For people who play tennis, 0-5 is a tough thing to overcome. It means your opponent is up by 5 games in a set of 6 and you haven’t scored yet. Remember, it’s not over until your opponent hits the number 6 or even 7 (if it’s a tie). You still have a fighting chance.

In business, there are many times you’ll be 0-5 with one more point to go until either your client leaves, another competitor gets the sale or the project goes completely South. This is the time you need to learn to dig deep inside and pull out everything you can and not give up. We’ve all been there but hope is not lost until it’s over.

You can always:

1. Make that last phone call to say you’re sorry about things going wrong and offer to do something extraordinary to save the relationship. Maybe a few kind words can sell the client on staying with you.

2. Call the prospect one more time just to check in and make sure your proposal was understood. You never know if they are ready to buy. Your call may make the difference.

3. Call your team together for a meeting and put together a plan of action to save the project. Maybe someone else has a great idea you never would have heard had you not got together.

I’ve been on the court when the score was 0-5 and I’ve come back to win and win big with a 7-5. Just because someone has taken the lead doesn’t mean you can’t take it right back. Never give up. Never give in until it’s over. Play just one point at a time. You never know when a miracle might occur. Most do just when things go dark. You have to believe in yourself. No one else will. Get creative. You’ll find what you need to dig deep and win.