Earlier today I wrote about the importance of today's Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Raceway in Baltimore as it was the middle part of the illusive Triple Crown prize that has gone unclaimed for the past 31 years - make that 32 years now.
In addition to the obvious horse racing significance for "Mine That Bird" - the winner of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville two weeks ago and the only horse eligible to compete for the Triple Crown, I see a real clear life lesson and sales analogy here.
As I explained earlier, to win the Triple Crown, a horse must win all 3 races - not best out of 3 or most impressive win.
So here's what I noticed. I did not hear any of the strategies or pre-race plans from the owner, trainer or jockey of "Mine That Bird." I can only go by what I saw.
The horse was racing from the back of the field for more than half of the race. This was not an issue for the announcer because the horse did the same thing in the Derby. However, the horse got boxed in. As he was making his charge through the field, he got up to 10th place and then had to scramble to find room. This cost valuable time - time that he still almost made up at the finish line.
If this race was as important as it was - with the Triple Crown on the line - why try to run it from the back. In any kind of race, too many things can happen in front of you when you are trying to come from the back of the field.
If you want to win the race, why not run it from the front or set the pace? If I needed to win, I would be going all out from the start and not be bringing up the rear.
The lesson for us is to be leaders in our field when the prize is something we want - a sale, a listing, a strategic alliance, a referral, or anything we deem important.
This may have been planned by the "Mine That Bird" team. If it was, it definitely was not a strategic success. You have to expect obstacles in a highly contested and competitive endeavor (such as business, sports, or life), and this team lost big because of them.
Instead of winning, which it appeared that he could have done, he finished a very close second. No cigar this time.
──
For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings. © Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.
