Just the other day my kid’s were watching The Lion King.
Even though it was made more than a decade before my oldest child was born it
is still an awesome story with some great lessons for life and, as it turns
out, business.
First, Presentation. If you want the masses to come, you
have to build a brand that catches the eye and holds it.
Did Rafiki leave Simba
in the neo-natal cart and let the animals shuffle by? Heck no! He thrust him
into the air, atop pride rock with light streaming down from the heavens and
the animals rejoiced!
People are bombarded
by thousands of images and brands each day, is your brand attention getting
enough to inspire the masses to travel across the Serengeti in order to buy
your product?
Second, “Life’s not fair.” Scar laments about being number
two. The lesson here is you won’t beat the Number One’s, the Walmarts, so don’t
try. Be the best at what you are but don’t lament about “Rollback” because you
don’t have the leveraging power. Find another way. Find your niche.
Third, “Everything exists in a delicate balance.” Mufasa
reminds that resources are finite and their relationship is cyclical. The wife
buys a latte on the way to the antique shop, while the husband is at the lake
fishing. Just like the lion relies on the gazelle, each business relies on others
in a small community.
Fourth, the morning report. It is important to keep abreast
of the situation and remain a part of the community. You must keep your finger
on the pulse of the ever-changing market.
Fifth, define your territory. Know the limits of your
business. Find your niche and exploit it. Know where to go and where no to go,
avoid the elephant graveyards.
Sixth, beware of hyenas in the Pride Land. We all recognize
the Walmart impact on small business. But what about the hyenas, the Dollar
General’s, that insidiously affect communities in the same way.
Seventh, the lure of the Elephant Graveyard. Beware of the
ever-present lure of attempting to move beyond your niche, your expertise. Know
your niche and be the best.
Eighth, bring a friend. The opposite of competing with the
Walmarts is cooperating with local business. Be symbiotic. Partner in
promotions and sales. If you can’t deliver on the customer’s request, suggest
the neighbor than can.
Ninth, “Free to do it all my way….” The great thing about
entrepreneurship is that you drive the innovation and brand marketing. If you
“just can’t wait to be king,” then remember why you struck out on your own: Freedom
and hard work.
Tenth, don’t get distracted. Zazu loses the cubs because he
becomes distracted by the song and dance at the watering hole. Stay focused,
remember your brand, your niche. Don’t
get caught up in the latest flash unless it helps you tell your story and sell
your brand.
Penultimately, fight
for what is yours. If you find yourself in the elephant graveyard and
surrounded by hyenas – fight your way back to the pride land. Don’t be afraid
to call on friend for help.
Lastly, honor the past. Mufasa and Simba are sharing a
moment under the stars and Simba is learning the lesson of his heritage. The greatest strength of a small community is
the shared experience of the past that brings people together in a common
cause. Use that experience and cause to bolster your brand and reinforce your
niche.
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