The Spud Webb Business Model: How a 5’6" Player Soared to Greatness in the NBA…and How it Can Impact Your Business!
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Against the Odds:
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Manute Bol, formerly of the Washington Bullets is 7’7". Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets is 7’6". There are in fact a slew of NBA players, current and former, who have topped the 7-foot mark. Weight is another determining factor in the aggressive, physical game of basketball. Charles Barkley, the "Round Mound of Rebound," tipped the scales at nearly 300 lbs.; Shaquille O’Neal is well over that.
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There are two things I have no doubt about. In basketball, size is an advantage. And when all is said and done, basketball is a business! Fail to perform, and you’ll quickly be looking for another job.
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Enter the 5’6" 135lb. Spud Webb:
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Spud Webb was an outstanding player at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas, Texas where he averaged over 25 points per-game. Upon graduation, however, while other standout players were being recruited by big-time college programs, interest in the 5’6” Webb was almost non-existent.
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Despite his phenomenal abilities, a player of his short stature was seen as a detriment. Midland College, a small, two-year Junior College in Midland, Texas reluctantly took a chance. In 1982, Webb’s leadership, skill and determination were integral components in leading Midland to the Junior College National Championship. His incredible 36-point performance in the game led Sports Illustrated to run a feature story on him…and in the blink of an eye, he was catapulted to national prominence.
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His two years at Midland over, Spud Webb caught the attention of the coaching staff at powerful North Carolina State University; offered a scholarship for his final two years of college by Coach Jim Valvano, Webb thrived!
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Webb was drafted in the fourth-round of the NBA’s 1985 draft. During his incredible 12 seasons as a pro, he played for the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic. Competing against players who oftentimes stood more than two-feet taller, the beloved Webb averaged 9.9 points per-game and piled up over 4,000 assists!
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The following is my Spud Webb Business-Model:
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1) David can Slay Goliath! Whatever your field of endeavor, whether small business-owner or freelancer, unless you have reached the pinnacle of your profession, you will be competing against larger businesses. The good news is that with hard work, knowledge and attitude, you can succeed. You might not put the giants out of business, but there is no reason why you can’t carve out a nice profitable niche for yourself!
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2) A Standout Performance can Bring Instant Recognition. Just like Spud Webb in the Junior College National Championship Game in which he scored 36 points, an excellent job can bring recognition and acclaim quite quickly. One exceptionally completed project can open the floodgates of praise, recommendations, word-of-mouth and testimonials.
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3) Fortitude, Persistence and Determination are Keys to Success. When facing larger, more-established, more entrenched competitors, some of whom have greater name-recognition, the situation demands strength and perseverance. The road might be long and achieving success might take time, but by consistently delivering a quality product, people will take notice.
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4) Fans Cheer for the Underdog! People love to see the little guy come out ahead. They are enthralled by seeing the underdog, against all odds, triumph. It’s true in sports, it’s true in life and it’s true in business. It’s the reason why many people drive right past the "Golden Arches" of McDonalds and head straight to their local diner for a good home-cooked meal! When starting out in business, or while trying to build a name and brand, it is imperative to remember that people love personalized service, something which is quite often missing from the big guys. Give prospective customers reasons to shy away from the biggies and give their business to you!
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5) Pay Little Attention to Your Detractors. I’m willing to bet that early in life, many people told Spud Webb to forget all about basketball. To give up his passion and dream. "You’re too short…you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment and failure," were words he might have heard. Had he listened, he might have been Spud Webb the lawyer, Spud Webb the chef or Spud Webb the shoe salesman. But he didn’t give up; he ignored the cynics! The only thing he paid attention to was the fire in his heart, his inner-desire and his unshakeable dream. In business, detractors can be people, statistics, almost-daily newspaper headlines which scream of recession and bankruptcy, and our own doubts. The reasons not to go into business are few. The reasons to do so and to dream of success are much more numerous!
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The above images are shown courtesy of the National Basketball Association and Atlanta Hawks respectively. The Spud Webb Business-Model was written by Yonatan Maisel with the utmost respect of and for Spud Webb but not with his consent or endorsement.
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