9 online business lessons from Olympic athletes

The Olympic Games have always been a showcase of determination, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This year’s competition has been no different, offering us countless stories of athletes overcoming incredible odds to achieve greatness. As a business owner, there’s a lot we can learn from these athletes' perseverance and dedication. From making sure your voice is heard to planning for the unexpected, these lessons from the Olympics can be directly applied to how we run our online businesses. Let’s dive into some of the most inspiring stories and see what we can take away to help our businesses thrive.

Ana Barbosu’s Emotional Moment, and Jordan Chiles’s Redemption

In a dramatic twist during the floor exercise finals, Jordan Chiles initially received a lower score than expected, which led to Ana Barbosu prematurely celebrating what she thought was a bronze medal. However, Chiles’s coach challenged the score, and after a review, the judges realized they had not given her credit for one of her tricks. With the corrected score, Chiles was awarded the bronze, bumping Barbosu to fourth place. This heartbreaking moment for Ana Barbosu was a reminder of the emotional highs and lows in competitive sports, and for Jordan Chiles, it was a testament to the importance of not giving up and fighting for what you deserve.

online Business lesson: Track Your Data and Know Your Numbers

Just as Jordan Chiles’s team closely monitored her score and caught an error, you should be vigilant about tracking data on your website. Know who is visiting, what actions they’re taking, and when they’re leaving. Understanding these metrics can help you make informed decisions, just as Chiles’s team did, ensuring you don’t miss out on opportunities for success. Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor traffic, conversions, and bounce rates, and adjust your strategy based on what the data tells you.

Make Some Noise: The Quiet Beam

During the Olympics, the silence in the stadium was so profound that every small noise felt amplified. Gymnasts like Suni Lee mentioned how eerie it was to hear her own breathing during the balance beam event. This unexpected silence was a stark reminder that sometimes, being too quiet can be unsettling. Athletes had to adjust to this lack of noise, which was a new challenge in their performances. 4 our of 8 qualified Olympians fell off the beam during their final performance.

online Business lesson:

Don’t let your business be the best-kept secret. You need to make some noise to get noticed. Grow an email list and nurture it weekly. Promote your services consistently, and ensure people know what you do. Record your process to create batch reels, repost everything you do, and seek opportunities to collaborate with peers. Find ways to get in front of other people’s audiences to expand your reach.

Julien Alfred’s Stunning Victory and Historic Firsts

Julien Alfred made history by winning St. Lucia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the 100m race, stunning the world and defeating top competitors like Sha'Carri Richardson. But Julien's triumph is just one of several historic firsts at this year’s Olympics. Dominica also celebrated its first-ever Olympic medal, thanks to Nariman Kurbanov’s remarkable performance. Similarly, Kazakhstan and the Philippines earned their first medals in men's gymnastics, with Nariman Kurbanov and Carlos Yulo respectively standing on the podium for their countries. These athletes didn’t just compete—they shattered barriers and opened new chapters in their nations' sporting histories. Their success highlights the importance of perseverance, determination, and the impact of breaking new ground.

online Business lesson:

Break your own barriers. Just as these athletes pushed past limits to achieve something unprecedented, you can too. Track your progress, set ambitious goals, and don’t be afraid to step into uncharted territory. Whether it’s launching a new product line, exploring a different marketing channel, or expanding into a new market, remember that groundbreaking success often requires bold moves. Make sure your website is equipped to support your growth, with tools like analytics to measure your impact and clear calls to action that guide your visitors toward taking the next step.

Kristen Nuss: Trust Your Training

Beach volleyball player Kristen Nuss, when asked how she handles high-pressure environments, simply said, “We just trust our training.” This statement is a testament to the power of preparation and having confidence in the systems you’ve put in place. Her approach underscores the importance of solid foundations and consistent practice. Kristen and her partner eventually fell Taryn Kloth fell to Canada in later rounds of the competition, which also is a lesson in and of itself. There may be others that are training and working just as hard as you, and not everyone can receive a gold medal in the end. That doesn’t mean it’s the end of your story and you should still be proud of what your hard work and determination DID accomplish.

Business lesson:

Create reliable systems that you can trust. Don’t waste time on manual tasks that can be automated. Use online booking, automated inquiry responses, and email sequences to keep your business running smoothly. A good CRM is essential for staying organized and ensuring you never miss a lead. Invest in tools that can help streamline your operations and give you peace of mind.

Breaking into the Olympics

Breaking (commonly known as breakdancing) made its Olympic debut this year, adding a fresh and dynamic element to the Games. Unlike other performance-based events, breaking is spontaneous, with athletes not performing pre-choreographed routines but instead showcasing their skills in real-time to the beats of a live DJ. Judged on execution, musicality, originality, technique, and vocabulary, breaking is a testament to the Olympics' evolving nature, embracing new forms of athleticism that go beyond traditional sports. This inclusion is not just a nod to the cultural significance of breaking but also an acknowledgment of its competitive rigor and global appeal.

online Business lesson: innovate and lead

Don’t be afraid to pioneer new approaches in your field. Use your website to showcase unique services or innovative features that set you apart from competitors. Identify a niche that’s not being served and become the leader in that space. The key is to solve real problems and offer solutions that resonate with your audience.

