Are you ready for that big chance? At the Super Bowl last night, Steve Tasker  (@SteveTasker89), former Buffalo Bills player and sideline reporter for CBS Sports came ready! When the power went out at the New Orleans Superdome, Tasker was the only one on the sideline that could talk to 100 million fans watching the game.

When the game had started a few hours earlier, Tasker tweeted “I believe this Super Bowl will be very special…”, but he had no idea that he would get his place in sports history. Tasker very calmly explained to the audience that half the power had gone out at the Superdome and that it would probably come on in 30 minutes. He adlibbed with another sideline reporter about the game until the CBS’s lead sports team could get back on the air.

Twitter lit up with comments about Tasker. By the end of the game, he had over 12,000 Twitter followers. They were also raving reviews about his performance:

 @mattrhinton tweeted “My parents are in the dome tonight. If it devolves into a grim, lawless dystopia, I’ve instructed them to follow Steve Tasker to freedom.”

 @KeithOlbermann (formerly of CNN and MSNBC) tweeted “And it was at that moment that @SteveTasker89 began his inexorable path from #SuperBowl sideline reporter to host of 60 Minutes…”

Every small business owner needs to ensure their team is ready at a moment’s notice like Tasker. Here is what to do:

  1.  Be ready. Small-business owners never know when that big break for your business will come. A competitor may fall. A key customer may boost their company up into the spotlight. Make sure all the key employees are ready to lead the team and represent the brand effectively.
  2. Practice for it. Clearly Tasker was surprised, but not unprepared. Like broadcasting or pro football, being prepared to be the best takes daily practice. Plan for it.  This takes management training.
  3. Expect to be in the big leagues. Backup quarterbacks prepare like they will be in every game. Make sure that managers and lead team members know how your business works and can take center stage.
  4. Prepare your employees. The CEO may not be present when the opportunity happens. Train key employees to take their place if needed. They may find themselves representing the company in a very hot spotlight.

Is your team prepared for that big moment?