Startup Lessons from Mad Men, Chopped and Other Awesome TV Shows

I'll admit it.  I'm a TV junkie.  But I like to think that the endless hours I spend DVRing my favorite shows and purchasing DVDs (not to mention the hundreds of dollars I spend a month on cable alone) aren't all for nothing.  The other day, while I was curled up on my hand-me-down couch watching one of my favorite TV dramas, Mad Men, I discovered that the episode actually taught me quite a bit about advertising and marketing.  I soon realized I could relate all of the lessons I learned from Mad Men to entrepreneurship.  And then it hit me: All of my favorite television shows can (believe it or not) teach me something about entrepreneurship.

Today, I want to share those lessons with you.  And although some of these television shows may have nothing to do with entrepreneurship (i.e. my favorite Food Network show, Chopped), every single one of these series actually can provide some insight into the unpredictable world of startups.

"Fear stimulates my imagination." - Don Draper, Mad Men

Fear of choosing the wrong business.  Fear of a startup's unpredictability.  Fear of the unknown.  Fear of running out of money.  Fear of failure.  Entrepreneurs fear many things.  But believe it or not, it is fear that tends to drive these entrepreneurs forward.  Because of fear, entrepreneurs tend to work twice as hard with half the amount of sleep (and money) as their colleagues.  It's fear that keeps us motivated...it's fear that stimulates our imaginations.

"If we can't live together, then we're going to die alone." - Jack Shephard, LOST 

As one of the most famous quotes in television history, this blurb from Jack Shephard of LOST can teach us a lot about entrepreneurship.  But I interpret this quote in two different ways:

First of all, LOST can teach us an overwhelming amount about teamwork.  If it weren't for the teamwork put forth on the island, the group may have not survived (SPOILER ALERT: or were they even alive in the first place!?).  Every single person on the island brought a unique talent that helped the entire group survive--from Jack's medical knowledge and skills to John Locke's hunting abilities--the stranded group had only two choices: to live together or to die alone.  A startup can either thrive or die because of the team that's behind it.  It is the individual people, each with their own unique talents, that move a business forward.

Secondly, this quote in particular can teach us a lot about coopetition.  Coopetition is a word to describe "cooperative competition".  Coopetition happens when competitors work together because  they do not believe they have competitive advantage and because they believe they can share common costs. Entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses have found that coopetition is extremely beneficial for the growth of startup communities.  

"Every man at some point in his life is going to lose a battle...but what makes him a man is at the midst of that battle he does not lose himself.  The game is not over, this battle is not over." - Coach Eric Taylor, Friday Night Lights

Many people may have seen Friday Night Lights the movie.  But in my opinion, Friday Night Lights as a television series can teach us much more about entrepreneurship.  One of the biggest lessons an entrepreneur can learn while watching Friday Night Lights is that at some point in his startup life, he will fail.  Football teams lose games, entrepreneurs lose opportunities.  It's the way of life.  But, it is important to learn from those mistakes and failures and remember that even when all seems lost, the battle is not over.

"Ted, your problem is all you do is think, think, think.  I'm teaching you how to do, do, do." - Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother

Any fan of How I Met Your Mother knows that Barney Stinson is a "doer" (in more ways than one).  Entrepreneurs should take this "do-do" (hehe) mentality from Mr. Stinson.  When you're an entrepreneur, it's important to continue to move a business forward.  Progress is not going to happen by holding pointless meetings or assigning goalless projects.  Be like Barney; be a "doer".  Other advice we can learn from Barney Stinson?  Every once in awhile, it is important for an entrepreneur to "Suit Up!".

It's high energy.  It's fast-paced. - Chopped

For those of you who are not familiar with the popular Food Network series Chopped, allow me to explain.  Chopped takes four chefs from across the country and gives them a basket of wacky ingredients.  Each ingredient must be made into a delicious meal in a short amount of time.  Then, each plate is judged by a panel of famous Food Network stars. Chefs compete in three rounds (entree, appetizer and dessert) with one chef eliminated every round.  The winner receives $10,000 and ultimate bragging rights.  

Doesn't sound a whole lot like entrepreneurship, does it?  Think again!  We can learn quite a few lessons from my favorite Food Network show:

• We don't get to choose the ingredients:  The Chopped competitors do not have the luxury of choosing the main ingredients for their meal, much like entrepreneurs do not get to choose the main ingredients to build the perfect startup.  Sure, entrepreneurs can choose the startup's employees, culture and office space.  But oftentimes, an entrepreneur cannot choose their startup's source of capital, its media coverage or its overall outcome. 
• There's always a curveball: In every episode of Chopped, there is at least one ingredient that throws the competitors completely off.  Jews Mallow?  Sea urchins?  Gummy worms?  Sometimes, the basket ingredients seem impossible to combine. Entrepreneurs often face similar situations when they are thrown startup curveballs.  The best way to handle them?  Expect the unexpected and roll with the punches! 
• Time is precious: Chefs competing in Chopped only have 20 minutes for the appetizer round, 30 minutes for the entree round and 30 minutes for the dessert round.  Without a doubt, time is precious. Time is an entrepreneur's most precious commodity as well.  Use it wisely--there's never enough of it!  
• Winners don't play it safe: Oftentimes, chefs are "chopped" because they play it too safe.  The same thing goes for entrepreneurs.  It's important to step outside your comfort zone and take chances.  Don't let your fears get in the way (see quote #1!).  

