Movies are magical. They take us to new places, they spark our imagination, and they entertain us. Lessons from movies are open to interpretation that may differ from what the filmmaker ever intended.
Spielberg and Lucas may have never intended to teach people how to run businesses, but let's step back, open our minds, and consider what we have seen that may solve problems in business. With some thought, we can come up with stories of communication, branding, ethics, customer service, and leadership applicable to starting and running a small business.
Here are some examples to get you started. Popcorn please ...
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) OK, so we equate this one with Christmas, but consider the lesson of leading by example that Capra shows. It comes down to a confrontation between two businesspeople-Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) wants to turn Bedford Falls into Pottersville, while George Bailey (James Stewart) puts his customers, employees, and family interest first by taking personal responsibility.
The Godfather I and II (1972, 1974) Not the most savory of mission statements, but these movies are about family business. There are lessons about loyalty and consequences.
Many quotes are still used often in the business world-"go to the mattresses ...," "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse," "My father taught me many things ... keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."
Jerry Maguire (1996) After being jettisoned from a large firm, the title character (Tom Cruise) becomes a reluctant entrepreneur that brilliantly captures the manic-depressive roller-coaster ride of starting a business. With one employee and one client, Maguire literally has all his eggs in one basket to show that fewer clients and more personal attention are a good business strategy.
Wall Street (1987) This study of values compares and contrasts the differences between a father and a son. The small business lesson can be that "there are no short cuts" in life or business. Just because you can visualize where you want to be does not mean that you can get there without paying dues.
A League of Their Own (1992) Just the tagline for the movie sets it up with a small business lesson: "To achieve the incredible you have to attempt the impossible." Memorable quotes include "There's no crying in baseball" and "Of course this is hard." No matter how it appears-every business is hard. Don't complain.
Hustle & Flow (2005) Once again, the viewer needs to look past some seedy images on screen to see that you can be successful no matter where you come from. Small business lessons abound, including the following:
You are in charge of your business,relationships are powerful, and marketing pays.
Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) I, your author, admit personal bias on this one-I believe this is the best business movie ever! The best part is that the whole story is true. It's about an inventor who sets out to revolutionize the auto industry during World War II.
It's got it all-business started in a barn, naysayers, faithful followers, time-crunched prototypes, creative technology advances, giant corporate adversaries, and failure. If you are in a class on small business/entrepreneurship-watch this one.
You get the idea by now and yes, some of these were made before most students were born, but they are available as rentals. Some other contenders to consider include:
Apollo 13 (1995)
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Elizabeth (1998)
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Norma Rae (1979)
One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Twelve Angry Men (1957)
Twelve O'clock High (1949)
In addition to the movies cited in this case, think of other titles for business lessons such as Risky Business, Pirates of Silicon Valley, and Office Space. What lessons do they provide? (200 Words)