Go Big Or Go Home

As I watched the Euro 2012 Cup (a European soccer tournament for the non soccer fans), there was one major thing I noticed. Some of the teams in the tournament just did not seem like they wanted to be there. In fact, one of those teams in particular, the Netherlands, is considered a soccer “super power” and should have performed fairly well. But instead they were basically out of the tournament with not a thing to show for going early on in the competition.

Whether it was from in-fighting, lack of discipline or whatever, the team just looked bored and uninspired (you can probably tell I’m a passionate and irritated fan). Their behavior in this tournament betrayed the support of their fans. In fact, they ultimately might have lost some.

And that’s what still baffles me even now. I don’t understand the point of going into something and not caring. It does not matter if it’s a major soccer tournament, the super bowl or going into work to help customers all day long. If you love what you do, you go big or you go home.

Energy

How much energy is wasted if you only work to a certain point but don’t take the rest of the business seriously? No matter how hard you try in the beginning, if you subsequently drop the ball and stop caring, your business is sunk.

Consider how much energy the Netherlands team put into getting to this major tournament. There’s an extraordinarily long qualifying process just to get to go. But all of that effort gets thrown out the window as soon as you stop caring when you finally get to the big dance. Speaking of dancing… think of all the time, money and energy you put into going to one, a prom or a homecoming; the hair, the limo, the tux or dress. Then imagine you get to the dance and just sit by the wall all night. It’s just not worth the effort!

The same applies to a business. So much energy is put into the beginnings of a company. But after that initial “push” a noticeable decrease in effort usually becomes apparent. Remember that scary statistic about how most new businesses close within one year? While many factors go into business failure, some of that is bound to be from business owners and their teams running out of steam after making such a big effort in the beginning.

 Competitors

 Your competitors are looking over your shoulder all the time, seeking ways to sneak into your territory. If you’re not careful and don’t take what you’re doing seriously, they’ll have you beat in no time. This is true no matter what industry you’re in, and it’s the same no matter what part of business you’re in.

The United States’ men’s soccer team has gotten much better over the 10+ years I’ve been watching them. But just as soon as they have a great win, they do something silly that gives their competitors an edge. Did they get cocky? Stop trying? Whatever the reason, a team that shouldn’t have come close either beats them or at least makes it a real competition.

I believe the reason is the other team simply cared more. They put in more effort, they had more heart, and they took it more seriously. Every game is important, and every business interaction is important. If you don’t treat your customers with respect all the time, one of your competitors will snatch them up.

That’s why you have to go big or go home every day. It may not be in front of thousands of screaming fans, but your business “game” is just as big a deal to those involved. Treat it as such and you’ll succeed.

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