Earlier today, I was listening to a debate between two sports celebrities on the merits or lack of merit of a local professional football team.

This particular team has struggled for many years and the two celebs were looking for answers. Why didn't several coaching changes make any appreciable difference? Why hadn't a parade of quarterbacks made a difference? What was the basic thread that held this team in the bondage of mediocrity ?

Finally, one of them said "they have consistently ignored the fundamentals of the game. They have forgotten the basics!"

How often have you forgotten the basics of your business? How many times have you told yourself that your company is beyond the starting point? Ever wonder why the All-Pro Quarterback goes to training camp with the rookie?

Each month the legal sections of our newspapers carry scores of names in bankruptcy sections. I'd be willing to bet that many of those companies forgot the basics.

Just as a successful football team has a game plan, a successful business must have a business plan. Once the plan is in place, various players are assigned a role to ensure that the plan is executed in a manner that will ensure a successful result.

The planning process asks questions and probes for answers... Why do I want to go into this business?... Is there a real need for my product or service?... Who says so?... Is there a market?... Can I define it?... Where is it?... Who is it?... How do I reach it?... What will it take for them to buy my product or service? These are all basic questions. They need to be explored before you think of finance, staffing and the big new building you will surely require for your world headquarters.

Unfortunately, many persons don't have the answers, and in many cases they don't know the questions.

Good football teams have good coaches. So do good businesses. I have yet to see an outstanding business or football team without a good coach. Good coaches train others to assist them in becoming better at what they do. They don't try to do it alone. Good coaches recognize when they need help and are not afraid to ask for assistance. Good coaches are mentors. They know that everyone can learn from someone else. Good coaches know that: practice builds confidence; confidence beckons challenge; and challenge is a rung on the ladder to success.

The more a business practices the basics, the better it will be able to meet the changing needs of the market. Soon, like the quarterback who becomes familiar with various defenses, a manager begins to view what used to be obstacles to growth as mere bumps on the road. Practice and review of the basics can keep your company from being sacked!

If you are not a great coach don't despair. Help abounds in many forms... seminars, consultants, books, tapes and industry groups to mention a few.

How long has it been since you reviewed your business plan? Is it time to get back to the basics? How long has it been since you held training camp?

Make sure the All-Pro is there next to the rookie. Both will be winners, and so will you... coach!