A few weeks ago, while listening to sports radio in my car, a basketball coach was being interviewed. His team did not make the NCAA Tournament and was instead invited to the less prestigious NIT Tournament. When asked if he was disappointed and whether or not his players would respond positively and play hard, he said:
We're still playing, and that's important. Whether you're in the middle of the ring in Madison Square Garden fighting for the heavyweight boxing championship or you're caught in a street fight in a back alley, you're still fighting. You have to size up your opponent and go to battle. The location doesn't matter. Either way, you're still flighting.
In our life and work, we clamor for the big stage. We yearn for recognition and accolades and can easily assume that if it's not well known, it's not worth it. Why play on the small stage? Shouldn't we just risk it all and work hard and only worry about landing big clients, big PR opportunities, or big money?
Nope. You need to do what it takes to keep fighting.
The interview with the local weekly newspaper is just as important as the one with USA Today.
Guest blogging on a small niche site can reap rewards just like getting mentioned on the large tech site can.
Selling something one at a time may not give you the same rush as selling 1,000 at once, but hey - you're still selling.
Whether you're managing one employee or 100, it's important that you work together as a team.
Every fight matters. Concern yourself less with the stage and the audience and get to work.