If you’re any kind of sports fan then you heard about the marathon John Isner/Nicolas Mahut match at Wimbledon this year. The match broke many records including longest match (11 hours, 5 minutes), longest set (8 hours, 11 minutes) and number of games (183). As a tennis player that groans just thinking about a third set, I can’t even imagine the mind-set and determination that both the players exhibited. Of course, as a marketer I can see how that same mind-set and determination would lead to great results in the marketing world.
You might be wondering what in the world a tennis player has in common with a marketer. I can think of several similarities:
- Good work ethic – Prior to Tuesday’s match you might not have even heard of either of these players (Isner is ranked 18th and Mahut 148th in the world). However, just like your marketing efforts these guys aren’t overnight sensations. Isner has been playing since age 9, Mahut since age 5. Just like you can’t play tennis one time and expect to compete at Wimbledon, you can’t send out one marketing piece and expect immediate success. You’ve got to keep working at it.
- Determination – I can only imagine what each of those players was thinking as the match wore on. Obviously, giving up was not an option.
- Confidence – Each player had the confidence that he would ultimately succeed. When fatigue set it they allowed themselves to rely on their instincts. A marketer has to have the same confidence that his efforts will result in great results.
- Keeping an eye on the prize – Although Isner won the battle, he lost the war as unfortunately he lost his next Wimbledon match. There’s no doubt that both of these players will be playing many more matches over the course of their careers. And they’ll concentrate on what they did accomplish and not on what they didn’t.
Wonder if either of those players is looking for a job?
