COMMENTARY: ‘Accurate Thinking’ for both baseball and your dealership
As I write this article, Major League Baseball is back with Opening Day arriving on Thursday. While the players union and team owners hashed out their collective bargaining agreement, I rarely heard anything about the group of people who matter most — the fans — you know, the customers who spend $15 on one beer and $10 for a hotdog.
I don’t begrudge the millionaires and billionaires on either side for doing what they can to get paid for their business acumen and risk, talent, or hard work. I am a capitalist after all.
As part of the agreement, a Joint Competition Committee will be formed, comprised of four active players, six members appointed by MLB, one umpire, and two fans. Just kidding on the last part. There are no fans who are part of the Joint Competition Committee. There should be some fans or a liaison to the fans or some consideration of them.
Without fans, neither side gets millions or fame.
According to MLB.com, beginning in 2023 the committee will be tasked with adopting changes to playing rules such as a pitch clock, base size, defensive positioning and automatic ball/strike zone.
I am glad they are finally considering some rule changes that may make the experience better for the fans.
Although a purist might not like some rule changes, the game is about entertainment. Lately the game has been losing fans. MLB has talked about the game being too long. Actually, the game is about the same length as an NFL game.
As the author of one of the most influential books of all time, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill reveals the success principle of “Accurate Thinking.”
MLB officials could have used “Accurate Thinking” the last few years when talking about the game being too long. Actually, the game is too boring for some. There is too much time between action. The NFL is non-stop action, which is why nobody complains about the length of the game.
Before I get too much hate mail from baseball lovers — I love baseball. I do not watch the NFL any longer. But I adhere to the principle of “Accurate Thinking.”
Increasing base sizes may encourage more base stealing (a lost art that my team, the St. Louis Cardinals used to capitalize on). More base stealing will make the game more exciting. Making a rule that keeps two infielders on the left-side of second base (eliminating the shift) may encourage more action that fans care about, because it will lead to more hits.
Baseball analysts have talked about the game becoming boring because of the three-outcome trend. Most at bats end in either a home run, strikeout, or walk. Getting rid of “the shift” will lead to more players getting hits. This puts players on base. It may lead to more base running and stealing — ACTION!
The takeaways for your business:
—Practice “Accurate Thinking.” What is it about your business, leadership, and team that nobody is talking about — or avoiding? What needs to be addressed right now? Do you need help addressing it? Is anyone on your team focusing on what “should be” versus “what is” and what you can do about it?
—Don’t be boring. This is one of my top principles when it comes to your marketing. Inject some fun, entertainment, or value.
—Provide a good experience. A family may save up for a long time to get to a Major League Baseball game. But if the experience is boring because of the “three outcome” trend, they may not be back. You may be able to make an initial sale right now with high pressure and sneaky tactics, but you will not get a repeat customer or referrals unless you provide a top-level experience.
Kenny Atcheson is the founder and president of Dealer Profit Pros and author of Marketing Battleground: How to Deploy Under-the-Radar Strategies to Explode Your Profits. Kenny teaches workshops and speaks at conventions and 20 Groups. His company offers several marketing and advertising programs, customer service and sales training. His website can be found at www.DealerProfitPros.com.