Write a one-page paper about a successful entrepreneur in sports. List five characteristics that have made him or her a good entrepreneur.

Michael Jordan, Successful entrepreneur in sports

Probably the basketball legend who will never be overshadowed by any NBA greats (because he will always do the overshadowing), Michael Jordan has been famous both inside and outside the court, not only for his playing skills, but also for his never-say-die traits that win the hearts of more fans and basketball figures alike. While he earned millions during his basketball career, majority of Jordan’s wealth he got off the court. He’s a well-known businessman with properties and several ventures, product endorsements, and owner of Charlotte Hornets, one of the NBA teams. Even at present, Jordan owed his success in the business world to his attitude which he learned inside the basketball court. These are the following traits which make Michael Jordan, NBA legend, a successful entrepreneur, years after he retired from the basketball scene:

1. Resilience

Business is not tangible matter. It is not as concrete as 8 to 5 jobs, or professional career in managerial positions. Even if you do the right steps, and work so hard, you can still fail. It’s not for the weak heart, nor for the thin-skinned. Jordan has had a lot of failures in his life before and during NBA, but did he quit? NO. During the 1997 NBA finals against the Utah Jazz, he contracted a stomach virus which can prevent him from playing. Even while feeling weak, he pushed himself to play, scored 38 points, and successfully brought the team to victory.

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” (Jordan & Vancill, 1994)

2. Turning Weaknesses to Strengths, Failures to Opportunities

Michael Jordan failed to make it to his high school varsity team, and he cried about it. He practiced and trained so hard to get better, and every time he felt like quitting, he always make himself remember the list where his name is not included. He was drafted 3^rd in the NBA, and the rest was history. Successful entrepreneurs, as experts say, do not see with the eyes of regular people who enjoy being in a play-safe field. They don’t see failures as failures, but instead as opportunities to improve. Trump went bankrupt several times, but he didn’t stop and was successful in getting more than what he lost in the end (Kiyosaki, 2011).

My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.” (Jordan & Vancill, 1994)

3. Not Being Satisfied with Good

Jordan, even after winning championships and being branded as the best player of all time, still didn’t stop from training hard, and playing hard. He continued striving for the best. He doesn’t stay up in glory after a championship. He went down from the clouds and start practicing with the team again.

4. Eyes on the Price

The peak never changes no matter how crooked or straight the path is towards it. Successful businessmen don’t mind how far or near they are from their goals; they’re just hooked in their goals at all time, and there’s nothing which can stop them from getting it. Michael Jordan keeps on going, and when he does, no one can stop him.

I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.” (Jordan & Vancill, 1994)

5. Teamwork

Entrepreneurs can’t get successful on their own. They would need others, too – be it their resources, assistance, expertise, or whatever. Jordan didn’t take credit alone for Chicago’s wins; he also gave credits to his co-players and coach. He valued the rest of the team.

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” (Jordan & Vancill, 1994)