8 Business Lessons every Entrepreneur can learn from Wonder Woman to be successful
“You don’t stay at the top of the Super Hero game for 75 years without keeping up with the times”
Topics: Re-Brand yourself, Be Fearless in Battle, Turn Weakness into Strength, Be a Warrior, Stamina & Endurance, Empathy, Share the Glory, Mentoring & Paying it Forward.
Beginnings. In 1942 Wonder Woman – created by internationally famous psychologist Dr. William Moulton Marston – made her comic book cover debut. Since then, she’s been a suffragist, solider, sex symbol, one of the most popular comic book characters of all-time and, currently, the star of Blockbuster movie. She is someone millions of people around the world look up too as an inspiration. But, did you also know that Wonder Woman is also an inspiration for Entrepreneurs as well – to become successful?
1. Re-Brand yourself – when needed.
Throughout the decades the character of Wonder Woman, and her civilian identity Diana Prince, has been altered, restored & updated. Even before her first appearance in 1941 (it took her a year to get a cover) her name was switched from Suprema to Wonder Woman, apparently by her Creator’s Editor. She was also originally from Paradise Island, then in the 1980s she was from Themyscira. While today we recognize Wonder Woman as a diplomat & iconic member of the Justice League, she originally joined the Justice Society as their security – but, in the 1960s when she lost her powers – she became a babysitter, fashion model, movie star, astronaut, businesswoman & even a mod-spy type.
TV & other changes. Few of these incarnations stuck with fans, except for the TV series starring Lynda Carter which even influenced the comic. Everything about Wonder Woman from her origins, customs & powers, has been tinkered with — just like with most other comic books characters. Sometimes, like the Lynda Carter & Gal Gadot versions of the character, it works. Sometime it backfires. If it doesn’t pan out, the mistake is rectified. For instance, Diana had her powers restored in the comics, so that put an end to her mod-spy days.
How to Re-Brand. Just like Wonder Woman & other Super-Heroes throughout the years, you can re-brand yourself & your business as needed & when needed. Sure, your original idea or title sounded perfect, but imagine if Google was still called BackRub or PayPal stayed Cofinity on a mission to that “beam” payments to your Palm Pilot. When you realize you made a mistake, or market tastes have changed, re-brand yourself and your business Listen to your audience and be flexible enough to adapt to these changes.
2. Be Fearless in Battle – even when the odds are against you.
WW has fearlessly battled monsters, gods and even allies, including Superman. Even when it appears that it’s against all odds, WW willingly faces these foes for the greater good of humanity. However, WW never goes into battle without a plan. She’s an excellent strategist and doesn’t just start smashing everything around her (like the Hulk). The odds are always stacked against entrepreneurs — particularly women entrepreneurs — so always test the market and validate your ideas, before going into battle.
3. Turn Weakness into Strength.
As an Entrepreneur, you will have times of trouble – like your business failing or rejection by an investor. Instead of letting that hold you back, embrace your shortcomings & turn them in strengths. Personally, I openly discuss my previous business failures. It not only helps me deal with the situation, it made me a stronger individual with a constant reminder of what not to do in the future.
4. Be a Warrior for Truth, Peace & Equality. . .
are her goals – despite being an Amazonian warrior. This dichotomy is what makes her character so appealing as a great leader & teammate. It’s also why her most well-known weapon is the Lasso of Truth that forces people to tell the truth, even when it’s difficult to hear. Truth, honesty & integrity also make entrepreneurs heroic. It’s what makes them exceptional leaders. It’s what rallies employees, investors, stakeholders, & customers around them. It’s how they make the right business decisions. It’s what separates them from dubious & devious competitors.
5. Super-Human Stamina & Endurance are required.
WW posses super-human strength, durability, speed & an enhanced healing power, but arguably her greatest power is her superhuman Stamina & Endurance. WW can remain in any fight until the end with any foe. We all love Batman, but he doesn’t have the Stamina & Endurance to stand toe-to-toe with the worst villains. Stamina Quote. Justine Musk, author and former wife of Elon Musk, believes that stamina is what makes entrepreneurs great.
“There will be jet lag, mental fatigue, bouts of hard partying, loneliness, pointless meetings, major setbacks, family drama, issues with your significant other you rarely see, dark nights of the soul, people who bore & annoy you, little sleep, less sleep than that,” she said. “Keep your body sharp to keep your mind sharp. It pays off.”
6. Wield the Power of Empathy.
Wonder Woman [WW] detects others’ emotions — in other words, she has the power of empathy. That further explains why she’s such an important member of the Justice League. Empathy is perhaps the most important skill that entrepreneurs can possess. By walking in someone else’s shoes, you’re better suited to understand & solve their problems. That is what entrepreneurship is all about — making the world a better place.
7. The world’s finest “share” the Glory of Success.
WW has had her fair share of victories but she never gloats and always gives credit when credit is due. When Steve Trevor tells her that she saved the day her response is, “No, we did this together.” Great entrepreneurs don’t steal credit for other people’s work. They acknowledge the hard work of the entire team & celebrate all victories together. They never pass the blame to someone else.
8. The importance of Mentorship – and Paying it Forward.
Diana sought a mentor before becoming Wonder Woman because she needed a guide to train her to become a warrior. One of Diana’s mentors was her aunt, Antiope. In the comics, WW returned the favor by mentoring a number of potages like Wonder Girl & allies like Etta Candy and Paula von Gunther. Entrepreneurs should also seek someone to train and guide them in order to help them hone their skills. Mentors can also share their mistakes & existing business knowledge. However, Entrepreneurs “pay-it-forward” someday by also taking an emerging entrepreneur under their wings.
Comments: What did you get out of the Wonder Woman movie
from Business Insider 09 June 17
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