On July 26, 2008,  Miguel Cotto, then undefeated light middleweight champion of the world,  suffered his first loss as a professional to Antonio Margarito in an unsuccessful title defense. It was a gruesome match as the unrelenting, forward and confident Margarito dominated round by round to an eventual 11th round stoppage. The fight would later be marred in controversy about the use of suspected illegal hand wraps by Margarito.

That fight would have shattered Cotto to consider possible retirement, and thoughts of certain inferiority. But Cotto took time out, gathered again and started a come back. With 2 wins in 2009 against worthy competitors, he would prepare to fight the hottest name in boxing: Manny Pacquiao.

On November 14, 2009 Cotto would taste defeat again – this time in the 12th round by Manny’s quick hand speed, movement and impressive style that earns him the reputation of possibly the best boxer of all time.

With a further win in 2010, and one in 2011 – Cotto would now set his eyes on a rematch with Margarito. On the 3rd of December 2011, a disciplined, more focused and smart moving Cotto would earn him victory against a nemesis who’s previous defeat must have haunted him.

Miguel Cotto now reignes as WBA (Super) light middleweight champion. He is a now a four-time world champion in three weight divisions (light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight).

Isn’t this true about the kind of attitude and focus we should have personally and in the business world?

Any great businessman understands that you have losses in business. But, you also have wins. It’s the reason we’re in the game. To try to only maintain wins in business is delusional. Sometimes our losses are great. They can make us question our worth, mistrust our judgments, live in regret, depression or settle for less or mediocre.

Simple suggestions of inspiration:

1. Know your worth and value. Keep that in your mind’s eye, and entertain the possibility that it could be much more.
2. When defeats happen, have a great attitude – look at the positives and know that it could have always been much worse.
3. Take time out. Get advice from the best in the industry. Listen. Take notes. Watch the movie again to learn the lessons to take out, but not excessively to hold living in the past.
4. Plan your comeback steadily. Pick the right battles. Have small winning experiences. Success begets success. Get your confidence back. In a real way, isn’t this really about what’s happening in your mind – how you talk to yourself and what actions you engage in?
5. Go for the big match (according to your definition and thought). Small wins prepare you for the big game – don’t shy or cower. If you’re a champion, you’ve got to fight the best.
6. Events do not define you, your habitual responses eventually do.

Always, come back stronger!

The world is not going to come to an end, according to Mayan prophecy. That is superstition. It can, in reality, be just the beginning of many things to come.

Many people set goals or resolutions, and then review their progress towards the year end. Sometimes we surpass expectations, sometimes we fall below. Sometimes its by chance, sometimes its by design. Regardless, each year is an opportunity to be better somehow. Each year that goes by is a time that shall never pass this way again.

So, why postpone, why delay, why play safe and comfortable? Why not try, venture and think bigger. Clearly, the pain of regret weighs more than the pain of growth, or the pain of failure.

Five simple things to ponder upfront:

1. Do I choose to be happy?
2. Do I feel a sense of purpose or cause to make 2012 special?
3. Have I written down my goals?
4. Am I doing simple daily habits that reinforce a positive self image?
5. Am I learning something new and surrounding myself with positive people?

These are five questions that can make 2012 great. It’s not the quality of the answers, but the quality of the questions. May you question more, and choose to listen. Often there answers are closer to our challenges than we realise.

- Peter Drucker, one of greatest management gurus.

I, however, concern about these methods and our highest sense of humanity. There is something dark, twisted and worrisome when we take delight in the suffering of another human. I appeal to no god or religion as I draw towards my own sense of morality, goodness and humanity.

I feel tender when I see suffering. And right now, I ‘feel’ is more important today than I ‘think’. I’m all for justice, and equally plead grounds for mercy. I am for this fine balance. I worry about our laws, international laws, propaganda and blind obedience to the media, hype or any cause.

I don’t have all the answers, but I do have many questions.

Recently, I have been working with a company which has done much in its recent past to change its brand awareness and appeal through genuine changes, efforts and commitment. In some parts of the population, a noticable shift in perception has occured; but in many other sectors – the old uncertain perception exists.

How does a worldwide brand succeed at changing perception in a competitive environment whilst maintaining a cost cutting/ profit margin drive required by management and operational goals?

Firstly, great companies realise that there has to be a balance between aggressive advertising (which can be expensive) and using more targeted and effecient methods to reach potential customers.

Secondly, no amount of advertising will compensate for poor quality, product and service.

Lastly, we must accept that unless our customer has an experience of our offering – we cannot win loyal customers and achieve sustained business growth.

We should consider all forms of advertising and modern approaches:

• Mass communication/ advertising (tv, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, branding and more)
• Using technology and passive leverage (web presence, viral marketing, blogging, articles, facebook fan pages, twitter and more)
• Better selling (sales processes) and salespeople.
• Word of mouth (positive sharing by existing users, referrals and customer care programmes)
• Launches and campaigns
• Breakthroughs: Innovation, Design, Technology, Quality, Efficiency, Environment Caring and Friendly (these shift customer perceptions also, and importantly so)

But, in addition to these:

• Training staff about the brand, goals, achievements, mission, vision, values and more is key to shifting mindsets. Can anything be more important than having staff who are proud, and passionate, of your company brand?

Here are seven reasons why training staff is powerful for advertising and building your brand:

1. Less expensive than mass advertising
2. Word of mouth advertising
3. More customer service and focused environment
4. Less staff turnover/ retained staff
5. Staff growth, learning and development (including credits, qualifications and more)
6. Promotion and Succession Planning
7. Involvement and Commitment from staff

Forward thinking individuals and companies never begrudge their investment in training and learning. Correct training and development will ensure benefits far outweighing what you put in. This is key to achivieving strategic objectives, growth and ultimately – happy customers and profit.