"Chris, everything I say is a lie.  Except that. And that. And that. And that. And that. And that. And that." - Peter Griffin, Family Guy

Many of you may not think that the animated television series Family Guy can teach us a whole lot about entrepreneurship.  And in all honesty, it really can't.  But as one of my favorite TV shows, I had to add it to the list.  In my opinion, the one thing we can learn from Family Guy is to not take life too seriously.  As an entrepreneur, chasing your dream should actually be fun.  Enjoy the ride.  Soak up the great moments.  And most importantly, don't forget to laugh along the way.  

"There's always money in the banana stand!" - George Bluth Sr., Arrested Development   

I'm just as happy as the next person that Arrested Development is coming back to the small screen (and eventually, the big screen).  As one of the funniest television shows of all time (in my humble opinion), Arrested Development can also teach us quite a bit about entrepreneurship.  For one, it can teach us that when life brings you down, it's important to face problems head-on, attack the tough situations with your head held high and lean on your family and friends when you need it most.  Although there may not always be money in the banana stand, we always have our friends and families to support us (even though they drive us crazy sometimes).

"Some individuals, it is true, are more special.  This is natural selection. It begins as a single individual born or hatched like every other member of their species.  Anonymous. Seemingly ordinary. Except they're not." - Mohinder Suresh, Heroes

This quote from Mohinder Suresh of Heroes is spot-on.  Not everybody is a natural-born entrepreneur.  Entrepreneurs are unique, extraordinary people with even more extraordinary ideas.  Not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur.  Are you one of the chosen ones?

"This question comes from Twitter, because apparently that's something which happens now." - Gwen, Parks and Recreation

Last but not least, I had to throw one of my favorite lines from Parks and Recreation into this list.  As one of my favorite comedies on television (alongside The Office and 30 Rock, of course), this quote from Parks and Recreation can teach us just how important social media is.  Entrepreneurs, use your social media resources!  You never know who's watching out in the Twittersphere or on Facebook.

Who else out there is a TV junkie?  What are your favorite television shows?  Can you learn something about entrepreneurship and startups from those series that make you laugh, cry and wonder?  Share below.  

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig 

TEDxKC Returns to Kauffman Center Aug. 28

It's no big surprise that this season's TEDxKC event is already sold out.  The popular TEDx tour has been around for quite some time now, attracting tech geeks and startup enthusiasts like moths to a flame. Lucky for us, TEDx is returning to Kansas City tomorrow, August 28, at one of Kansas City's iconic buildings, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Too bad TEDxKC already sold out days ago. If you didn't purchase a ticket, you're going to miss out on some awesome speakers and performers including Samuel Arbesman (The Half-Life of Facts), Jeff Carter (Extreme Identity), Janine Shepherd (You Are Not Your Body), Max Strom (There is No App for Happiness), and many others (View a full list of presenters here!).

For those who have never had the privilege of attending TEDxKC, and were lucky enough to snag a ticket, here's what TEDx is all about: it's a program designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to simulate dialogue through experiences on a local level.  TEDxKC will bring a suite of short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations and performances on a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration and wonder.

Miss the TEDxKC ticket train?  Don't worry!  TEDxKC will be back two more times this year on September 15th and December 1st.

Learn more about TEDxKC on August 28th.

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Our Favorite i-Word: Inspiration

iKC is all about igniting, innovating and inspiring.  But our favorite of these three is the "inspire" piece.  In fact, we think its so important that iKC attendees are inspired throughout the whole day, that we dedicated an entire track to inspiration.  We're bringing in Inspire Talks.

Inspire Talks are quick, 12-minute discussions with some of Kansas City's most interesting entrepreneurs and innovators.  Each Inspire Talk will focus on a certain area of expertise.  And all 7 Inspire Talks are extremely different:

• Teentrepreneurship by Brent Comstock of bCom Tech Solutions
• Startup Methology by Ashley Raiteri of VaultPAD Ventures
• Wellness and Innovation by Matt Condon of Athletic and Rehabilitation Center
• Big Data and the End of Wisdom by Don Peterson of Big Iris
• User Acquisitions: Are You Acquiring Users or Losers? by Josh Coleman of AgLocal
• Hot Now! Krispy Kreme's Sweet App Success by Mark Logan of Barkley
• Past, Present and Future: The Kansas City Spirit from Rick Usher, City Manager of KCMO

Inspire Talks will take place from 9:30am-10:25am and 10:45am-11:25am.  Don't miss the opportunity to get inspired at iKC!  View the iKC Agenda here.

