Roughly 20 years ago my children were in Little League Baseball. I loved going to the games and watching them perform what they practiced every week. My wife and I went in with the concept that we wanted our children to have fun.
Sometimes, it was challenging for them when they either didn’t listen to their coaches or didn’t execute to the best of their abilities. The schedule was rough with three or four practices a week, the game on the weekend, (or multiple games if there was a tournament) and other baseball team obligations. We did it because our children loved playing and we loved watching them play.
My oldest son was on a team called the Reds. That was hard for me as we are diehard Texas Ranger fans. But I embraced the opportunity to cheer and support my son while he was on his team. I went as far as buying a Reds T-shirt and a Reds hat so that I could cheer him on at his games.
He was also one of the catchers on his team, which is a very difficult position to play. The catcher is the only position that has visibility of every player on the field and is oftentimes responsible for directing the defensive play. It was especially difficult for him because he was a tall kid. Getting up and down from the crouch as well as dropping and blocking and making quick snap throws was often a challenge. But he did it and he did it well.
Now that he and my 2 other children are all grown up (they were all active in various sports and activities), I miss those days when I could just go to a ball game and cheer on my children and watch them have fun. Now I cheer for them from a different set of stands as I watched them take on life and careers on their own terms and make every attempt to succeed.
One thing that stands out about my oldest son’s experience in Little League Baseball was his coach communicating to his team to be ready and know what to do when they were on the defensive part of the inning. He would yell out, “Get a plan Reds!” What he meant by this was if the ball is hit to you, know exactly what you are going to do. Know the positions of any base runners, evaluate the batter and try to predict his skill set, be aware of how many outs and what the count is on any given pitch, and so many other things.
His point was to know what you’re going to do if and when the ball comes your way. During practices he constantly communicated different baseball situations on the defensive side so that the players could instinctively perform as needed. He drilled and he drilled with different situations so that those kids could succeed on the field during a game which added to their fun.
My son, as a catcher, had to completely understand the game and understand the plan for every position player so he could direct them in areas that they couldn’t see. I truly believe this aided my son in life as after baseball his analytical and keen observation skills have helped him to become successful in his current career. He has a plan.
This phrase, “Get a plan Reds!” has been used in our house ever since we first heard it. Just the other day I caught myself saying this while I was thinking about a decision my daughter was going have to make and under my breath I said, “Get a plan Reds!” I think this is fantastic advice in that we should be ready to evaluate a situation and hopefully predict a successful outcome. It can be as simple as what are we going to have for dinner? Or that stoplight is about to turn yellow while driving… should I try to speed up or understand exactly where I am and slow down for a safe stop. Or, it can be a lot more complicated. If we think about our situation and think about our next move, it improves the chances of us making a better decision. This should help ensure that we’re a lot happier…thus having a lot more “fun” in life.
So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked! From day one of entering this venture of operating an online business I was motivated to do things correctly and motivated to become successful.
From my previous experience in corporate life, I understood that training is necessary in order to fully complete the task at hand. I was looking for a program that would offer me everything necessary to set me up for success in an online business.
So, after I discovered a program that had valuable products, an extensive training program, a vibrant and supportive community and the necessary systems, I jumped in full force. I spent months in training to learn the craft and exactly how to operate an online business. While I was learning I was simultaneously setting up my business.
As my knowledge grew so did my desire to learn more and more and my desire to connect with people who were successful in this industry. I even joined an unofficial group of masterminds who discuss the training and the current trends in order to become successful.
I am so thankful for this group of people as they have encouraged me to be better. Just this week I was given some feedback from this group about my email follow-up to those on my list. I had to take a hard look at myself and realize that I needed a tweak my emails in order for my potential customers and future colleagues to know, like, and trust me with their needs.
Now that my business is up and running, I have all the systems set up and in place and I’m starting to get leads and seeing success, I have to forced myself to realize that the plan is not over. I have to continue to learn, adapt and be vulnerable so that I will get better. This will not only help me but will help my customers as they progress in their business or whatever they are trying to promote in their respective niches.
This week I found myself saying out loud in my little home office, “Get a plan Reds!” as I planned my week ahead. My plan consisted of catching up on training, following up with excellent coaching advice from my mentor, and making sure that I had the right mindset to move forward.
I decided that this week was going to be a week of more advanced training for me now that my business is starting to show signs of success. That does not mean that I ignore other areas of my business and ignore my follow up, it means that I am choosing to use my time wisely and partition the different tasks that need to be done in order to be successful.
One of these important tasks is constant training and keeping up with relevant ideas and thoughts from others that have gone before me. I see this as practice just like my son had to do when he was in Little League Baseball. Before he could play the game, he had to know how to play the game and he learned this in practice. And when practice was over and it was game day he was ready to perform.
Now that I’m performing, I see that I need to keep practicing so that I understand the situations that may come up in this business. Such as when I get a question from a potential customer that I don’t quite understand and wonder how to respond. Or, when there’s an interruption in the day and I need to stop what I’m doing and adjust my plan for the day in order to make sure that my business runs without my constant attention. I ask myself what’s my plan?
