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 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
 David Reading has maintained an entrepreneurial career since launching the Parity Group in Sydney in 1978. He was appointed as a Divisional General Manager for Unisys Australia when it was formed in 1986.
David began his career studying mechanical engineering at Kings College London and started his business life working on IBM Mini computers (well not so mini really), before emigrating to Australia in 1973. His business became only the second company in Australia to offer contract labour to the computer industry quickly building to 150 contractors. The company participated in the 1983 launch of the IBM personal computer in Australia, becoming the largest supplier in NSW before expanding to all State capitals and employing 160 staff. Riding the technology wave David survived the DOT COM crash and shares the importance of embracing change and changing business models when necessary. Best Lessons from David’s past
Top Tips Say NO more often
Constantly explore opportunities for change
Have a business that is operating in a growth market
Be wary of Cost Reduction to build profit
Never run out of money
Operate to a 90 day planning cycle
David's contact details: David Reading Mobile: 0411 608 517 Email: david@teamsunshine.com.au http://teamsunshine.com.au/ About Geoff Moller: Geoff is a management consultant, business adviser, and a trademarks and IP professional. geoff@geoffmoller.com  In this in-depth interview Chris Wildeboer shares her personal journey leading to the creation of ‘Balance Central’ working with people who are ready to break away from the pain and frustration that life has dealt them.
There’s such a lot of great information in this interview so I hope you take notes, and although Chris speaks about her early battle with depression at the age of 24, the consequences and her personal journey to success, she now works with many clients across Australia and from around the world in their own journeys both personally and in business. Just some of the many great points covered in this interview:
Made redundant in Oct 2008 and unable to get a job despite having exceptional skills and then starting her own business ‘Balance Central’.
The weekly ‘balance’ dealing with:
Chris speaks about removing the business owner from the business and allowing the business to be an entity on its own.
"At the end of the day it’s our relationships with people both personally and in business which are important for success, that’s what business is, its the relationship we have with people." Chris Wildeboer
Chris’s contact details: Chris Wildeboer Balance Central 0423 607 047 chris@balancecentral.com.au www.balancecentral.com.au https://www.facebook.com/ChrisBalanceCentral About Geoff Moller: Geoff is a management consultant, business strategist and Trademarks advisor. geoff@geoffmoller.com |
Geoff Moller
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