Last week I shared my friend Jeffrey Allen’s Batman or Superman post with you. Jeff had so much fun writing that one he offered us this follow-up. I suggest taking a minute to read last week’s part one first.
In our last post we looked at why it’s better to be Batman than it is to be Superman when it comes to doing business. In this post we’ll look at what it takes to conquer your Rogues gallery of super villains and arch enemies.
Alfred Pennyworth – He’s Batman’s “Gentleman’s gentleman”, a Butler. But he’s also a confidant, and a voice of reason that speaks truth to power when no one else can get through. Alfred signifies a wealth of experience in both life and business, and offers a slightly different viewpoint. In business, we can be blinded by just our way of thinking. Because of this it is important that we have someone, or several “someone’s” we can share our ideas with and get feedback we can use to move forward.
Robin – He’s that sense of youthful energy coupled with a “can-do” attitude that verges on invincibility. In business we need to keep things fresh, always keep looking for new ways or better ways of doing what it is we do. To find your Robin you’ll need to rediscover that vivid imagination you may have put away when you become an adult. Find ways to be creative that excite and inspire you and bring that excitement and inspiration to your ideation process.
The Joker – He’s Batman’s ultimate arch nemesis. For a business owner this could be an actual competitor or it could be a habit or some other thing that is holding you back from being as successful as you want to be. If it is a habit, like time management that is your Joker then take a hard look at where your time is really going and look for ways to streamline things. If it’s a competitor look at what they are doing versus what you are doing. Are they doing something you’re not? Can adapt what they’re doing so that it works with your business? Don’t be afraid to take a hard look and be honest, who’s your Joker and what do you need to do to beat them?
Two Face Harvey Dent – If you don’t ever have any doubts in business, then I’d have to say you’re doing it wrong. Both life and business are fraught with doubt. The key though is what you do with it and how you choose to handle it. Doubt, like Harvey has two faces, “But if this fails…” 1) “it’s not the end of the world” or “it will be absolutely horrible for business.” The key to beating your businesses Harvey Dent is to do your research. Know the risks. Make decisions based on facts. While you can never totally rid yourself of doubt you can assure yourself you’ve done your homework and made the best decision based on the facts you have.
The Penguin – Being the personification of an Emperor Penguin, Oswald Cobblepot represents how a business can get swept away, or put off track if it doesn’t manage Its information consumption properly. Look at what you’re consuming in the way of blog posts, and podcasts. What about books and magazines> Is there a way you can sharpen your focus and lessen the amount of information your consuming at the same time? You know, separating the wheat from the chaff.
Do know who you’re Alfred and Robin are? What about your Rogues Gallery? Who or what is your Joker? Remember, business isn’t a solo sport. Choose your team wisely. Don’t be afraid to let them join you in overcoming your rogues gallery.
I think right now my Joker is sheer act of time management. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do, and quite often I find I have trouble focusing on things. I also find sometimes I just lack the energy to do anymore. That’s me at war with my workaholic nature.
My Alfred and Robin are people I feel comfortable talking about business with. People who’ve been there, done that, seen it all and are willing to share the mistakes they made in the hopes that I won’t repeat them. I try to make sure that they know how much I need them and appreciate them being there, and sometimes, “Thank you” just isn’t enough.
So I’ll take my queue’s from Batman and research, learn, practice and study and find the way, that with the help of my friends I can put my Joker forevermore in the Arkham Asylum of conquered enemies.
Jeff,
Part II ended up being much more useful to me. Within minutes of reading it I looked over at my wife Cheryl and said, “By the time 2011 starts I need to find my Robin.” As time went on I came to realize it might be two or three people to retain the virtual company structure I am such a big fan of. I’m pretty sure I have already found the first person and believe the second person will be more available after the first of the year. It’s a very exciting time to me thanks to your comments about Robin.
Thanks my friend,
Jim
Jim, I am glad you found it useful! However, having written it, and read your response, I think I see something you might not be aware of 🙂
Have you realized how participating in Lab hours has affected your ideation processes? Have you noticed that lab hours and Team Translator have become part of your “team”, even if it is unofficially? Their kind of like a cross between your think tank and an R&D Department. A sounding board for ideas.
I also think Cheryl in a lot of ways is your “Alfred”. She seems to help keep you focused and on track, and when you need to hear something she tells you. So it looks to me like your team is already well underway. 🙂