I find that I now need to plan for those interruptions and know how to catch up after they happen. For example, this last week we got a call that we were needed to assist with our grandchildren. Whenever we are asked to see or help with our grandchildren the answer is always YES even before the question is finished. My wife and I stopped what we were doing and spent the afternoon playing and doing crafts and, yes, throwing a squishy ball to my 4-year-old grandson as he wanted to play baseball in our backyard. How could I say no to that request? So, I set aside what I was doing and made a plan how I would make up for the missed work so we could watch our amazing grandchildren.
The very next day I planned my day in such a way where I could catch up on what I set aside the prior day. I was able to accomplish what needed to be done. All because I had a plan.
The program that I’m in helps me put a business plan together for success. It’s a blueprint, if you will. Now, I do alter this blueprint a little bit to fit my own needs and to fit my own style. But I know that I’m not alone because the designers of this blueprint are extremely successful.
Today my plan is to finish this blog post, generate some follow up emails, watch a few training videos, review the statistical data of an ad I placed and later spend time with my wife as we sit down on our couch and watch our Texas Rangers beat the competition.
Do you have a plan for success? How do you motivate yourself to stay on track and to accomplish the things that you need to do? For me, a simple statement like, “Get a plan Reds!” reminds me that I need to push forward and follow the steps that are needed for me to be successful whether in business or anything else that I want to do.
“The backbone of success is hard work, determination, good planning, and perseverance.” – Mia Hamm
“In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln
And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:
Why did the banana fail at planning? Because it kept slipping up!
Why don’t ghosts plan parties? Because they never know whom to boo-vite!
Ok- that last one was really bad so here’s a bonus:
Why did the electrician make a good planner? Because he always knew how to stay current!
Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!
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What a wonderful metaphor for our online businesses! And the story you tell is compelling! “Get a plan, Reds” suggests to me a daily vision for not only goals for any given day but also a vision of the big picture going forward: the micro AND the macro! Every day is an art form of vast possibility and opportunity. Keeping these variables in mind is strategic for success in every endeavor!
Hi Kate – Put an amazing insight you have! That silly phrase that I’ve kept with me for decades now means forward movement and looking ahead. I love when you say that every day is an art form of vast possibility and opportunity. Wow that pretty much sums up how I want to live every single day! Thank you for your visit and for your comments.
I really enjoyed your post, and I especially resonated with the concept of “Get a plan, Reds!” It’s such a practical and empowering approach, both in baseball and in business. It’s also great to see how you’re applying this mindset to manage your time effectively and balance work with personal life. Your commitment to continuous learning and adapting is truly inspiring. Thanks for sharing these insights and reminding us of the value of planning and perseverance!
Hi Allison! Thank you so much for your visit. For me, making it simple is vital so that I could focus and devote so much of my attention to the more difficult. I keep it simple, and that phrase pushes me and motivates me to focus on what the plan really is and not be distracted. I’m still working on my time management skills. I see you doing so well with your skills that it is motivating and inspiring! Have a great week and see you on the next blog :)!
Ernie, your words have certainly come a long way from your first posts. You seem to have such a clarity about your journey which is really great to see! I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts each week and enjoy your thought-provoking topics! Keep up the Great Work!
Hi Ken – Thank you for your nice words and my blog, as well as my business, are definitely works in progress. I am finding that I enjoy it more and more and as they say, practice helps to make perfect. I don’t think I will ever be perfect but I think I will strive to get as close to it as I possibly can. Have a great week!
Hi Ernie,
What a heartfelt and insightful post! I enjoyed hearing about your experiences with your children in Little League and how the phrase “Get a plan Reds!” has become a guiding principle in your life and business. Your ability to connect those cherished memories with your current journey in online business is truly inspiring. It’s a great reminder of the importance of planning, adaptability, and continuous learning.
Your dedication to your business, along with your ability to balance family time, truly shines through. The lessons you’ve shared will undoubtedly inspire others to create their own “plan for success.” Looking forward to your next post!
Hope you have a wonderful week!
Meredith
Hi Meredith- Your comments are so nice and are very appreciated. Tried to relate everything that I can to not only how it can benefit my family but how I can help others. I am no expert and strive to be one day. Until that day comes, I will continue to blog about my business and discuss my wins and my opportunities so that I can get better and hopefully that helps others. Have a wonderful week!
That’s a mighty fine motivator you have with, “Get a plan Reds!”. I know I still need to keep on my toes but after a while you inherently know what needs doing. I write my task lists daily and one item is simply “Believe & Achieve”.
I like that quote of Eisenhower about planning. 🙂
Hello! I absolutely love “Believe & Achieve”. It is a mantra that we should all have on the tip of our tongues as we navigate through this business. I’m also a big fan of motivational quotes and I am glad that you like the one from Eisenhower. Great week!
