I played baseball as a kid and I never hit a home run. I don’t know what it feels like.

A home run can happen in Business as well. Though, as with baseball, there are barriers so we don’t hit a home run.

It makes me think it has to be earned. By putting in the time and the preparation. Building up the small victories, until you become an overnight success.

The overnight success is the business equivalent of a home run. It may happen once, a few times, or never. I don’t know. I have yet to have a home run. But, I like to think I’m preparing for one.

When I think about the home run, three thoughts come to mind.

It’s not about failure

Failure, for the sake of failure, is not the way to a home run. That’s just failure porn. Playing the victim.

Failure happens, yes. But, it’s not a requirement. Nor particularly helpful. Being told no is bound to happen, but it is not failure. It’s a small rejection.

Building a portfolio of failures isn’t sexy. Building a portfolio of victories, no matter how small, is.

Getting small victories

If we cannot get small victories, how can we expect to get the big ones?

We can’t.

They’re like a prerequisite for playing in the big leagues. If we don’t get small victories, we won’t be prepared for what it takes.

We have to be able to close the small deals consistently. Then, like it’s the universe telling us we’re ready, we get a big deal.

Holding out for the home run, without putting in the time for the small victories, is gambling. It’s relying on sheer luck.

I don’t think luck is absent in a home run. Being the only thing we rely on, though, is dangerous. It makes me uncomfortable.

Small victories build. We get them, and we can stack them up towards a big win. It’s about stacking up wins.

Like the Oakland Raiders in 2016.

Stacking up wins

I am a huge Oakland Raiders fan. I have been through almost a new coach every year since 2002. And, Jamarcus Russell. What is sad is, I was excited about that draft. About the Jamarcus Russell future.

I have watched the Raiders consistently through a 14-year playoff drought. What gave the 2016 season something different was Jack Del Rio.

After each victory, he would tell the media we just want to keep stacking up wins. Then, we’ll see where it gets us at the end of the season.

There was no striving for a home run. Just one victory at a time. Then, maybe we’ll make the playoffs.

I try to apply this to my business. I stack up yes’s in a sales call and forward steps in the buying process. Then, see where the chips fall. Knowing that these are the necessary steps for a home run.

Only after enough time, stacking up small victories, can we be prepared for the home run.

At least I hope this is a way to get to a home run.

If not, I guess I’ll call BALCO.