out. A couple years ago I read Jason’s book. It changed my entire view of baseball. There is an incredible amount of strategy in baseball that applies in both life and business strategy. Here are five of those tactics.
1. Preparation
Before the game, the catcher and pitcher sit down and go over lineups, different scenarios and how they’re going to pitch certain guys. This means they’ve studied the scouting reports, even reviewing what the player has hit the night before. How prepared are you with every sales call, every meeting, every occasion you get to spend with your family or significant other?
2. Know Your Competition
Pitchers and catchers play mind games with batters. They know how they have reacted in the past and the probability of a swing on a changeup. (A changeup is the staple off-speed pitch in baseball. It’s thrown to look like a fastball, but it arrives much more slowly to the plate. It’s reduced speed, along with the element of surprise, is meant to confuse the batter’s timing.) Study what others are doing and do something a little different. In a world of clones, you will stand out with a bit of creativity and surprise!
3. Know Your Uniqueness
Do you have a fastball, a slider, a curveball or even a changeup? A unique pitch can bring a player a Major League offer. In business, especially speaking, there are so many so-called experts on branding and leadership. Really? How are they really unique? What is their background and track record? As I am building my business, it’s very important for me to build on what makes my programs different than the myriad of other offerings.
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4. Know Your Field
All pitching mounds are supposed to be the same, but they aren’t. As Kindallwrites, even when the grounds crew is following the rules, there are differences. The grounds crew may water down the base paths to slow down opposing base stealers. Or keep the grass a little longer in front of a third baseman with poor range so ground balls don’t get by him. Or slant the base paths so a bunted ball rolls out. Also, depending on the time of day, knowing how the sun hits the field can be advantageous as both pitchers and hitters are challenged with hitting through shadows. I say all this to stress the importance of keeping up with what’s going on in your field. It will help you know how to plan and what to expect in your business strategy.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Just because you’re at a professional level doesn’t mean that you can let up on the practice. Athletes still work out most every day even in the off-season. I practice tech set-up for any of my engagements. In performing shows, if the tech doesn’t work correctly, it detracts from the message and takes my attention away from the audience. Adequate preparation lowers the odds of disaster! Also keep your skills sharp. In baseball, split seconds can make a difference in making a run or being out. Whatever you need to do in your field, do it. Practice, read, study, take courses. Those should all be part of your business strategy.
I look forward to hearing about your business strategy and your success!
Create Time for Your Strategy
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