Seven points for success

Here is my advice for someone wanting to start a sports-related business (“Advice to entrepreneurs,” July 11-17 issue). It is a credo that I have presented at the scores of speaking engagements that I have had over the years and in the launch of several minor league sports franchises.

1. Passion without a plan won’t work.
2. Do one thing and do it better than anyone else.
3. Create a business for someone else’s passion.
4. Can it be profitable? You are not in the business to break even.
5. If you give your customers great entertainment, at a great price, in a clean environment, and say thank you and mean it, they will come back.
6. Great ideas come from everywhere, but you must look and listen for them.
7. Believe in the power of prayer.