Frank Agin

The Huddle: Nothing Beats a Team

by |November 30th, 2009

golf 01The sights and sounds of summer are arguably the best of the year. Ask most anyone and they will list summer as one of their favorite times of year.

If you ask why, you will get a variety of answers. Some will cite the long, sunny days filled with enjoying time at the beach. Others might mention backyard cook outs with family and friends. Still others will bring into the conversation an occasional round of golf.

The game of golf is unique in that there is something in the game for everyone. You can start playing when you are young and enjoy it until you are in retirement years. As long as you are able walk a few feet and swing your arms, you can play golf (not necessarily well, but you can still play).

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About Frank Agin

Frank Agin is the founder and president of AmSpirit Business Connections, an organization that empowers entrepreneurs, sales representatives and professionals to become more successful through networking and developing stronger business relationships. He is the author of a book entitled Foundational Networking: Creating Know, Like & Trust For A Lifetime of Extraordinary Success, and the co-author of LinkedWorking: Generating Success of the World’s Largest Professional Networking Website, which is one of the first books to set forth a strategy for being successful with social media websites.

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The Powerful Lesson of 3:59.4

by |March 24th, 2009

This article is part of “The Huddle” series by Frank Agin

On May 6th, 1954, an unidentified announcer gave the results for the recently completed race in a track and field meet being held at Oxford University. As he uttered “In the one-mile run, with a first place winning time of three-minutes …,” the crowd interrupted him, cheering in sheer excitement.

The winner of the race, the new world record holder and the first person to finish a mile in less than four minutes was Dr. Roger Bannister – a young medical student from Oxford University.  His official time, once the crowd permitted the announcer to continue, was 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds.

In the years following Dr. Bannister’s May 6, 1954 feat, hundreds of runners have run sub-four-minute miles (and some runners have achieved the feat hundreds of times themselves). In fact, later in May 1954, John Landy, a miler from Australia, also ran the mile in less than four minutes – lowering the world record for the mile to 3:58.0.

As of today, men over the age of 30 have run miles in less than four minutes as well as men over the age of 40. There are even women within striking distance of the sub-four-minute milestone. Currently, the world record is more than 15 seconds under four minutes.

However, prior to Dr. Bannister’s accomplishment, few believed that a human would ever break the four-minute-mile barrier. Experts from the athletic, medical and scientific community regarded running a sub-four-minute mile as an insurmountable limitation of the human body. After all, the previous world record of 4:01.3 had stood unchanged for nine years.

Despite what the experts said, Bannister thought otherwise. In his mind, it was not a question of whether or not someone could run a sub-four-minute mile. For Bannister the questions to be answered were “who” and “when.”

Bannister believed that someone would break the four-minute barrier. He believed that he was capable of doing it. He believed that his unique training methods would enable him to do it. And, in the end, his convictions and confidence carried him to world-renowned prominence.

The story of Dr. Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile has a simple lesson for us in business and life. That lesson is that what others believe to be our abilities and limitations has absolutely no bearing on how high we can take ourselves. What does matter ultimately (and primarily), however, is what we believe to be our abilities and limitations.

Each of us needs to believe that within us is a “sub-four-minute type” performance regarding our personal or professional achievement. We need to believe that we have that performance where we cast aside all self-doubt and are feeling a “not if, but when” sort of confidence.  We need to endeavor to amaze those around us who do not believe – that population of so-called naysayers.

The lesson that Dr. Roger Bannister gave us in a particular 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds span of his life, is that for us to be as successful as we can be, the starting point is that we simply need to BELIEVE.

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Frank Agin writes a monthly sports themed networking series for SportsNetworker.com entitled “The Huddle“.  Frank is the founder and president of AmSpirit Business Connections and consults with individuals

and businesses on how to become more successful through networking. He is the author of two sports related novels,  Out of the Comfort Zone., and his latest hit, Rival.

