How to Play Offense and Defense in Business
- Jeff@CEGspaces
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
Since we’re approaching the summit of the NFL 2025-2026 season, let’s talk offense and defense! No, I’m not going to break out game strategy for the Seahawks. Levi has more experience playing football than I do. However, I know the strategies of making “plays” happen in commercial real estate and business. Here are my five tips to move your professional career down the field:
1. Take it one offensive play at a time. Whether by a one yard gain or first-down play, the most important thing is to position yourself closer to your goal. You want to keep taking actions that move your career in a forward direction. Strategize adjustments and avoid behaviors or actions that push you backwards (or get you sacked, literally 😉). You want to keep your offensive team on the field, and if needed, make small changes, then add a little more and something else each day.
2. When I grew up, I had to play defense. I had to find ways to overcome the obstacles that came my way (there were many and some from my own doing). I used those experiences, and the accompanying emotions, as fuel to make things happen. Sometimes getting angry can drive you forward. As every football fan knows, defense wins championships.
3. Last season, neither Seattle nor New England made it to the playoffs. But I bet if you asked the coaches and players, they set big goals for this season. They had everything to lose, yes, but also everything to gain! And gain they did. This idea of abundance is relatively new to me. While growing up, I instinctively leveraged adversity for growth. But now, I confidently understand the pie is infinite and possibilities are expansive. And because I’ve been through the “drills, practice, workouts, PT appointments, and games”, I know how to play smarter and with more intention.
4. Whether offense, defense, or special teams, the players and their ability to have each other’s back play a big part in overall success. This is also true in any profession. Find the people that are going to push you to be better every day––the ones that build you up, encourage you, and set you on a path of success (however you define it). Sometimes you have to build your own team or family to root for you on and off the field.
5. Finally, don’t be afraid! It takes courage to be successful. That means have the willingness to act rather than being stuck in a state of procrastination and apathy. Embrace calculated risks rather than waiting for guaranteed success. To have courage means you are choosing action despite your fear. After all, failure is an opportunity for growth.
Conclusion
Being successful in business or a football game boils down to taking consistent action, even if it's just a yard at a time. Treat obstacles like defense—use that frustration or experience as fuel to push forward not backward. Also, set huge goals with an abundance mindset (think infinite pie!) rather than scarcity. Finally, remember you can't win alone. It's all about building an amazing team of supportive people who want to see you succeed, cheering you on from the sideline or the field. It’s beneficial to know how to play offense and defense in business. And no doubt, a good coach always helps.
Book Recommendation:
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Small, consistent, positive choices, when compounded over time, lead to significant success, while small negative choices lead to disaster.
Jeff Salzbrun is the owner/broker of Commercial Equities Group (CEG). As a veteran-owned real estate brokerage, CEG has been involved in thousands of sale and lease transactions, ranging from single offices to 250,000+ square foot buildings. At CEG, we get your deal done. We know space, and we know the CRE business.
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