Swimming in the Seine

The swimming events in the Seine River during the Olympics faced significant challenges due to fluctuating water quality. Despite rigorous testing and safety measures, rain and waste runoff caused the water quality to deteriorate, leading to event cancellations and modifications. The men’s triathlon was postponed by a day, and both the mixed team relay and para-triathlon events had to be turned into duathlons, eliminating the swimming portion entirely. Even with all the preparation and backup plans, some events were still altered or canceled due to unpredictable circumstances. The situation highlighted the importance of adaptability and having contingency plans in place.

online Business lesson: always have a plan b

Always have a Plan B for your business. Whether it’s a backup for a product launch or an alternative marketing strategy, being prepared for the unexpected can save your business from setbacks. Ensure your website is resilient, with contingency plans in place for any issues that arise. This preparation can help you navigate disruptions smoothly and maintain customer trust.

Kristen Faulkner on training

Kristen Faulkner's journey to Olympic gold is nothing short of inspiring. After taking a beginner cycling class post-college while pursuing a career in investment banking, she quickly progressed from casual cycling in Central Park to competing in local events. Over the years, her passion grew, and she decided to move to California to cycle full-time, a decision that paid off when she was chosen as a last-minute replacement for Team USA. Kristen came from behind in her race, battling fiercely for third place and ultimately surging to first in the final kilometers. She crossed the finish line with no one in sight behind her, securing her first gold and contributing to Team USA’s victory in the team event just 48 hours later. Kristen's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams.

online Business lesson: it’s never too late

It’s never too late to start something new in your business. Don’t count yourself out just because you’re starting later than others. Your unique experiences and perspective can be powerful assets, no matter when you begin. Embrace your journey and let your passion drive you forward.

Rebeca Andrade & Simone Biles

Rebeca Andrade and Simone Biles have been fierce competitors on the world stage, with Andrade often finding herself just a step behind Biles in major competitions. However, this year, the tables turned as Rebeca had her moment in the spotlight, winning gold on the floor exercise. Her triumph was a testament not only to her skill and perseverance but also to the positive impact of healthy competition. Both athletes have spoken about how they’ve pushed each other to new heights, with Simone crediting Rebeca’s presence for helping elevate her own performances.

The sportsmanship and mutual respect between them have become a shining example of what true rivalry should look like, especially in a sport where mental and physical strength are equally crucial. Rebeca’s victory was not just a personal achievement but also a milestone for Brazil, inspiring a new generation of gymnasts.

online Business lesson: embrace competition

Just as Rebeca and Simone have used their rivalry to fuel each other’s success, you can use competition in your industry as a catalyst for growth. Instead of viewing competitors as threats, see them as opportunities to learn and improve. Analyze what they’re doing well and find ways to differentiate yourself.

Your website can play a key role in this by showcasing what makes you unique—whether it’s through a well-crafted brand story, testimonials from satisfied customers, or features that highlight your distinct offerings. Healthy competition can push you to innovate and stay ahead in your field, ultimately benefiting your business and your customers.

Kate Ledecky: Finding Strength in Adversity

Kate Ledecky is a name synonymous with dominance in the pool, but few know the full extent of what she’s overcome to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Ledecky has an autoimmune disease that affects her energy levels and overall health, a condition that would be debilitating for most people. Remarkably, she discovered that swimming—an activity that demands immense physical endurance—actually helps alleviate her symptoms.

Instead of seeing her condition as a setback, Ledecky used it as motivation to push herself even harder, turning what could have been a disadvantage into a unique strength. Her ability to not only compete but excel under such circumstances is a powerful reminder of the resilience required to succeed at the highest levels.

This year, she added to her already impressive medal count, continuing to cement her legacy as one of the greatest swimmers of all time. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding what works for you, even in the face of adversity.

online Business lesson: Turn challenges into opportunities

Whether it’s a tight budget, limited resources, or a tough market, there’s always a way to use what you have to your advantage. Your website is a key tool in this. Use it to highlight your unique strengths and what makes your business different. For example, if you’re a small business, emphasize the personalized service you can offer that larger companies can’t. Or, if you’re operating in a niche market, use your website to educate visitors and showcase your expertise. Adversity can be a powerful driver of innovation and growth when approached with the right mindset.

Running an online business requires the same level of focus, adaptability, and tenacity as competing in the Olympics. Whether it's knowing your numbers like Jordan Chiles, embracing innovation like the breakdancers, or making noise so your business isn’t the best-kept secret, these lessons are invaluable.

The road to success is often filled with challenges, but by learning from these incredible athletes, we can approach our business obstacles with the same spirit of determination and emerge victorious. As you continue to build and grow your business, remember to apply these Olympic-sized lessons to your strategy—because your gold medal moment might be just around the corner.

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