 

 

 

Did you like this article?  Please write your comments below on your own sub 4-minute miles in your life and check out the other articles from “The Huddle”:

 

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Stand Tall, Or Bow To A King…What Would You Do?

by |February 17th, 2009

This is a guest article in “The Huddle” series by Frank Agin:

The crowning spectacle of any Olympic Games is the opening ceremonies. No matter what Olympic sport of which you happen to be a fan (or even if you are a fan of no sport at all), this exhibition is captivating, entertaining and inspiring.

Traditionally, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is officially opened by the head of state of the host nation, such as a president, prime minister or even a king. From there nation after nation enters the stadium, each being led by an athlete representative that carries that country’s flag. As each country proceeds around the infield, when they pass where the head of state is seated, following tradition, the flag bearer dips the nation’s flag in deference to the host country’s lead dignitary.

Literally every nation follows this protocol – every nation but the United States. This exception to the tradition is considered tradition in and of itself and it relates back over 100 years to the 1908 London Games.

On July 14 at approximately 2:45 PM, with Austria leading the way, nations began to parade into London’s White City Stadium for the opening ceremonies of the 1908 Olympic Games. Eventually, the United States joined the procession, being led by 6’6”, 275 pound Ralph Rose as its flag bearer.

As the contingent of Americans marched before King Edward VII, to the outrage of the crowd, Rose did not lower the American flag as was custom. Although there is some debate as to just how much of an uproar this created amongst the British, one American’s response to the act was clear. Martin Sheridan, known as a burly, hot-tempered shot putter, emphatically stated, “This flag dips to no earthly king.”

As such, a tradition-bucking tradition was born. In the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games, the American delegation does not lower its flag. The American flag has remained high before kings, presidents and emperors. It has not dipped in great nations such as Canada, Germany and China.

No matter the dignitary and no matter the country, in the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games the Americans keep their flag standing tall with pride, confidence and optimism … proud of its past contribution to the world … confident of its place as a leader in global humanity … optimistic of its role in a great future.

You are no different than the American flag. You have every reason to stand tall in any situation, no matter who you encounter. And thus you should shy away from meeting no one.

Yes, there are people who have accomplished much – award-winning authors, note-worthy business professionals and civic leaders of every kind. Do not concede anything to them. Rather, stop, reflect, and take inventory of your own past. It is a proud one too – marked by wonderful milestones, accomplishments and achievements.

Yes, there are people who offer a great deal to society – architects of innovation, masters of a craft and commanders of loyal followers. Do not wilt in their presence. Rather have every confidence that no matter what you do, your contribution to society serves to make the world a better place – even if it is just in your little corner of it.

Yes, there are people whose crowning achievements are clearly ahead of them – future dignitaries, rising-corporate stars, and budding entrepreneur types. Nevertheless, do not back down from them. No matter how high their stock may rise, remember you should have every optimism that yours will rise too.

In short, no matter where you find yourself and no matter whose company you are in, believe that you belong. As such, stand tall, throw your shoulders back and offer yourself to those around you … but do not bow to any earthly king.
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Frank Agin writes a monthly sports themed networking series for SportsNetworker.com entitled “The Huddle“.  Frank is the founder and president of AmSpirit Business Connections and consults with individuals and businesses on how to become more successful through networking. He is the author of two sports related novels,  Out of the Comfort Zone., and his latest hit, Rival.

 

 

 

Did you like this article?  Check out the other articles from “The Huddle”:

 

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The Huddle: Why Giving May Be Your Greatest Victory

by |December 3rd, 2008


Do you want to have a strong, productive network? I am talking about a network where opportunities, information and energy seem to continually flow to you.   Is that what you want?  If you do, the secret is to give to those around you.

Your response (even if only in your mind) might be, “What? Give! Give to whom? Give what? My money is tight and my time is limited.”

While it might not be clear as to what you can give or where you can give it, know that opportunities for altruistic action are all around you. You just need to open your eyes to the opportunities and then commit to action when you see one.

