The Option

I have taught and used option plays with kids as young as 5th grade.  I like the outside run option and the play action bootleg with a run/ pass option.  The key to effectively running the option is to reduce the number of decisions to one.  On the outside run option we teach our Q to find the D-end on the play side, pre-snap.  Once the play goes all he needs to see is if the D-end comes across the line of scrimmage or stays flat.  If he comes across, the Q keeps and cuts it up inside him.  If he stay flat it's a pitch and the RB beats him to the corner.  One the run/ pass option, it's just if the safety comes forward throw it.  If not run it.  We don't ask our Q's to make too many decisions.  We want them to see one key and make a fast decision.  Even at the older levels, it's read one player and go.  If a player gets too tied up in trying to figure things out during the play you get no decision and no gain.  In fact, it becomes a prime situation for a turn over.

We teach this, make a decision.  We don't care if it's wrong, just make the decision.  Wrong is easily corrected.  Making no decision, now that's tough to fix. 

The same is true for your marketing.  When you roll something out, particularly when you aren't sure what the market is going to do, leave room to read a key factor and change on the fly.  This does not mean roll it out and let your people ignore the play.  It means let them read a key and go to a specific option you have already built in.  I knew a great general contractor who would bring 3 separate envelopes to a bid opening.  When he got there and saw who else was there, he knew which envelope to turn in.  Specific options for specific keys.  Remember we call it the option, not the indecision.

Expect to Win in the New Year

Some teams hope to win, some say they expect to win.  Some, and this is a small number, really expect to win.  These teams have done enough of the right things that their inner being broadcasts a message of confidence while others hear doubt from within.

You probably know what those right things are for your situation.  If not, pay attention to those, "man I shoulds," that cross your mind.  Plan to win, prepare to win, expect to win.  Happy New Year.

Finish Strong

Last two minutes of the game, last 2 hours of the week.  It's Friday afternoon.  Are you one of the last people in your office?  Are you working when you know your competitors are at Happy Hour?  Welcome to impact time, those moments when being smarter, focused and engaged have the biggest influence on results.

If your way ahead or behind, use the last minutes for coaching, getting players experienced and teaching how to win with class or lose with grace.  If it's work, make that extra call, send that e-mail that can probably wait until Monday, write that blog post.  There is no better time to grow than the last minutes...

Your creativity needs to fit the plan.

I had a presentation, yesterday, with a very well run home improvement company.  They brought in reps from almost all of the media outlets in the area to hear ideas, get rates and start their 2011 budget planning.  I centered everything I did on those items which I determined to be the linchpins of their marketing program, getting leads, and closing sales.  Sounds simple, I know, but so often we can get so fascinated with our own creativity that we wind up all over the place.

A trick play works if it gains big or scores.  It also works if the possibility of it keeps the safeties back for an extra second off the ball. 

Work to the higher purpose

Last week, Clear Channel, Minneapolis, and K102 held their annual St. Jude radiothon.  Two days of broadcasting were dedicated to raising money for one of the most worthy charities in the world.  Over $800,000 was raised.

Today's Tip-  Work on doing the right things and winning will take care of itself.

Ron Stolski, head coach, Brainerd, MN high school has followed this philosophy over his 35 years in coaching.  Along with great success on the field he has helped build a bunch of quality people. 

If you are doing the right things with your business, your marketing has to work half as hard.  Repeat and referral customers are the very most valuable.

Welcome to Minnesota, Jerry Kill

People are amazing.  The screams are loud around KFAN. Much angst over Jerry Kill.  Do you know the difference between Kill and San Diego State guy?  San Diego State guy took a pass.  We were never even considered.  I have a bit of insight into this guy.  Everything is positive.  I'm on record, good hire.

Here's the tip; Run plays you have a reasonable chance of executing.  There is nothing wrong with reaching but it has to be gravy, not your main course.