Bootstrapping involves a lot of thinking outside the box and this post is no different. Cage fighting has grown in popularity in the recent year or so and since I’ve been a fan for 6-7 years now, it was the perfect time to talk about how cage fighting (mixed martial arts, the UFC, WEC, ect) can relate to small business.

1. Creating Hype – When you see advertisements for a new cage fight PPV thats coming up in the next month or so, they don’t tend to just talk about the who/what/where/when/why, but they build hype around the fights. Maybe the two fighters hate each other, or maybe they’re considered the two BEST in the WORLD, so you HAVE to watch it. You should be doing the same with your business. Build the hype, create a buzz, and get your name/face out there for people to see.
2. Be well trained in multiple areas – In the beginning of your bootstrapped business you need to know a little bit of everything. Sales, Marketing, Product creation, ect. The same rules apply for cage fighters. They must know how to defend take downs, box, kick, submit their opponent, ect.
3. Put your strongest attribute forward – Yes, you might do a little bit of everything, but don’t be dumb. You are an all star at one thing, so why wouldn’t you put that forward? When a cagefighter knows he’s best at the stand up (punching on the feet), he does his best to keep it standing, and you should do the same.
4. Always aim to be the best – Who cares about second place? Fighters are always looking to get to the top and become a champion. You need to build your business to become the #1 business in your particular niche. If you don’t strive to be #1, what are you even in business for?
5. Keep a good team around you – Every good fighter has a good trainer. Every good trainer has a team of trainers that are all stars in different aspects of fighting. You should keep a good team around you at all times. People who are great at what they do, are honest and push you to be a better small business owner.
6. Never underestimate your opponent – You might have the confidence that you’re the best in your field, but thats when the little guy will slip right by you. You’re going to do it to the big businesses who underestimate the power of the bootstrapper, so why would you underestimate the other bootstrapper next to you? Don’t.
7. Never be a sore loser – So someone comes along and does better then you? So what? Congratulate them and move forward. Crying is not a good look for a business owner, so if you must whine, do it in your bathroom where noone else can see you. Take the opportunity to possibly form a friendship with the person who beat you and put your strengths together as a win/win benefit. You never know what type of business relationship could catapult your business to instant success.
8. Never stop training – So you made it; now what? Sit back, sip Margaritas on the beach and watch the sun set every night while you do nothing? I doubt it. Keeping a sharp mind and sharp business skills is whats going to put you ahead of your competition when they slack off. Fighters train even when they’re not training. Why shouldn’t you? it’s how champions are made.
9. Never cheat to win – Fighters get banned and fined for using steroids and other banned substances, and business owners get black balled and tarnished reputations if they cheat, lie or steal. Why would you want to win in this way? Karma always comes back around in the end anyways.
10. Never back down – In the end, a good old fashioned fight to the top is sometimes whats best for yourself and your business. You know your market isn’t going to be easy to take over, but you push forward anyways. Opposition comes your way and you tackle it. Never back down and never be scared to fight. After all, this is your business and your life; protect it.

1. 

   Learn Affiliate Marketing

   June 16, 2008 at 12:53 am

   Hey Mike, another great article, I’m not a huge fan of UFC fighting, etc, however, I’ve watched it a couple times and totally get what you’re saying! Keep up the great articles, I truly enjoy reading your posts, one of the few blogs I look forward to for an update!
2. 

   Dr Wright

   June 30, 2008 at 6:41 pm

   I enjoyed the article. Creating Hype is important. People think media just comes to them, they do not realize they have to stimulate or create it. There are a lot of ways to do it. The point is get people interested. Get people talking about you. Polarize people, so that even people who hate you are talking about you.

   Dr. Wright
   The Wright Place TV Show
   http://www.wrightplacetv.com
   http://www.twitter.com/drwright1
3. 

   MMA Magazine

   April 8, 2009 at 1:17 pm

   cage fighting will continue to grow even more as well. Nothing beats the excitement that it creates and I think it pretty much killed the boxing scene almost completely.
4. 

   Lcd HDTV Deals

   March 30, 2010 at 3:24 pm

   I was reading this article and find it very informative. I admired the writer’s effort as he beautifully selects the most appropriate words for his post. The choice of his words has made this article unique and interesting. While reading this article I was feeling that I can completely understand the theme of this article and writer has written exclusively for me or for my school of thought.