Running Small Businesses Is Like Coaching

By Paul Lester

It may not be something that often crosses your mind, but football coaches and small business owners have a lot in common. Both professions require leadership, dedication, commitment, and a strong work ethic to succeed. Just like football coaches, as a small business owner, you must take on many roles to ensure that everybody is working together as a team to achieve important goals and that operations run smoothly.

Here are a few other ways football coaches and small business owners play a similar game.

 

Pre-game
 

To prepare for a football game, coaches research opponents, develop game plans, and determine the best lineup of players who will help the team win. Similarly, when starting a small business, entrepreneurs conduct market research to understand the competition and the key economic conditions and indicators. Entrepreneurs also build a business plan, which sets the strategic framework for the organization and maps out the path forward. In addition, small business owners find top talent who will help them execute the plan and beat the competition.

 

During the game
 

Over the course of a game, head coaches adjust regularly, shifting tactics to put their team in position to score and win. They consult with assistant coaches to get advice on what plays they should run. Entrepreneurs also make strategic moves to adjust to constantly changing market forces and customer demands. You can get guidance on how to set yourself for success by consulting with experts from your local SBA District Office, SCORE Chapter, Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, or Veterans Business Outreach Center.

 

Halftime
 

Coaches typically deliver inspiring halftime speeches that motivate players to give their all and function as a team. You motivate your employees by providing benefit programs and encouraging their career growth through training that will help strengthen their skills. Small business owners also foster teamwork by clearly communicating the importance of each employee’s role in reaching a shared objective.