What I Learned About Business Strategizing By Watching My 3-Year Old Son Play Wii Tennis

Yes, it’s true. I get my business tips from a 3-year old.

He stayed home today with a little cough (he has asthma) and the first thing he wanted to do when he found out that he didn’t have to go to school today was, “Can I play the Wii game Mommy, pllleeeeaaaassseee?” So, I said yes. I had/have a lot of work today and figured that would occupy him until I’m done. But before I got started on my work, I wanted to sit there and watch him play. He’s only three. It’s amazing what those darn kids can pick up and learn isn’t it?!

Kyle’s favorite Wii sport is the tennis game. Mine too. I feel like Serena Williams when I’m playing! Alright, I’m not that good but I do enjoy playing it. But while I was sitting there watching my son play, I noticed how he deftly maneuvered himself and the balls just to make a score. He made the computer Wii man work very hard to return those really fast balls that Kyle was giving him. I was definitely paying attention. I asked Kyle just how did he do it. This is what he said – -a three year old:

“Mom, I hit the ball really hard to make him (the Wii man) go to one side. Then, when he’s over there I hit it really hard to the other side and I make a score! If he tries to come up to the net, then I hit it soft so the ball doesn’t go away. Then I win!!”

Amazing, huh? Strategizing techniques from a pre-schooler. But, what does that have to do with business? Everything! Kyle’s techniques really helped me see some things in business that would help me “step up my game”.

1. He never hit the ball prematurely. He waited to see what his competitor would do before he took action. For business, that means, don’t jump the gun before you know exactly which direction your competition is aiming towards. Now I don’t mean wait too late, but study them and assess where they’re going so you can counteract them, if at all possible.

2. He stayed focused the entire time. Although I was “whooping” and “wowing” him (his cheerleader section), he never once got so excited that he took his eyes off the game. In business, that means staying focused and paying attention to what’s going on in front of you… right now.

3. Never give up. Kyle kept playing the “Best of 5″ series, and a couple of them he lost horribly. But, at three years old and with the emotional development of a three year old, he never once cried, pouted or threw down the nunchuck when he lost. He simply started over and gave it his best, again. In business, that means just that. No matter how things go and how things work out, just keep on going. Continue to strategize, analyze your competition and give it all you’ve got.

So as you can see, I learned a lot in that space of time that I watched him play Wii. What’s also funny is while he was playing, he didn’t cough one time. So maybe the Wii game has healing properties too? Nah! Just maybe that’s what successful people do when they have problems. They are so focused on making something work that they forget about what’s trivial or what’s insignificant or of no consequence. They are so determined to make their business work, that they give it all they’ve got to ensure it’s success.

I think I’ll go play a quick doubles game to get myself motivated. Just call me Serena!