DAWG’s win the National College Football Championship!

Photo from: UGA Today January 11, 2022

 

After watching last night's game, I began to think about what led to the Bulldog’s historic win against the Crimson Tide? In the 4th quarter the score was 19-18 and I had a sinking feeling that the Crimson Tide would steamroll us again. However, that all changed when Bennett "dumped it off to Brock Bowers for the score from 15 yards out as the Bulldogs retake the lead... then Kelee Ringo intercepts and returns it 79 yards for the score and give Georgia its first national title since 1980. Final score Georgia 33, Alabama 18 ." (source: @sportingnews)

When Stetson Bennett was asked what he was thinking at that point in the game, he said “I was either going to be a zero or a hero.” The team had planned and practiced for this very situation and they all knew what needed to be done.

I believe there are #3 key factors that made the Bulldog’s National Champions when it came down to the wire:

1. Leadership - Kirby Smart’s leadership and determination kept Stetson Bennett in as starting quarterback, even after the SEC defeat against Alabama. Stetson Bennett’s leadership and trust in Brock Bowers ability to catch the ball led to that game changing touchdown.
2. Strategy - After their SEC loss, Smart pushed the team to build the strength and endurance needed in the second half to push through and win. Smart knew his team had the talent and the heart, however they just needed more endurance than their opponent.
3. Practice - Everyone has heard, “practice makes perfect” and you can see why that is true. By "working the plan" which led to the late "pick-six" interception and 79 yard touchdown by Kelee Ringo!

Why am I writing about sports when I have been told to never, ever “talk sports” in public? Because, I have seen first hand that when a business owner utilizes leadership, strategy and practice they become champions! As a business owner you can survive for a while on talent and luck, but not long term. You need to lead your team by developing a strategic plan and win by working the plan. How can you do this? By taking UGA SBDC’s GrowSMART, a premier leadership and business development program held annually. The program is starting on March 8th and will be held on five consecutive Tuesdays through April 5th.

Do you want to be a Zero or a Hero? Take the opportunity now by applying to attend GrowSMART. Become the Hero in your business! You will not regret it.

Go DAWG’s!

Laura D. Katz, MBA, CDMP, is the Area Director of the UGA SBDC - Athens Center. Ms. Katz is a national speaker on the topic of Marketing & Business Development. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.