Part II: What Holiday Movies Can Teach Us
There’s Someone for Everyone
So today we are looking at lesson two for business advice from a holiday movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. This Dr. Seuss’ original book was made into a movie twice, once in 1966 and then again in 2000 with Jim Carrey.
If you haven’t seen the 2000 version it’s pretty funny. Here is an overview. So the Grinch (played Jim Carrie) hates Christmas and he hates the Whos (there is some history behind this). On the other side of this story we have the sweet and lovable residents of Whoville, who adore Christmas – but they have lost sight of the true meaning. So this Christmas, the Grinch, accompanied by his dog, Max, steal all their presents and decorations so he can get his revenge.
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But there is a turn of events when the Grinch meets the sweet and innocent Cindy Lou Who, who truly likes him and tries to befriend him and the single Martha May Whovier, that the Grinch has a crush on. That’s when this story starts to get a little more complicated for the Grinch.
In the movie, the Grinch pushes forwarded with his idea to stop Christmas and steals their presents and decorations. But nonetheless Whoville comes together as a community to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday resulting in the Grinch’s heart growing three times the size and he instead decides to save Christmas for the Whos. All ends well, with the community forgiving the Grinch.
So many lessons to be learned here, one especially that I’d like to center on is, there’s really someone for everyone, especially in business. Face it, if the grumpy Grinch can capture the heart of the desirable Martha May and the forgiveness of the Whos, then there’s got to be a customer following for you and your business.
Bear with me. Think about some of the products and services out there. There are so many niche markets these days. People are selling Plankets for your plants and Duck Dynasty Chia Pets for gift giving. If they can make it, you can, too.
You just need to be absolutely clear on who you are to your audience. Be decisive. If your business personality for instance is more “heart centered” then your followers will probably resonate with that if they are too. If on the other hand, your style is to the point and without fluff then so be it. The people who appreciate that type of interaction will appreciate you. You just need to figure out your technique and style. The clearer you are yourself the easier it becomes to build your “tribe”, as Seth Godin calls it.
Don’t apologize for who you are. I’ve seen speakers say from the start of their presentation that they may not be for everyone. They are not apologizing but being honest by saying “this is me”. Your customers don’t want someone who is uncomfortable with themselves; they want to be led by someone who’s confident and embraces their uniqueness.
So when the Grinch leaves Mt. Crumpet and his lonely existence he settles into the “real world” where he finds acceptance and love. You too need to be where the people are. Go find where your “ideal tribe”. If they are on social media be on social media if they are at a local chamber meeting, go and attend.
Also don’t let “authenticity” be an excuse for bad behavior. After all there’s a difference between being transparent and honest, and being unpleasant. Even at the end of the movie, the Grinch softens a bit – without losing his Grinch-ness.
Remember, if the Grinch can find love and a tribe, you can, too.
Stay tuned for next weeks, Part III installment of “What Holiday Movies Can Teach Us”.
If you missed last week’s here is the link .
Happy Holidays everyone!
Good tips and thanks for highlighting that authenticity is NOT an excuse for bad behavior and being rude and insensitive.
Such great tips Wanda! To thine own self be true 🙂
Another way to look at this is… The Grinch didn’t really get a tribe- until he got his heart, mind and soul in the right place. All the marketing classes, tricks of the trade, discounts, tag lines, coaches… I could keep on going… aren’t going to do a bit of good if your mindset is muddled and your soul is soured.
Begin at the Beginning. Work on fixing YOU- before you try to fix your business!
Wanda, I love that about not apologizing for who you are. We are all unique and special, and when we are authentic, we will attract a tribe much like ourselves. Thanks for the reminder that even the Grinch found his tribe, by going to the right places.
Being decisive and authentic really is the most important way to gather a tribe around your business. I struggled with clarity my Self for quite awhile but when I finally did understand what my so-called “sweet spot” was, my business really did take off. Clients understood more easily what I can do for them. Great job sharing this important info, Wanda and thanks for the Grinchy flashbacks! =)