May 2nd 2015, will remain a memorable day in the history of boxing after Floyd Mayweather “Money” challenged Pacman Manny Pacquiao in a heated leather exchange. As the world still struggles to understand how Mr. Money worn the fight, the truth is both fighters are already pocketing millions of dollars made in about an hour. So what can business leaders learn from this fight?
Opportunities
We all know America as the land of opportunity and second chances but this is very wrong. Opportunities can be created anywhere at anytime if you sacrifice to create one. Just as there are opportunities in America, so are opportunities in Philippines where Manny is from and so is where you are reading this blog from. All you need to do is to identify your strength, gifts and talents and nurture them. Talents by themselves are not enough, you have to put in the work.
Money
As Mayweather puts it, “money is not everything but the only thing” this is a misleading philosophy, a very wrong statement. Never have that mentality as an entrepreneur. You will fail. Even though Floyd is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, he started from humble beginnings where money was not everything. If money was the only thing, Manny Pacquiao would have not made it to be a world celebrated star because of his background.
Play Mind Games
As physical as the fight was, I can still say that it was more of a mind game than a normal boxing fight. It was not a show of who punches the hard, or who dodges punishment best but who can dominate the other with logic and reasoning.
Manny was given the opportunity to address the press first, and since he knew how flamboyant and reckless Floyd can be, he decided to go spiritual knowing that he was going to gain favour worldwide from the eyes of his religious fans. He was very open about his faith and even invited Mayweather for a bible study after the fight.
That speech turned things around and made so many people change their mind to support Pacman.
Realizing that he has lost because of humble nature of Pacquiao Mayweather also thanked God for everything and for the fight but this was clear that he was asking for favour from new Manny fans which is not bad and a very strategic move. Mayweather then decided to go bold and shrink Manny’s fans to be Filipinos only. He thanked Manny’s filipino fans and self declared himself as a world wide champion by recognizing his world wide support. He chose the go big or go bigger route.
Talk Mega Terms
This is a strategy that has been used by a lot of successful entrepreneurs and gurus. They have mastered the art of “Mega Talk”. In mega talk, you positively exaggerate the value of your business. It has worked well for Donald Tramp, Elon Musk, Richard Branson, The late Steve Jobs among other business men.
Mayweather likes to talk big money, drive expensive cars, big talks and expanding his fan base even to places where he is not well received. That is the business mentality. Talk big for small talks will only lead to small results.
Marketing
People always say that money is scarce but this is a very wrong mentality. Government prints money more than we need therefore it is sad that we can even think that there is not enough money out there. If HBO managed to raise over 400+ millions in about one hour, through Pay-Per-View. What is your strategy of getting money? That is what most people do not get right. If you market wisely and make your product or service to be a need, then you will not only make money but also change lives.
Despite the efforts of blocking illegal streaming sites and methods online, there were some hackers who found plans B’s and C’s on how to stream to those who could not afford to pay 100 dollars to watch the fight live. That is expected and you should be ready to meet such on your way to the top.
Criticisms
They will forever be there but they should not distract you from going for your mega success. We all heard of the media complaints about character of Mayweather. I do not support at all anything, conduct or behaviour that reduces human dignity. Despite all challenges towards the fight, Floyd took the responsibilities to address his challenges but focused more on the fight.
It is very easy in leadership and entrepreneurship to lose focus on important things and start exchanging bitter words with critics. In general, both fighters were great and if one did not win on score card, they won on logic and reasoning. Find a way to be a winner and never settle on mediocrity.
© Joshua Okello 2015.
Joshua Okello is a B.A graduate in Business Administration, International Development and Philosophy. He is also the author of the book Strategies of Entrepreneurial Leadership He has exceptional skills in organizing, coordinating projects and capacity building initiatives with key emphasis on livelihood programs; microfinance through savings and credit led models; business development services and entrepreneurial leadership. He is also the founder and Executive Director of Succeed Africa Relief Organization, a Canadian Christian Organization geared towards giving hope and transformation in lives of the chronically poor in Africa.
Josh OKELLO 