The agency Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce was started as a leap of faith, and it has steadily grown into a successful business that has become competition for some of the top agencies. Here’s what the success of this fictional business can tell you about achieving success in your small business:
You Must Believe in Your Vision
Don Draper and his partners took a big chance when they designed to have themselves fired so they could start a competing ad agency. They poured their personal fortunes into the success of the business, and they worked hard to recruit clients through their network of contacts and former clients.
If Draper and his partners did not believe in their vision, they would have soon failed and lost everything that they invested. Without that vision, they would not have been able to take such a big risk, and they would not have been able to realize the success that they have. You need the same type of vision and passion to drive your business and find success.
The Customer is Not Always Right
Don Draper is famous for firing clients. He believes in his work and his vision so much that he can recognize when the customer has it wrong. Because he believes in that vision, and trusts his ability to give the customer what even they don’t know they need, he is able to make impassioned arguments that often convince them of their error and then delivers a product that exceeds their expectations.
You must develop your own passion and expertise that can offer you the same surety. With it comes the understanding that the product or service you produce is the best it can be.
Think Bigger
In the last season of “Mad Men,” Don Draper and his partners struggled with how to grow their agency to become real competition in the marketplace. What they realized is that they had to go after the bigger accounts. They started targeting accounts that were considered out of their league or that had never been on the market.
You have to think bigger to drive your own business’ success, as well. What products or services can you offer that you think you can’t? What clients can you get that you think you can’t? Start challenging your assumptions and dare to dream bigger.
Networking Matters
All that scotch serves a purpose. The partners at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce know how to wine and dine with the best of them. They also know how to call in their contacts – whether they are in-laws or ex-wives. Networking has made the difference in getting them several accounts that have led to their growing success.
Don’t overlook the importance of networking in your own business. Attend events, reach out to other business owners, and join professional organizations. You never know when you’ll meet someone who can help you grow your business or land your next account.
Opportunity is Everything
Sometimes success depends on the right timing. Peggy Olsen was promoted because she made the right comment at the right time to the right person during a focus group. Now she’s a successful copywriter competing with men. Joan Harris took advantage of an unseemly offer to become partner – enabling her to take care of herself and her son for life.
Don’t let opportunities pass you by. Sometimes, it just means being in the right place at the right time to find success. Make sure you act when you see your chance.
Not only is “Mad Men” a great show, but it also offers useful lessons for small business owners. Following some of these lessons could help you find the next level of success in your business.
Do you watch “Mad Men?” What are some other useful business lessons that you’ve picked up from the show? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Author Bio:
Carlina Yepinski is the primary researcher and writer for networkmonitoring.org. Her most recent accomplishments includes graduating from Kentucky State with a degree in communications and computer science. Her current focus for the site involves network sniffers and computer monitoring software.
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