A few weeks back my family had a rare weekend off from sporting events and everyone just wanted to chill. I suggested movie night – mainly because I wanted some popcorn sprinkled with some magical dry buffalo wing seasoning from the local spice shop, but I digress. After some cajoling, everyone agreed, and we decided to watch one of the movies of my youth. I find it fascinating watching a favorite movie from my youth with my kids to see if it translates to their generation. By the same token, I always like to not only see if I enjoyed it as much as I think I did as a child but if I can find any lessons that translate to the business world.
The movie in question is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
If you’re not familiar with this fine piece of cinema, the plot is as follows: A high school charmer is determined to have a day off from school despite the efforts of the principal to catch him in the act. Throughout the movie, Ferris takes his friends on a few memorable adventures including watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, enjoying lunch at a posh Chicago restaurant, and singing “Twist and Shout” on a parade float.
Throughout the film, Ferris also shares some very profound thoughts about life. Viewing the movie as an adult working in the branding and marketing world, these quotes take on a slightly different meaning:
"Anything is peaceful from one thousand, three hundred and fifty-three feet."
Ferris says this as he and his friends are on the observation deck of the Sears (now Willis) Tower in Chicago, looking down at the hustle and bustle of a busy city. The same is true for just about every business entity: from a distance, everything looks peaceful, planned, and tranquil. To know what is going on in a city – or a business – you need to experience it from the ground level. Good leaders of organizations walk the halls every day, make meaningful connections with their associates, and get their hands dirty. This allows them to truly understand the beautiful, chaotic symphony that truly makes an organization work effectively.
"The question isn’t 'what are we going to do,' the question is 'what aren’t we going to do?'"
At the outset of the movie, when Ferris’ friend, Cameron, questions why they are going to all the trouble to skip school, Ferris provides the above response. As business managers, it’s very easy to think in terms of the rules and constrictions that prevent us from taking action. Instead, look at the business as if there are no rules and no governor. To differentiate, the question truly is what aren’t you going to do?
"You can’t respect somebody who kisses your ass. It just doesn’t work."
Ferris shares this thought with the audience in reference to Cameron who has never been in love and Ferris believes he will compromise his beliefs to please his future mate. Many promotional products distributors take the same approach with clients by waiving set up charges, competing on price alone, and giving away services that erode profitability. Human nature dictates we value things more when we pay for them. If you are continually giving services away, you are inviting your client to devalue what you do. Not only will they not respect you, but they will have no loyalty because you have trained them to favor the lowest-cost provider. As Ferris says, it just doesn’t work.
"Only the meek get pinched. The bold survive."
During a part of the movie where the group is close to being caught, Ferris shares this with his friends. And, because they are bold, Ferris and his friends get away without being discovered. The same applies in the promotional products world where being overly cautious is a sure-fire ticket to irrelevancy or, even worse, extinction. Fortune will always favor the bold.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Perhaps the most famous quote in the film and it resonates just true today. Don’t move so quickly in an attempt to get to the destination because you’ll miss out on the beauty of the journey. If I’m being honest, this is something I’m guilty of far too often and shifting my speed is a continual struggle. The bottom line is that the real value – people, experiences, memories, lie in the journey.
While the fashion of the movie might not hold up – specifically the cheetah-patterned cardigan sweater Mr. Bueller wears throughout the film – the pacing, comedy, and the lessons do. As a 16-year-old boy, I loved what I thought was a simple comedic romp about a charming kid dodging school. However, if you stop and look around, you’ll find some tremendous business and life lessons as well.
Bill is president of PromoCorner, a digital marketing, media, and advertising agency, and has over 19 years working in executive leadership positions at leading promotional products distributorships. A featured speaker at numerous industry events, a serial creator of content marketing, president of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board, and PromoKitchen chef, Bill has extensive experience coaching sales teams, creating successful marketing campaigns, and developing branding that resonates with a target audience. He can be reached at bill@PromoCorner.com.