Luke Brown Marketing Blog

Michael Jackson’s This Is It, a documentary of the King of Pop’s rehearsals in the weeks before his death, offers not just musical entertainment but delivers some superb business lessons as well. As Mike Searls said in his webinar, you can find business ideas and inspiration away from your desk. This movie does just that.

Michael Jackson was a unique and complex man, a once-in-a-generation entertainer whose personal and professional lives couldn’t have been more different. Set aside your feelings about his personality, his personal life, and his music to see how his business acumen was probably far greater than most people realize.

Have A Goal and Dare To Dream Big

Many aspects of Jackson were larger than life and this movie showed how this concept was applied to the stage performance. The special effects, visuals, and sheer magnitude of any one song was more spectacular than 99% of other performer’s entire shows.

Jackson commented late in the movie about how he felt it vital to give the audience something they’d never seen before. Even though he formed his set list around songs his fans requested, he was willing to update something as tried and true as Thriller. That takes courage and supreme self-confidence.

More important than just daring to dream big is to get everybody to buy into the concept and act as one for the good of the greater whole. Musicians, dancers, singers, wardrobe and all others showed a sincere belief to sacrifice for the big picture. If your business can pull that off, you’re going places in a hurry.

Thank Those Who Help and Contribute

Jackson knew exactly what he wanted and communicated his desires to cast and crew. After explaining his desire, he’d give someone a chance to do it to achieve the result he sought. When they got it, he sometimes said, “Thank you”, and other times, “God bless you.” Now that’s sincere!

Though Jackson was clearly in charge, he didn’t come across as a pompous, unfair, or bullying boss. If it took several tries to get something right, Jackson’s patience was seldom tested. He still thanked people and didn’t do it in a gratuitious manner. How many times has someone said something like, “It’s about time you got it right!”. Jackson didn’t act that way. He treated others as he wanted to be treated.

Make Your Mistakes In Rehearsal

There were at least two instances when a song finished and Jackson was unhappy with the results. To convey his message, he broke it down by mentioning what was done, then describing what he wanted instead. When it was understood by all how it should go, Jackson simply said, “That’s why we rehearse.”

The same concept applies to business. It’s easy to spot someone who is completely prepared at a meeting or presentation. It’s also easy to spot someone who is going through the motions or ad-libbing. Though people will seldom know if you actually made a mistake, your self-trust improves when you overcome mistakes in practice and then perform at your best when it really counts.

Have A Passion Beyond Business

One song had a message about the destruction of the Amazon rain forests. Jackson was passionate about this issue and wanted to encourage his fans to explore the issue. While Jackson’s legacy will undoubtedly begin with his music and dancing, his efforts to contribute and give back to others is to be applauded.

Details Matter

Very little escaped Jackson’s eyes or ears. Whether it was the slightest pause at the completion of a song or the feeling of playing a note in a specific manner, Jackson mentioned it and insisted on it. He wouldn’t let a small detail be overlooked when, even in the overall scheme of things, very few would notice.

These details, when added in layers one upon the other, showed how each could contribute to the whole and make it stunning. Jackson didn’t have himself emotionally married to the details and was willing to change to make it better, no matter how much effort it took. That kind of attitude can grow a business by leaps and bounds, if you have the courage to implement it.

Not Much Beats Hard Work For Achieving Success

Michael Jackson was 50 years old during the filming of this movie yet had the energy that people half his age seldom have. Physically and mentally, he pushed and pushed, demanding as much from others as from himself.

Jackson worked hard his entire professional career. There are stories which mention how his father was relentless in the pursuit of perfection when Michael was a member of the Jackson 5. That same work ethic is evident in the movie and is shared by many self-made millionaires.

A common statement told to the authors of the book The Millionaire Next Door, was: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” Michael Jackson’s success certainly had elements of luck but more of it was due to the fact that he simply outworked everybody. You can knock that concept if you want, but Michael Jackson is the epitome of how that hard work can pay off.

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