Did you see that game? (FSU vs. Auburn)

FSU locker room talk

The BCS football championship showdown between Florida State University’s Seminoles football team and the Auburn University Tigers at the Rose Bowl was one of the most exciting football games I have ever seen, and it was full of valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and small-business owners.

In the interest of full disclosure, I’m (Long Island University Class of 1976) an ex officio ‘Nole. However I am the father of a REAL ‘Nole – Kai Kenya Porter, FSU Class of 2011. So I’ve got the right to brag about the FSU victory, even though the championship game – like the small-business world – was frustrating and nerve wracking.

Business Lesson 1: Don’t get cocky. I have to admit that FSU looked pitiful in the game’s first half. All the big plays were being made by Auburn. Several TV camera shots showed Auburn players on the sidelines high-fiving and backslapping each other. You could tell they were saying: “We got this!” Cockiness can breed complacency.

Business Lesson 2: Don’t panic. Even though things looked pretty dismal going into halftime, I didn’t see FSU’s players or coaches panicking, frustrated or angry with each other. They kept cool heads. Based on personal experience I can tell you it’s impossible to think clearly or creatively when you’re angry or panicking.

Business Lesson 3: Focus on the fundamentals. FSU Coach Jimbo Fisher always tells his players to concentrate on doing great in the next play, no matter how bad things look on the scoreboard. (Check out Jimbo’s locker room talk)

http://www.footballscoop.com/news/7158-in-the-locker

Business Lesson 4: Never give up and remember Business Lesson 3. The FSU – Auburn showdown was decided in the last few seconds. Anyone who turned off the game and went to sleep at half time would have assumed that FSU was on its way to an embarrassing defeat. Heck, many FSU fans in the stadium looked miserable well into the second half. But the FSU team kept playing hard and practicing Business Lesson 2. FSU played hard down to the last seconds. Every moment and every play counted. That’s how FSU won.

Business Lesson 5: Surround yourself with good people. To prevail in business – even a one-person business – surround yourself with advisors and coaches you trust. Be open to the feedback they offer because they want you to prevail.

Business Lesson 6: Never stop learning. As FSU’s victorious team was leaving the field a reporter asked FSU Coach Fisher what was next for the team. He said that after a couple of days of rest and celebrations the team will get back to practice and preparing for next season.

Go Noles!

David D. Porter is principal and owner of David Porter Communications, a consulting firm that serves small businesses in Central Florida. The firm also produces www.B2BFlorida.com, a resource that provides inspiration and information to help small businesses overcome challenges and reach their goals.