The Power of the Tribe – A Lesson from Saskatchewan?
Here in Canada our football league is the CFL (Canadian Football League), and one of the teams is the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Just another football team, right? Well perhaps, but the fans that support this team are extremely dedicated to their team.
No matter which city the team plays in it feels like a home-field advantage. Many people have roots in the province of Saskatchewan, and they don't forget that. That is why there's a sea of green in the stands at every Roughrider game – home or away.
To get another idea of how much their fans support them… the picture in this post is a welcome-home party in their home stadium after they LOST last year's Grey Cup (equivalent to the Super Bowl in the NFL). Not too many teams get that kind of welcome after a loss.
You have to understand that this team resides in a province with a population of less than one million. So… a lot of people travel for hundreds of miles to go their home games… some even travel to other provinces to take in their away games. By the bus-load or the car-load you'll see them flocking to the stadiums to watch their beloved team.
Today (November 28) is Grey Cup Sunday, and the Roughriders are taking on the Montreal Alouettes in our city. This whole week has seen Roughrider fans taking over the city. Flags, shirts, jackets, face-painting – you name it… wherever a Rider logo can be put, it's there. Rider fans want everyone to know who they're loyal to.
So… think about it… doesn't this apply to your other tribes? Definitely. From your networking tribes to your prospects and customers – unwavering, almost fan-like support will be noticed. It will give them a sense that you really do care about them. And as the saying goes… people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Do the Roughriders feel the support from their fans? You bet. In fact they frequently talk about how they want to win for their fans, and about the amazing support they get from us. So let the people in your circle of influence feel your support. It will be noticed.
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2010-11-30 @ 8:37 am
Hi Pat and Lorna,
Our tribes seem like one big happy family that is there for unwavering support no matter what we are doing just like the support for the Roughriders. It is so fun to be a part of such a wonderful group – whether sports or other. I love the analogy! I hope they won:)
2010-11-30 @ 7:09 pm
Glyna,
We agree. The tribes are very supportive… no matter what our topic of expertise is. Fun and support are definitely the best parts of being in a tribe.
Unfortunately they lost 🙁 … but they’ll be back!
Thanks!
~ Pat and Lorna
2010-11-30 @ 7:06 pm
Kevin,
They definitely love what they do. For the love of the game and the love of the fans… the players in the CFL usually have a second job as well as playing football.
Thanks!
~ Pat and Lorna
2010-12-01 @ 3:18 pm
Hey Pat & Lorma,
A great point you make in this post. I want to acknowledge my support to TSA. I’ve learned so much from everyone. From Blogs to social media it’s been very enlightening and for that I’m very grateful. The Roughriders remind me of the Green Bay Packer fans and in fact the team was owned by the city at one time (not sure now). Small city in Wisconsin with incredible fans and LA doesn’t even have a team.
Michael
2010-12-01 @ 8:01 pm
Michael,
So true… TSA has been amazing for support and learning. We truly appreciate it.
Yes, they are similar to the Packers’ fans. It doesn’t take a huge city to be able to support a professional team, it takes loyalty and unconditional support. They lost the big game again this year, and the fans still had a huge rally to welcome them home. We’re ready for next season… bring it on!
Thanks!
~ Pat and Lorna
2010-12-04 @ 8:17 am
Pat and Lorna. It never ceases to amaze me the link between sports and “the real world” of business. Any business that can generate that same (or nearly the same) level of support by their customers is sure to become an industry leader.
What happened in the Grey Cup? Did they win or lose? I remember as a kid watching the CFL on ESPN. Used to love that brand of wide open football!
Scott Pollov
2010-12-04 @ 11:41 am
Scott,
Yes, the lessons we learn from sports lend themselves amazingly well to our businesses.
That level of support would definitely catapult a business to the top… something to aspire to.
And the result of the Grey Cup wasn’t as hoped… the Riders lost 🙁
Another big rally by their fans for their homecoming (win or lose).
Just wait ’til next year!
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
2010-12-09 @ 8:53 am
What a great story! Family is like that too – they are the ones to still support you and lift you up after you fall. More businesses need to create supportive relationships like those!
Jenny
2010-12-09 @ 7:23 pm
Jenny,
That is so true. When we understand that people (and businesses) aren’t always riding at the top of the wave, and still support them, it creates so much more success for everyone.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna