One night, unable to sleep, I turned on my television, and found myself watching the 1983 movie Risky Business . I hadn't seen it in years, and am not really the biggest Tom Cruise fan, but I was surprised that, as a small business owner, I could relate to this movie, about a young guy who inadvertently starts a successful brothel, in a way I never had before. To clarify, I could relate to the "starting a business" part of the movie, not the brothel part.
In one defining conversation, Tom's teenage character receives some very shrewd advice on life and business from his close friend, played by the man who would go on to become "Booger" on Revenge of the Nerds . Future Booger tells him that, "sometimes you gotta say WTF, and make your move."
Future Booger then goes on to say that "every now and then, saying WTF gives you freedom. Freedom brings opportunity. Opportunity makes your future."
Of course, they're talking about sex here, but the theme of the movie is risking it all for a chance at the good life and, in that vein, this one bit of dialogue foreshadows the pitfalls and peaks that the future Mr. Ex-Katie-Holmes will go through in the next week, as he builds a brothel business in his parents' home.
Because most of my morals and values have been gleaned from 80s movies, I suddenly got to thinking about different 80s movies, and what I have learned from each about becoming an entrepreneur, and sustaining my own business.
I share this enlightenment with you:
Risky Business taught me to think outside the box : When Future Booger tells our young friend Tom to just say "WTF," he is really telling him that, only through taking big risks, with total faith in your own abilities, can you achieve a success beyond your wildest dreams. Tom's career goals, as a teenager, are to get into an Ivy League college, get a respectable job, make a good income, and buy a nice house on Lake Michigan. What he really wants, deep down, is a personal fulfillment that he'll likely never get from following in the footsteps of his suburban parents. By opening our minds to a life outside of what we think are our limitations, and taking chances, we also open the door to opportunities that would not have found us otherwise.
Pretty Woman taught me to lookout for my own welfare : Kit told Vivian to "take care of you" before she got in the car with Richard Gere. It's important to love what you do for a living (even if you are a call girl), but always remember that business is business, and you can't sustain a business unless you are constantly looking out for your own best interests, whether in terms of personal safety, personal happiness, or pay. Nobody else will do it for you, so make sure to always take care of you.
Breakfast Club taught me how to network : Networking is essential to business success, especially when you are first starting out. Treat everyone like a potential customer, and treat every customer as though they have the ability to bring you even more customers; Because everyone is a potential customer, or knows a potential customer. This is true whether you are dealing with a criminal, an athlete, a brain, a basket case, or a princess.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off taught me this very important sales technique : There is an adage in business that people aren't just buying from you; they are buying you . There is also an adage that says that people won't remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel. Ferris Bueller understood both these concepts. He was charming, and fun, and made everyone feel good about themselves. Because of this, he could sell sausage to Abe Froman, the Sausage King of Chicago, or at least get himself on a float in a downtown Chicago parade.
When it comes to succeeding in business, personality is important. Be friendly, be upbeat, be positive, and be helpful. If something isn't working, try a different approach, and do it cheerfully. Attitude really is everything.
Dirty Dancing taught me to never put baby in the corner : Johnny had all the talent and dedication to his craft that you would want in a dance instructor in the catskills in the 1960s. Unfortunately, he had a chip on his shoulder, probably deservedly so, and it showed in the way he carried himself. This is why Baby's dad assumed he knocked up his dance partner, setting off a chain of events that resulted in putting her in the corner. Never change who you are, or pretend to be something you're not, but definitely keep your personal feelings and prejudices out of your business. Others' perception of you can make or break your business. Keep it positive and professional at all times, and save your "true colors" for your down time.
Some Kind of Wonderful taught me to give it my all : It sounds cheesy, but successful entrepreneurs are those who know their deepest heart's desire, and aren't afraid to go after it with everything they've got. When you become clear on what you want, and passionately give it your all, the path to your goal becomes clear. Even if you find that you were wrong about what you wanted, when you discover that your BFF Watts is actually the girl for you, and not the popular Amanda Jones, it does not matter. Just the act of putting all your energy into that which will bring you the greatest joy is enough to get you there.
Say Anything taught me to keep my eye on the prize : Lloyd Dobler doesn't want to do anything involving selling anything, buying anything, or processing anything. He knows he is good at one thing: being with Diane Court. He knows this is what he wants. Diane knows. Her father knows. Diane's neighbors who were treated to an early-morning boombox rendition of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" know. He sticks to his guns, and follows his dreams … all the way to London, where he probably never had to sell, buy, or process anything he didn't want to.
What about you? What 80s movies am I missing, and what have they taught you about work, business, or life in general?
Source by Kimberly Runyen