Just ask Brandon Teel. Who is Brandon Teel? Brandon found an opportunity to give in December 2003. He did not make a large cash contribution to the Salvation Army near the holidays. He did not spend countless hours serving meals at the open shelter. Actually, he found his opportunity to give in a junior varsity wrestling match.

In December 2003, Brandon was attending Kearney Senior High School and wrestling for the high school team, the No. 2-ranked team in Nebraska. As a senior for the Bearcats, he was a backup in the 189-pound weight class.

One day, the Bearcat wrestling coaches approached Brandon with an unusual request.  It all started when the head wrestling coach for the Lincoln East Spartans, a nearby rival high school and No. 1-ranked team in the state, e-mailed Brandon’s coach with a request.  The Lincoln East coach asked his counterparts at Kearney if one of their wrestlers would compete in a junior varsity match against one of the Spartan wrestlers.

The request was unusual because the Spartan wrestler was a freshman named Trevor Howe.  This Lincoln East freshman had Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder resulting in mental retardation and an inability to fully develop motor skills.  Thus, for Trevor wrestling was a struggle.

The Kearney coaches agreed to find someone to wrestle the East Lincoln High freshman.  They knew that it was going to take a special kid for this situation, so they quickly decided to ask Brandon Teel to take on this challenge.

However, the challenge was not in winning the match.  Under normal circumstances, an experienced senior would be too much for a freshman.  And under these special circumstances, Trevor did not stand a chance against Brandon.

The challenge was in the stipulations placed on the match. The coaches asked Brandon not to pin Trevor for two periods as well as not hurt him. The Lincoln East coaches just wanted Brandon to let Trevor experience wrestling in a competitive match.

Brandon accepted his role. Additionally, Brandon further agreed that he would not pin Trevor at any point during the match. Rather, Brandon would allow the match to proceed for a full six minutes and he would beat Trevor on points.

For a young competitive athlete at a wrestling powerhouse like Kearney Senior High School, Brandon’s agreement to allow Trevor to remain competitive was noble in and of itself.  If the story were to stop there it still would be worth telling.  However, it did not end there.

Once the wrestling match began, something happened to the Kearney Bearcat senior.   Brandon Teel was overcome with what can be described as a tremendous wave of class, generosity and compassion. Picking the appropriate time, Brandon allowed himself to be pinned, giving the victory to the freshman.

“He was really working – he was trying so hard,” Brandon told Craig Sesker, a sportswriter for the Omaha World-Herald. “I was supposed to win on points in the third period, but I didn’t think it would be right for me to beat him.  It ended up being better this way anyway.”

When the referee declared victory for Trevor, the entire gymnasium erupted. Trevor jumped up and down.  He hugged his coach.  He hugged his dad.  Both wrestlers received a standing ovation.  Brandon received accolades for his sportsmanship.

(This is an image of Howe just before he pinned Teel)

On Saturday, December 13, 2003, 17-year-old Brandon Teel gave Trevor Howe something he might not otherwise have had – the thrill of a lifetime to step onto a wrestling mat and earn a victory.  He gave Trevor’s parents something that they might never have expected.  He gave all those in attendance a wonderful experience – the sheer joy of one person’s unlikely triumph.  And Brandon Teel gave us all a lesson.

The lesson is that moments of great compassion and generosity do not find us. Rather, we find them. Brandon did not have to lose.  He did not have to allow himself to be pinned.  He could have done exactly what the coaches had agreed – give Trevor a hard fought experience, not hurt him and take the victory in the third period – and no one would have thought less of him.  Rather, Brandon chose a nobler course.  He saw an opportunity to give to another and he took it.

More importantly, consider that Brandon Teel was just a 17-year-old kid competing in an obscure junior varsity wrestling match somewhere in small-town Nebraska.   If he could find an opportunity to give, it should not be that difficult for us to do the same, considering we are mature adults, dealing with real world matters with metropolitan connections.

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This post is part of a monthly sports themed networking series entitled “The Huddle” by Frank Agin.  Read more on Frank in the About section of this blog and feel free to pick up a copy of his professional development book: Foundational Networking: Building Know, Like and Trust to Create a Lifetime of Extraordinary Success or his sport-related novel, Out of the Comfort Zone.

