Astounding! That’s the sum of Man City’s triumphs in recent times.
From an exciting but largely trophy-less side in the 1990s, City today is not only a club with a truckload of accolades but one that towers above the rest of the field in English football.
Yet even as supporters the world over revel in the club’s dominance, the truth is the rise to the top did not happen overnight.
You know how there are no quick gains in direct selling? Well, QNET, as City’s official direct selling partner since 2014, can attest that the same is true for the Sky Blues’ success.
Indeed, it is the result of years of hard work and a vision of sustainability that prides itself on developing for the future.
And the best part is the Cityzens aren’t nearly done! Yes, even as City scores win after win, the club is continuing to build towards an even brighter future.
In conjunction with the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 6 April, thus, here’s a peek at three ways Man City is building towards tomorrow and how these bear many similarities to direct selling’s future-focused principles:
1. Empowering communities — from Manchester to the world!
Manchester City’s focus on community development began at its founding in 1880. That commitment is now being translated into a multitude of projects in cities all across the globe.
From using football to promote health, education and inclusion to giving talented kids a shot at their dreams via initiatives like the Young Player Development Programme, the club is looking not only at on-pitch success, but also at building people up.
This philosophy, in many ways, mirrors the way we approach direct selling at QNET. Yes, ours is a business, and the goal for individuals who join is financial freedom. However, just like the business of football, direct selling is also about empowering lives.
In short, success for tomorrow should not be an individual endeavour. Rather, it is about ensuring no one gets left behind.
2. Mentoring and nurturing talent
The Sky Blues currently have a formidable general on the pitch in the form of Brazilian Fernandinho and a dazzling array of other stars.
But future success requires younger talent too, which is why City have concentrated on developing homegrown players and affording these young ‘uns more exposure.
Happily, this approach is already bearing fruit. And one of City’s promising starlets — Phil Foden, 21, is already being earmarked for greatness.
In direct selling, a successful future requires leaders to mentor downlines and nurture their growth. And one way to do this is by following the City model of giving people opportunities to shine.
Remember, successful teams are built to last. And the only way to ensure this is to strengthen and prepare now.
3. Next stop — the metaverse!
It’s been voted the best stadium in the world. But Man City will soon take the physical experience of watching a match at the Etihad into a new virtual realm — the metaverse!
It’s early days yet. Yet what we do know is that the metaverse is the future, and City has sought to go where no football club has gone before.
This is very much like in direct selling, which is about embracing new opportunities and trends.
Additionally, the move shows how City has put the club’s fans front and centre with the goal of creating an immersive experience just for them. Essentially, thus, it’s about anticipating and meeting customer needs.
The future starts now
The parallels between sports and entrepreneurship have always been clear for us at QNET to see.
And what is especially illuminating with regard to Man City’s approach to football is that a successful tomorrow means putting in the work today.
It’s a principle and belief we direct sellers can definitely relate to.
