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What Every Entrepreneur Can Learn From These 5 Amazing Sportsmen Who Turned To Business

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There are clear parallels between the world of sport and business. Those who rise to the top often share similar character traits such as determination, a strong ‘will-to-win,’ a crazy work ethic and the ability to function at an exceptional level both individually and in a team situation. What lessons can an aspiring entrepreneur or business owner take from their business careers?

Below are five lessons from some truly amazing sportsmen who made successful transitions from the world of sport to the world of business. We have focused on those who made more money and continue to do so from their off field/off court businesses than they did from their sports salaries.

David Beckham

David Beckham would readily admit that he is not the best ever footballer (soccer to our US readers) to play the game but he definitely shares traits with those who could more readily substantiate that claim.  His commitment and work ethic are well-known, representing England with his best performance when his last minute free kick sent England to the World Cup Finals, during the World Cup qualifier versus Greece on October 6th 2001.

It was when his transition into business that David Beckham truly excelled. When Beckham joined LA Galaxy after leaving Real Madrid in 2007, the 5 year deal was for worth $250 million and included sponsorship and merchandise sales.

Lesson from David Beckham:

Think global and be prepared to go where your products services are best appreciated. e-commerce means that small businesses (even sole traders) can trade internationally.

 

Magic Johnson

A true superstar on the court in the NBA period we informally refer to as ‘Before Jordan’ Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson often had moves that left his competitors drooling. This did not change as he transitioned into a very successful business career.

Under the banner of Magic Johnson Enterprises he owns Burger Kings, T.G.I. Fridays, Magic Johnson Theaters, 24-Hour Fitness/ Magic Johnson Sport health clubs in poorer communities that lacked these establishments. In April 2011 he also purchased 3 radio stations in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Lesson from Magic Johnson

Commercial opportunities are not limited to one type of consumer. Get to know the dynamics of your market and use them to your advantage.

 

George Foreman

When George Foreman was counted out in the historic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight against Muhammad Ali on the night of October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire he could never have imagined the magnitude of his ‘comeback’ and that it would not be in the ring but outside it.

In 1995 Foreman partnered with household-products maker Salton and helped them sell almost 100 million George Foreman Grills. In 1999 he sold the rights to his name to his grill-making partner for $137.5 million. He has introduced a clothing line and cleaning products line.

 

Lesson from George Foreman

You have to take risks to reap the rewards. Putting his name to a grill was quite a risk for the former world heavyweight champion.

 

Tony Hawk

It’s not an overstatement to say that for many people, Tony Hawk “Is Skateboarding”. It was Hawk who landed the first ever “900” at the X games—two and a half spins in mid-air and created around 80 new tricks and yet his business moves have proved to be just as amazing.

Hawk owns Birdhouse, one of the largest skateboarding companies in the world and started his own clothing line – Hawk Clothing. He has established sponsorship deals with Six Flags, Kohl’s, Infospace, Adio shoes, Jeep and Sirius Satellite Radio, but his best application to date was the launch of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Video game in 1999 in partnership with Activision. The game quickly became a bestseller making his company the No. 1 action-sports video game franchise. He has also published his autobiography which also became a bestseller.

Lesson from Tony Hawk

Embrace technology to expand your brand.

 

Venus Williams

Venus  ‘Ebony Starr’ Williams is well known for exploits on the tennis court having amassed 43 career singles titles including 7 majors but her form is just as impressive in the business arena. She is the CEO of V Starr Interiors, an interior design firm founded by Williams in Florida after she completed her associate degree in Fashion Design at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. In a separate deal Venus partnered with retailer Steve & Barry’s to launch her own fashion line ‘EleVen’.

In 2009, she became part-owners of the Miami Dolphins, a professional American football team, along with her sister Serena Williams. She has also co-written a book, ‘Come to Win; on How Sports Can Help You Top Your Profession’, which was highly placed (5th) on the New York Times bestseller list.

 

Lesson from Venus Williams

Build business ventures around your passions and continue your professional development.

 

We hope that you have found this information inspiring.

Guest Blog written by Mike Pitt, Founder and CEO of Marketing Fundamentals Ltd www.marketingfundamentals.com

I am the the Founder of Addicted2Success.com and I am so grateful you're here to be part of this awesome community. I love connecting with people who have a passion for Entrepreneurship, Self Development & Achieving Success. I started this website with the intention of educating and inspiring likeminded people to always strive for success no matter what their circumstances. I'm proud to say through my podcast and through this website we have impacted over 200 million lives in the last 10 years.

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How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub

Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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