Design a Winning Game Plan for your Small Business
When it comes to starting your own business, having a good game plan is crucial – especially for entrepreneurs. This is something former NFL starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe understands first-hand. The importance of building a reliable team, outlining a game plan, hard work and persistence involved in starting up and running a business are all necessary steps Bledsoe has mastered along the way.
"In 2007, when I was in my mid-30’s, I retired from the NFL after 14 years in the league. My wife Maura and I have had a passion for wine for many years, so when planning for retirement became a reality, the wine business became a very attractive choice," explains Bledsoe.
With a lot of effort, patience and time, Bledsoe’s dream is coming true. Now the proud owners of Doubleback Winery in his hometown of Walla Walla, Wash., the Bledsoe’s and their staff are preparing to release their third vintage.
"Starting a new business can be very challenging. I am learning new things almost every day. That is one of the reasons I have teamed up with FedEx to share my small business game plan. Even though I still feel like I’m a rookie in business, I have found there are many important principles that carry over from my previous career to my new one."
Bledsoe’s Game Plan
Football teams spend months leading up to the season planning – they pick players and design offense and defense strategies. The same approach applies to any good business.
Pick a winning team.
It’s important to have confidence in your staff and ensure that everyone works together well, especially for small businesses. Make sure each team member feels supported and empowered because, just like in football, it takes contributions from every member of the team to achieve success.
Have a playbook ready.
As a small business owner, you need to keep a dual focus on what’s happening right now and what might happen tomorrow.
Take time to
think through best-case (and worst-case) scenarios for your business, and develop plans for them. If your business takes off quickly, make sure you’re ready to speed ahead to keep up with demand by having the right people and vendors in mind to help you succeed. Always be thinking of your next play.
Stay patient and persevere.
The process of taking an idea from concept to reality takes patience. It took a full seven years from the time we planted our vineyards until the first bottle of Doubleback wine was produced. Expect setbacks and delays along the way that will test your character and maybe even your desire to keep going. Ultimately, you will become a better business person and leader because of adversities.
Lead by example.
As an entrepreneur, it’s your job to lead effectively by setting a positive tone and knowing when to get involved and when to step out of the way. It’s also important to share your success with others. Don’t settle for being your team’s quarterback; aim to be voted team captain.
"The most important step is the same on the field as it is in the office, building a team you can trust and rely on. I even consider FedEx part of the team, since delivering our wine to our customers safely and on time is a top priority," says Bledsoe. "The FedEx Small Business website offers services that can help entrepreneurs estimate shipping costs and track items through the delivery process. It’s incredibly helpful for start-ups and for growing business as well."
Visit www.fedex.com/smallbusiness for more small business tips, videos from former NFL pros-turned entrepreneurs including Bledsoe, as well as a chance to win $5,000 and the chance to go to the Super Bowl as part of the FedEx Small Business of the Week Program.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
©
2012 All rights reserved.
| 
Cultivate healthy habits. By taking care of yourself now, you may be taking care of your pocketbook in the future. A recent study conducted by eHealth Inc., found that of over 200,000 consumers with brand-name health plans purchased through 