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Do you have an inspirational networking story you feel should be covered in The Huddle?  If so, please leave a comment and Frank will respond to your suggestions.

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Networking Miracles: Three Principles That Make You a Believer

by |November 10th, 2008

Admit it: Whenever you embark on networking you hope (even deep down inside) that your actions and activities connect you to someone or something that leads you to wondrous (almost miraculous) results.  This, then, begs the question – using sport announcer Al Michaels famous call – do you believe in miracles?…which is a wonderful segue into a great sports story.

During the height of the cold war, the Soviet Union built a hockey dynasty. Beginning in the early 60’s, the Soviet national hockey team was virtually unbeatable at the amateur level. They had won every Olympic gold medal since the 1964 games, overpowering every opponent in the process. The Soviet hockey machine even held its own against professionals, basically tying the NHL All-Stars in a multi-game series.

With the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Games fast approaching, the Soviet hockey team was again the favorite for gold. In fact, they expected to manhandle the competition as much of their veteran 1976 Gold Medal team was back.

While potential rivals were mentioned – teams like Sweden, Czechoslovakia and West Germany – this was merely done in an attempt to create a meager amount of intrigue for the event. In short, there was no one that gave any one much of a chance against the Soviet hockey juggernaut, least of all the United States.

In fact, the young American team – comprised of mere college players and NHL long shots – was given no chance against the Soviet squad. Further bolstering this conclusion was the fact that the Soviet Union had pounded the Americans 10-3 in an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden the week before the start of the Olympic games.

Despite the long odds, the Americans faced off against the Soviets in the opening game of the medal round.

Despite being outmatched, the Americans met every challenge posed by the Soviets.

Despite being out shot, the Americans found themselves tied with the Soviets half way through the third and final period.

On February 22, 1980, the long shot, out matched, out shot American team scored with 10 minutes to play to take a 4-3 lead against the Soviet Union. A lead they hung on to for the remainder of the game. As the final seconds ticked away, announcer Al Michaels exclaimed (as this country held its collective breath), “DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? YES!

This remains as one of the most famous calls in sports broadcasting history. This performance touched the heart of America like no other. This victory served to galvanize the pride and patriotism of this country at a time when we needed it most.

This will be forever known as “The Miracle On Ice.”

This, however, was no miracle. There are no miracles in sports – God reserves these for parting of Red Seas and feeding thousands with a few fish.

The Miracle On Ice was no miracle; it was destiny.

The Americans may have lacked experience, but they did not lack a vision – Coach Herb Brooks clearly reinforced that from the moment the team was assembled.

The Americans may have been outmatched by the Soviet hockey army, but that never stopped them from believing – they knew that collectively they possessed a unique talent that would ensure their success.

The Americans may have been disregarded by everyone, but that did not dampen their commitment to put forth the necessary hard work.

The Miracle On Ice was simply destiny.

So what is the point? How does this relate to networking?

Simple. Networking is no different than sports. There are no miracles. This, however, does not mean that marvelous things cannot happen.

The lesson of the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey gold medal is simply that wondrous things can and will occur whenever you have the:

•    Courage to have a consistent vision of what you want from your networking; and,

•    Confidence to have an unwavering belief that your abilities are special and uniquely designed to add value within your network; and,

•    Discipline to maintain an untiring work ethic to give to your network in the form of contacts, information and energy.

In summary, if you find and maintain this level of courage, confidence and discipline, one day your networking will yield you a “DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?” kind of day.

This post is part of a monthly sports themed networking series entitled “The Huddle” by Frank Agin.  Frank Agin is the founder and president of AmSpirit Business Connections and consults with individuals and businesses on how to become more successful through networking. He is the author of Foundational Networking: Building Know, Like and Trust to Create a Lifetime of Extraordinary Success. In addition to this professional development book, he is the author of a sport-related novel, Out of the Comfort Zone. He can be reached at [email protected]

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