There are many connections you can make between sports and business. The way the market is like a field and the players are your coworkers and the competition is well, the competition. And if you aren't a Broncos fan, then you might be a Manning fan. What I found interesting is what happening in yesterday's opening  game with Manning on the team: it went really well. Why?

1. Manning is a good player - His talent speaks for itself. He is well known because he is a good quarterback whether he is playing in his backyard, for the Colts, or for the Broncos.
• Relation to Business? You have to be talented. Whether you are a whiz at spreadsheets, organization, project management, pricing, services, whatever - in order to be the best in business, you have to be the best at something specific. And your customers and team mates should probably know what that is too.
2. Manning is a team player - You can't get to the Super Bowl by yourself. The quarterback is not meant to be good at rushing, he is good at throwing passes to the running backs. Manning knows the talents of his team mates and he trusts them to play well with him.
• Relation to Business? You don't have to be the best at everything, but you should surround yourself with other great workers that have strengths that are your weaknesses. You can't have the best product or service on the market doing all the work yourself. Even entrepreneurial companies grow and must hire new people, so when you do, choose wisely and well.
3. Manning knows the game -  Like yesterday's game, Manning knew to move fast and start the next play before a challenge flag could be thrown (regardless of how the ref called it). Being able to spot those opportunities and throw exact bulls-eyes to your receivers is what wins football games.
• Relation to Business?  Having industry experience actually does make a difference. Your ability to spot a good partner or a good deal can make the difference between a good quarter and a great one. Your experience teaches you when to hustle, when to be patient, and when to take a risk.