Lessons from the Super Bowl

Sometimes we all have to take risks to achieve our goals. Whether you are a relentless networker or a football coach and his team, you have to look ahead and see what actions you have to take in order to reach your objective.

Coach Sean Payton of the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints took three risks in Super Bowl XLIV and went 2-of-3 in order to win the game.

1. On 4th-and-2 with 2 minutes left in the 1st half, they went for it and failed. But they came back scored a field goal with a few seconds before the half ended. They didn’t give up.
2. Opened the 2nd half with a successful on-side kick. They succeeded in changing the momentum of the game.
3. Went for a two-point conversion late in the game to extend their lead. It was memorable and made their opponent have to reach.

In each case, Payton took a gamble and it had consequences. He stepped up and took it and 2 out of 3 times it paid off, ultimately, with victory.

As a networker, going for it on 4th down can translate to walking across the room at an event and connecting face-to-face for the first time with that long-hoped-for connection.  You know, that contact who you’ve been wanting to meet.  The worst thing that can happen is that they politely brush you off.  Or you could get the first down by securing that one-on-one meeting you’ve been needing.

On-side kicks happen all the time with networkers. They are momentum changers.  Attend that next event you’ve been invited to by your new contact.  Change things up and try new events in your strategy in order to grow your contacts and influence.

By sending that memorable hand-written thank you note with the gift card you extend your lead with that valued contact. You become memorable and they most likely will remember you before someone else.

Take the risks and you will be rewarded–either with a lesson or business.

Relentless