Be sure to follow iKC at @iKC_2012 and use #iKC on the day of the conference. 

Sometimes, All You Need is Opportunity

“Ability is nothing without opportunity.”

This famous quote from Napoleon Bonaparte reveals that sometimes, you just need a little opportunity to get where you want to be.  This is true for every aspect of life: making a new best friend, landing your first job, making it on the high school basketball team, starting a new business—it all begins with opportunity.  Opportunity is the first stepping stone in creating a successful life.

Which is why Jessica Garand started the Opportunity Music Project.

The Opportunity Music Project, based out of New York City, is a movement that provides underprivileged children the chance to find passion, hard work and opportunity through music.  Children involved in the Opportunity Music Project are taught an instrument and then perform for the homeless, the elderly or for hospital patients.  The project offers children interested in music with the opportunity to take private music lessons and learn the value of service within the community.

“The Opportunity Music Project came from the accumulation of all of my experiences,” says Jessica Garand, the founder of the Opportunity Music Project. “I performed for the elderly and in hospitals when I was young.  I want these students to have this same experience and develop the same leadership skills that I did.”

The Opportunity Music Project provides students with weekly half-hour lessons on the viola or violin.  Students and their families are then encouraged to attend classical music concerts around New York City, participate in meetings within the project, and perform in a final concert.

“My favorite part of this experience has been seeing the kids inspired about music,” says Garand.  “When I saw the kids’ faces after their final concert, it was amazing.  Also, seeing the support from their families is incredible.”

The Opportunity Music Project recently partnered up with RentMyInstrument.com, a company based out of Kansas City, Missouri.  With RentMyInstrument.com, OMP now has even more of an opportunity to improve children's lives through the magic of music.

In addition, a documentary is being filmed about the Opportunity Music Project which will be completed in the weeks to come.  In the inspirational documentary, viewers can see how the Opportunity Music Project has transformed the lives of every underprivileged child involved.  The documentary proves that anybody can achieve their dreams—no matter how out-of-reach they may seem at first.

Because after all, it all begins with opportunity. 

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Top 10 Summer Books for Entrepreneurs

The days are long and hot.  It’s summertime.  So why not kick back and relax with a good book?  Check out this list of our Top 10 Summer Books for Entrepreneurs in 2011:

1.      How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield

Did you love the Chicken Soup books?  Then you’ll love this book by the same author, Jack Canfield.  You’ll learn the 25 Principles of Success from different successful people. 

2.     The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki

A must-read for anybody going into the startup world.  Gain important advice from Guy himself as he teaches you how to move from one startup phase to the other. 

3.      New Ideas from Dead CEOs by Todd G. Buchholz

Dive into the stories of some of America’s most successful entrepreneurs.

4.     The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris

Learn how to make enough money to live the rest of your life in happiness.  This book will help you to reevaluate your priorities—and summer is the perfect time to do this!

5.     Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcom Gladwell

Best-selling author Malcom Gladwell examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success.

6.      Beyond the Lemonade Stand by Bill Rancic

Lemonade stands pop up throughout every neighborhood throughout the summer—so why not read Beyond the Lemonade Stand by Bill Rancic?  Learn how to succeed in business and in life by being smart, fair and helping those who need it.

7.      Blog Schmog: The Truth About What Blogs Can (and Can’t) Do For Your Business by Robert W. Bly

Blogging is all the craze this summer.  Why not learn about what it can (and can’t) do for your small business or startup?

8.     Crazy Bosses by Stanley Bing

Want a good laugh this summer?  Check out Crazy Bosses and learn about some of the worst bosses and the drama that they’ve caused.

9.     Your Management Sucks: Why You Have to Declare War on Yourself and Your Business by Mark Stevens

Learn about a different management approach and find out how to make your startup work by going against all of the rules.

10.  Rules for Renegades: How to Make More Money, Rock Your Career, and Revel in Your Individuality by Christine Comaford-Lynch

Want to hear some juicy stories about a romantic relationship with Bill Gates?  Want to see how being a monk relates to business?  Christine Comaford-Lynch puts it all out on the line in Rules for Renegades. 

What are you reading this summer? 

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Top 10 Inspirational Movies for Entrepreneurs--The Social Network, The Pursuit of Happyness, and Many More!

Need an easy way to gain some inspiration this weekend?  Well pop the popcorn, grab a soda, and sit yourself down on the couch.  Here are the Top 10 Movies that can motivate any entrepreneur!

