The first task when starting a business is to round up the resources that will help you fulfill your dream. Who’s going to be on your team? What resources will you need? What experience/skills do you lack that you’ll need to improve? Can you gain those skills by furthering your education? Will your team’s skills make up the difference in areas where you’re currently weak?
I’m the first to admit that when I began, I knew nothing about business. Therefore, I began by rounding up the team members who could compensate and excel in areas where I was lacking. A great shortcoming of many small business entrepreneurs is they think they can do it all, so they try to wear every hat. Running a business requires you to take a good look at what you can and cannot do on your own. Ask yourself, “Am I good at accounting? Do I understand legal documents and contracts? Who’s going to prepare my taxes?” The list goes on and on. My team background came into play during this process. When I played on basketball teams, I played the position of center. I never pretended to be the point guard. Sure, once in a blue moon, I could throw the ball up there and hit from half court, but that wasn’t my job, and it wasn’t going to benefit my team and enhance our chances of winning. For NBA trivia buffs, if anyone asks you who played the most number of seasons and games without attempting a three-point shot, the answer is me! I knew my job, my strengths, and how to help my team. My job was to stay down in the trenches and battle for rebounds, play defense, and jam home a few offensive rebounds. When you start your business, know your strengths, know your weaknesses, know who you want to add to your team, and what role everyone is going to play.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
