New Jersey Enterpreneur - Small Business, Entrepreneurs and Venture Capital

The calendar pages fall by the wayside as the promises and resolutions of January roll into the cold hard facts of February. But there is hope on the horizon ~ pitchers and catchers have just reported to Spring Training. A new season is about to begin. The sports pages and prognosticators talk about who is in shape ~ new multi million dollar contracts ~ team commitment ~ minor verses major leagues and so on. Yes, the winter winds are filled with hope as the boys of summer get down to the business of preparing for a championship season on their field of dreams.

You too should be taking care of business, preparing for another networking season. Like the pros on the baseball diamond you have made the decision to become part of a team. You were drafted by or signed up for a networking team ~ a business development group of men and women that will hopefully play at a high level and bring you a championship season.

The birth of a spring in America is gracefully announced by balls popping off of bats and leather gloves snapping in the Florida sun. This subtle sports event also serves notice that business to business networking is in full swing. Yes, at the pro level all the veterans have reported to the sun drenched fields bantering about their goals for the season. And in New Jersey the veterans of networking gather in coffee fragranced rooms sharing tales of big wins and heartbreaking loses of years past. As a new member of the team you settle in, finding a good position, one that will give you the greatest chance for success. You’re ready to play ball!

As you can see there is little difference between being a pro baseball player and networking on a big league level. It’s all about your commitment to the team and your career. Will you be the Derrick Jeter on the team or will you be the guy who is sent down to the minor leagues because he’s not ready to compete at this level? It’s all up to you.

As you face the upcoming season’s calendar you realize the pressure is really on ‘you’. Unlike a Yankee or Met, you don’t have the luxury of practice time, specialty coaches, managers and hundreds of chances at bat to become a star. Your season presents far fewer opportunities. The chance for you to perform comes along about 26 times a season, verses a 180 game schedule for pro baseball players. On average the chance to get in on the action will come down to two, maybe three times a month. Each of those occasions may provide one or two openings to hit for power and get noticed by your teammates. As you can see networking at this level requires getting in every game and learning how to become a major contributor on the team. Failing to show up on time, not practicing your skills and not being reliable will lead to your being labeled a non performer. Sooner or later it will catch up with you. As in the pros this can lead to being benched (ignored) or worse ~ simply cut from the team.

Don’t mistake being drafted onto a networking team as a guarantee of success. Don’t let your ego get in the way ~ don’t take your eye of the ball. Like many of the athletes trying to make that championship roster you must prove your worth to the team. Show that you can be trusted, counted on in the tough spots ~ simply that you know how to be a team player. . So set your sights high and perhaps you’ll become the team MVP.

You joined a networking team for a reason ~ to improve your business and improve your career. You made the commitment to yourself and others ~ don’t let either one down. Don’t say you’ll try! Trying is just failing with honor!! Just ~ DO IT ~ and enjoy a championship season.