1. The Social Network

“You don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.”

The Social Network follows the success story of Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook and his trials and tribulations of his work life, social life, and social networking life.  Jenna Busch of the Huffington Post classifies this movie as "a study of one man, what drives him and what success can do to you."  And although many reviews state that The Social Network is about the inescapable need for acceptance, the movie, as a whole, is also a statement of the importance of social media as well as the power of a "good idea." 

2. Pursuit of Happyness 

“If you want somethin', go get it. Period.”
In 1981, in San Francisco, the smart salesman and family man Chris Gardner invested the family savings in Ostelo National bone-density scanners, an apparatus twice more expensive than x-ray with practically the same resolution. The white elephant financially breaks the family, bringing troubles to the relationship with his wife that leaves him and moves to New York. Without money and wife, but totally committed with his son Christopher, Chris sees the chance to fight for a stockbroker internship position at Dean Witter, disputing for one career in the end of six months training period without any salary with other twenty candidates. Meanwhile, homeless, he has all sorts of difficulties with his son.

3. Jerry Maguire

“The journey is everything.”
Jerry Maguire used to be a typical sports agent: willing to do just about anything he could to get the biggest possible contracts for his clients, plus a nice commission for himself. Then, one day, he suddenly has second thoughts about what he’s really doing. When he voices these doubts, he ends up losing his job and all of his clients, save Rod Tidwell, an egomaniacal football player. Can Jerry resurrect his career while still staying true to himself?

4. WallStreet (1987)

“Every dream has a price.”

Bud Fox is a Wall Street stockbroker in early 1980′s New York with a strong desire to get to the top. Fox finally meets with extremely successful (but ruthless and greedy) broker Gordon Gekko, who takes the youth under his wing and explains his philosophy that “Greed is Good”. Taking the advice and working closely with Gekko, Fox soon finds himself swept into a world of “yuppies”, shady business deals, the “good life”, fast money, and fast women; something which is at odds with his family including his estranged father and the blue-collared way Fox was raised.

5. Office Space

“The 9-5 may not get you very far.”

Peter Gibbons is a cubicle-dwelling employee stuck in the rat race. His girlfriend is cheating on him, he has an obnoxious neighbor, and he’s completely miserable with his job as a small cog in a company called Initech. Then he visits a hypnotherapist, who put Peter into a state of complete bliss. Free of worrying about making a living, he no longer feels the need to keep his job, just as the company is going through a massive downsizing. However, his new attitude only makes him more valuable in the company’s eyes.

6. Boiler Room

“There’s no such thing as making too much money or taking too many risks.”

A morally decent college dropout finds himself at conflict with his harsh federal judge father. From running a profitable underground casino, he gets a job as a stock broker and gets on the fast track to success. The firm is full of hard-nosed young go-getters striving to make it rich. Only things take a turn for the worst when he learns that his job isn’t what’s it cracked up to be.

7. Rudy

“Sometimes a winner is a dreamer who just won’t quit.”

Rudy is a true story about Dan Ruettiger, an aspiring Notre Dame football player and his struggles to make it. Rudy grew up in a steel mill town where most people invested a lifetime into hard labor. With poor grades, mediocre athletic skill, and half the physical size of the other players, Rudy shows he can overcome all challenges with spirit and drive

8. Forrest Gump

“Life is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you’re gonna get.”
A man with a low IQ has accomplished great things in his life and been present during significant historic events – in each case, far exceeding what anyone imagined he could do. Yet, despite all the things he has attained, his one true love eludes him. “Forrest Gump” is the story of a man who rose above his challenges, and who proved that determination, courage, and love are more important than ability.

9. A Beautiful Mind

“The only thing greater than the power of the mind is the courage of the heart.”
From the heights of notoriety to the depths of depravity, John Forbes Nash, Jr. experienced it all. A mathematical genius, he made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery. After many years of struggle, he eventually triumphed over his tragedy, and finally – late in life – received the Nobel Prize.

10. Startup.com

“The rise and fall of the American Dream.”

Friends since high school, 20-somethings Kaleil Isaza Tuzman and Tom Herman have an idea: a Web site for people to conduct business with municipal governments. This documentary tracks the rise and fall of govWorks.com from May of 1999 to December of 2000, and the trials the business brings to the relationship of these best friends. Kaleil raises the money, Tom’s the technical chief, and a third partner wants a buy out. The constant need for cash and for improving the site brings venture capital in by the millions. Kaleil is on C-SPAN, CNN, and magazine covers. Will the business or the friendship crash first?

(Most summaries developed from BradleyWill.com). 

What movies inspire YOU to get out there and pursue your dreams?  We invite you to please comment below!  

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City’s newest entrepreneurial resources.  To read more of Allison’s work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner.