Lessons,from,Long,Shot.,Hearte business, insurance 5 Lessons from a Long Shot. A Heartening Belmont Victory.

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____________________________________________________________Publication Guidelines:You may use this article as long as the byline, resourcebox, and links remain intact. If the article does not fityour Web site/newsletter guidelines, please requestadjustments. mailto:[email protected] .Please notify the author of use and provide a sample copy ofthe publication.Word count: 695Formatting: 60 characters per lineEmail questions to mailto:[email protected] Photo: Available to copy from Web site. Color: http://www.websitemarketingplan.com Black and White: http://www.websitemarketingplan.com/about_bobette.htmAutoresponder: mailto:[email protected]: http://www.websitemarketingplan.com/Arts/LongShot.htmCopyright 2002 Bobette Kyle. All rights reserved.____________________________________________________________5 Lessons from a Long Shot. A Heartening Belmont Victory.by Bobette KyleLike many, I watched the Belmont Stakes hoping to see thefirst Triple Crown in 24 years. Instead, I saw the 70-1 longshot, Sarava, appear from nowhere to win. We should takeheart from this unlikely victory. As small business owners,managers, and entrepreneurs, the "big shots" often see us aslong shots - worth a cursory notice, but rarely more.As I listened to trainer Ken McPeek and jockey Edgar Pradoafter the race, I realized their win was not a fluke.Victory was the result of several intelligent actions anddecisions. Apply these same actions consistently, and youcan win your own "Belmont Stakes":1) Learn from your mistakes.Just before the Belmont, Ken McPeek was fired as Harlan'sHoliday's trainer (The "better" horse.). Instead of becomingbitter, McPeek learned a lesson from the experience. Heanalyzed his past actions and took steps to improve. As aresult, he brought Sarava in days early so the horse couldget a feel for the track. After the race, it was noted thatall of the top three Belmont finishers had trained on thetrack days before the race.We have all been criticized for our performance, actions, orideas. It is easy to become defensive, blame others, anddismiss the criticism as off base. Next time, when youreceive a criticism or suffer a set back, use it as alearning opportunity. Look for the grain of truth in thecriticism or figure out what you could have done differentlyand take action to improve.2) Have faith in yourself.In each of two interviews, Prado's first point was that heand McPeek had kept the faith. They did not give up despitewhat others thought. This was not blind faith, however. Theysaw signs of a champion in Sarava that others overlooked.They developed those strengths and they persevered.Critics are rarely as close as you are to a situation. Theydo not know all the details and cannot understand all thatyou are thinking. When you see an opportunity that others donot, take a cue from these winners and persevere.3) Don't automatically dismiss the underdog.Sarava was McPeek's third string horse. After losing twoearly favorites - one to injury, the second when the horse'sowner moved him to another trainer - he was left with theunderdog Sarava. It would have been easy to give up thedream. Instead, while others ogled expected winner WarEmblem and superstar trainer Bob Baffert, McPeek looked forstrengths in his own horse and saw what others did not - awinner.It is easy to look at the superstars and reigning championsin our own industries and become discouraged. Instead, lookfor strengths in your situation and take advantage of theopportunities they represent.4) Know when to make your move.Jockey Prado deliberately ran fifth, behind War Emblem,through most of the race. When the favorite choked, weakenedfrom a stumble at the gate, Prado was ready. He made hismove, riding around War Emblem, and then pushing past othersto earn the victory.Strong competitors are not infallible. Look for chinks inthe armor. Also, do not discount "Murphy's Law", which canstrike without prejudice. When an opportunity arises -whether one you created or one presented to you - be readyto make your move.5) Speak up but stay humble.During interviews, McPeek pointed out what he had done towin the race, but he did not brag. His competitors are stillmajor contenders. He knew that bragging about the Belmontwin could mean eating crow in a future race.The same philosophy holds true for our own successes. Thesituation ebbs and flows. Today's victors may be tomorrow'sstrugglers. Being humble and likable when you are in thespotlight can garner support through future difficulties.Follow these five lessons from a long shot and I will seeyou at the races!_____To learn more about Ken McPeek, visit the McPeek Racing Website, http://www.mcpeekracing.com. As a side note, have alook at the "Points of Difference" page for examples ofpositioning and differentiation. Article Tags: Lessons From, Long Shot, Heartening Belmont