Ernie, Though I’m not that familiar with baseball, your story about your son’s Little League experience and how it relates to running an online business is quite inspiring. The concept of “Get a plan Reds!” really resonates, as it highlights the importance of preparation and strategic thinking in any field. It’s fascinating to see how lessons from sports can be applied to business and life. Thank you, Ernie, for all the support you’ve given me throughout my journey. I’m eager to apply these principles as I continue to build my own path. Thanks, Atif
Atif – It is I who should be thanking you for your support and for your continued visits to my blog. You are very encouraging and offer extremely practical advice. I’m glad the phrase that I use resonates but I am sure that you have some similar phrases and examples from your life experiences. I’d love to hear them. Thank you for your visit and for your encouragement, my friend!
Hi, Ernie! I love your post this week. I always look forward to reading your stories and this week is no exception! I’m putting the phrase, “Get a plan, Reds!” on my vision board. I love the idea of anticipating all that could happen during the week and planning what I will do in those circumstances. I usually plan for what I know is going to interrupt, but I don’t anticipate the unexpected. This really helps! Thanks, Ernie!
Nakina
Hi Nakina – I was truly hoping that you would be visiting my blog this week as your words are always insightful and motivating. And I am honored that you would choose to use my little goofy statement from my blog on your vision board. Anticipation of the unexpected, as you mentioned in your comment, is key and we could all use practice with this skill. Have a wonderful week!
Wow, Ernie! What a heartfelt and inspiring post! I love how you connected your son’s Little League experience with your journey in online business. The message of having a plan and being prepared really resonates with me. It’s so true that the same principles apply both on the field and in life. Your dedication to continuous learning and adapting is truly commendable. I’ll definitely be taking your advice to ‘Get a plan’ in my own activities! Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences — looking forward to seeing where your journey takes you next!
Hello – I truly appreciate your visit to my blog and for your nice comments. Yes, planning is so very important regardless of the situation whether it’s personal, professional or a combination of both. I remain inspired every day by the people around me who are doing what they need to do to become successful and it sounds like you’re pne of those people. Again, thank you for your visit and have a wonderful week!
Hi Ernie,
Great post with such a great personal touch to it!
I’d take walks every day with my grandfather when I was much younger and I remember the many times he would provide thoughts of wisdom that, at the time, I couldn’t comprehend.
When I got older, these were the backbone of my successes; I could always relate to something he had told me to better prepare myself in life.
One of these being: “Have a plan. Whatever you’re doing, have a plan”.
Wishing you all the best and thank you again for bringing me back to those great memories!
Hi Marc – Thank you for your visit to my blog and for your nice comments. I, too, had a great relationship with my grandfather and in the future, I plan to do a two-part series offering some of his greatest advice to me. Grandparents have so much wisdom based on experience and knowledge and in most cases, just plain goodness! It sounds like you had a grandfather like mine. We are very fortunate! Have a great rest of the week and again, thank you for your visit.
What wonderful memories you have to cherish. Supporting your sons in little league and now enjoying creating new memories with you grandkids. It’s great to hear that your business is doing well and you are on top of things. It’s always a pleasure to read your blog posts.
Hi Andy – I truly appreciate your visit to my post and value your comments. Yes, I do have a lot of great memories, and I can apply some of those memories to my current opportunities in business. It is amazing how much you can learn and blend to make a business out of something. I adore my family and I’m so grateful for the many memories we have experienced together. Have a great week!
Like the personal touch to your blog this week. “get a plan Red’s” that is the line that resonated the most with me. Very readable and an important life lesson.
Hi Scott – Yes, I do tend to get quite personal at times but that’s just me. I’m glad that simple phrase resonated with you and I hope you were doing well. Thanks for your visit to my blog and for your comments. Wishing you a fantastic week!
Wow, this post really struck a chord with me! I love how you talk about your son’s Little League experience and running an online business. It’s amazing how the discipline and planning required in sports can translate so well into the world of business.
And I have to say, making time for family and finding that balance is so important. It sounds like you’ve got a solid strategy in place and are ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Here’s to more wins on and off the field!
Hi Sarah – You absolutely got the message from my post. The discipline required to run a business can correlate with so many things. This time I happened to use my son’s Little League experience and how a simple phrase impacted me and how I prioritize things. I totally agree that making time for the family and finding balance is so valuable and important as that is who I am working for. Thank you so much for your visit, nice comments and I hope you have a wonderful week and weekend!
Hello Ernie! I’m a baseball fan and I love this game. I was a fan of the Montreal’s Expos before they were sold at the end of the nineties. This was sad because that year was a strike going on in professional baseball, Montreal had the team to win the mondial series, but sadly, the season was flushed before the end.
Nevertheless I play in local softball teams during summer and I love it. You talked about coaching. In sport like in affiliate marketing it’s so important! Coaching makes you learn, and help you keep the right mindset to win. Eisenhower was right. Your plan is often useless in the field as is but the fact you did a plan have made you learn and mentally prepared yourself for the action. Very good post thanks 👍
Martin
Hi Martin – As a baseball fan you get it! It was so strange to see the Expos leave Montreal and move to a different city. If my team left my city I would be very, very sad. I used to play on a softball team and may still get back into it but my problem is my mind still thinks I’m 20 years old, but my body is a little more realistic. Ha ha ha! Mindset is right as you mentioned and is so important in this business. If I’m too stick to a plan, I need to make sure I have a plan. And the plan must be sound and tied to my vision. Thank you for your visit!