The other day, I was thinking about how similar my career as a basketball player is to being an entrepreneur - I realize I haven't shared a lot about who I am ad why I do what I do, so I'd like to take this moment to introduce this part of my life: how being an internationally recruited NCAA Division 1 basketball player played role in my entrepreneurial journey, and how it impacts you.
Being an athlete, it took years of showing up every day, putting in hard work, learning, testing, failing, losing… before I was able to perform, play, and compete and win at some of the highest levels in women’s basketball.
Over 15 years in total, to be exact. Along the way, I was supported by 22 coaches. Sometimes, by one at a time, other times by a team of them where each one of the had a specific role.
On several occasions throughout my athletic career, however, we only needed one specific piece of information, knowledge, or a skill. What did we do?
I recall that a strategist, highly-specialized expert would join our team for a quick workshop, or week-long program, for example. And, we would only focus on one specific aspect that needed to be improved, or incorporated.
Imagine team-building for a moment. We had a team of great players, we were great friends, and individually, each one of us was very talented and good at what she did. With the help of that specific strategist, we learned how to work together as a cohesive unit, as a team. We gained a better understanding of what each one of us needed, and had to offer that made us stronger. (We had a record-breaking season that year, and he longest winning-streak, and we won the regular season title, in addition to a couple of other accomplishments. Just saying:-) )
Let's get back to your business now...
Can you think of an aspect of your business where you wish you could access a strategist, skilled person with expertise in that specific area where you struggle?
What comes up?