 When I was young I grew up with the comic book series of the Phantom (among others) and I was reminded today that there are a lot of lessons we, as business owners, can learn from the Phantom comic strip series.
While I wouldn’t necessarily advocate wearing a bright purple one piece outfit in public (I think these days they’re called ‘onesies’) we can all learn something from the Phantom. 1. Have superpowers. While the Phantom didn't actually have superpowers the perception was that he did which influenced many far and wide, he became known as ‘the ghost who walks’ or ‘the man you cannot die’. No need to go to go the same extremes but work on becoming a thought leader in your industry or as some might put it a key person of influence, become known as the ‘go to person’ to solve problems and answer questions. Let other people talk about your seemingly ‘secret powers’ and knowledge, your business will greatly benefit. 2. Community. Build a supportive community around you willing to support and defend you when needed. In the Phantom's case he had a tribe of pygmies from the fictional African country of Bangalla to help him. But in our society this is particularly a strong advantage of social media in that the various social media platforms gives you the opportunity to build a supportive community who believe in you, are willing to follow you and will defend you if attacked. 3. Fight evil and do good. This was the mantra of the Phantom. While you don't have to physically fight evil always maintain your integrity and do good for your clients and those around you. 4. Self-development. The Phantom was educated in the United States and understood the modern world (well his modern world), so you should continually be prepared to learn and to invest in yourself and in your team. Complete the courses and programs relevant to your industry and to help maintain your business at the leading edge, if you don’t it won’t take long for you to fall behind your competitors. 5. Keep Cool. Even when under fire and fighting against the enemy our hero never panicked but kept his cool and fought on. If you know your business model is good and you have the right skill set never give up! Be persistent in your efforts to continually move your business forward, long lasting success is not built overnight but over time. Seek help and guidance when needed, keep cool, don’t panic! 6. Prepare for succession. According to legend the Phantom started fighting against evil in 1536 and the cause was handed down from one generation to the next, each one preparing and instilling the skills in his successor. Run your business as if you’re planning for succession, sale, or for building a passive income. At some point we all have to move on, it might be choice, illness or some other cause, so build systems and value in your business ready for that day. Learn about succession planning and strategic transition; start working on a long term plan ready for that day. 7. Build and protect your brand and Intellectual Property (IP). In the Phantom’s case he strove to keep his identity secret, his family secret and his location secret but his ‘brand’ and reputation out there. Fortunately we don’t have to go to those lengths today to protect your brands, we have registrable Trademarks and other mechanisms to help protect our Intellectual Property (IP). Be prepared to fight against copycats who might to seek to mimic or destroy your brand reputation. Own a Trademark to protect your brand and understand copyright to protect your creativeness. If you have any questions on how to protect your brand or instill Phantom like powers into your business contact me. Note: The Phantom is an American adventure comic strip created by Lee Falk first appearing in a daily newspaper strip in February 1936. The feature strip has been adapted into many media forms including television, film and video games and features a costumed crimefighter operating from the fictional African country 'Bangalla'. © Geoff Moller 2014
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Geoff Moller
Management Consulting, Business Strategist, Trademarks and IP. Archives
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