Thread by @craigclemens

I graduated high school with a 1.7 GPA.

But it was the lessons I learned training martial arts that took me from classroom loser to successful entrepreneur.

Here are the 7 most critical👇

A Jujitsu master gets their ass beat on the street

Why?

Bc as soon as you secure your chokehold, his friend is breaking a bottle over your head.

Lesson: No matter how good you are, someone is coming for your customers in a way you won’t suspect.

You need to wow them, even if you stand alone in the category now.

2. Prepare for any environment

In martial arts, we practiced fighting in the rain, in total darkness, and against 2 opponents.

Because you never know where you’ll be, when danger strikes.

Things in the economy are buzzing now.

And they may be buzzing on your favorite ad platform.

But what happens when the algorithm changes, and that’s the only platform you have?

Or the economy changes, and people stop buying your core product?

Lesson: The only consistent is change. Plan for it.

3. Don’t wash your belt

In the old days of karate, there were no belt colors. As your belt became more soiled (and black), it showed time put in to your training.

In business, we tend to cover up mistakes, and present a polished image to our colleagues, investors, whoever.

Lesson: Be vulnerable about how you are struggling, and where you’ve screwed up. That’s when you learn the most.

4. Strike first, Strike hard

Nothing gives you an edge faster than starting a fight with a shocking blow.

As Mike Tyson famously said, "Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the face."

Lesson: Be ready to scale your company BIG, out of the gate.

This way those who knock-off your brand won’t be able to catch you, because you will clearly own the category in your customer’s mind.

5. Bow before entering & leaving the mat

In the dojo, everyone is treated wi respect.

But in business, some think they can “short cut” with poor service, shady billing tactics, or knocking off ads or products.

I see this often. They make a quick buck, get shut down, then go on to the next quick buck.

Burning bridges all the way. Which eventually catches up to their bank account

Lesson: Build your biz honorably, even if that means slowly

It’s worth it when it stands the test of time.

6. All instructors will be addressed as “Mr” or “Mrs”

In my karate days, when someone came in cocky and arrogant, my instructor would invite them straight into the ring, and give them a beating.

This was 25 years ago. Things are probably different now.

But in business, newbies often arrive arrogant and brash.

And then are surprised when the market chews them up, and spits them out.

Lesson: Do what Andrew Carnegie did. Arrive humble. Ask questions. Show respect to those who came before you.

You’ll be rewarded with priceless wisdom, and maybe a new business sensei.

7. A black belt doesn’t mean shit.

But seeing someone kick ass in the ring, no matter what belt they have on, tells all.

Lesson: Your Forbes feature next to Grant Cardone & Tai Lopez, your last fundraise, your fancy social media -

May feel cool to talk about, but you’re not actually doing anything.

Build your business not for show, but for IMPACT.

Whether it’s changing the lives of your customers, creating great jobs, or putting money in the bank.

Better yet, do all 3.

If you enjoyed these lessons, retweet the 1st tweet to help a friend kick ass in business:

https://twitter.com/craigclemens/status/1415827639982428160?s=20

And follow me @craigclemens for threads over the next month on:

- Ad campaigns that crush conversions
- Leading championship teams
- Counterintuitive advice your friends & parents may tell you is wrong

💎🙏