If you haven’t heard about Mad Men before then where have you been living? Mad Men is a multi-award winning show about advertising, marketing and business. Just in case you haven’t seen the show here is the trailer for Season 5 of the show.
What is it about Mad Men that sucks its audience in with drama and entertainment, but still manages to teach them a thing or two about business?
I’m about to tell you.
Mad Men is one of the biggest hits on TV right now and has been gathering diehard fans since its original premier in 2007.
Every character is intriguing and has so many layers – but of course, one character stands out above all. And that would be Don Draper.
Draper (played by Jon Hamm) is truly the definition of what the fast and fierce business practices were like in the 60s. He gives the character intense rawness and honesty – something you don’t really see much of in today’s shows.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, including this incredible show, which closes its curtain this year. A lot of things will stick with us from this amazing adventure, including how much Don Draper has taught the world about business.
Even though it takes place nearly half a century ago, there are still so many critical components that can be connected to today’s business. This especially applies to any professional looking to continue their success and move up.
Look at the big picture.
Think about it – why do you think that new potential client is approaching you and your business? His or her needs may vary, but don’t make this fatal mistake.
Ask yourself why the client is looking for what they’re looking for. Are they having a hard time getting their business up and running? Have they dealt with frustrating companies (and possibly your competitors) in the past?
Try to diagnose why this client is coming to you. It’s a chance for you to learn from other companies’ mistakes. And it gives you an-depth look at what the customer has already dealt with.
If they’ve been dealing with another company in your industry and it simply wasn’t getting the job done fast enough, then you know what you need to do – provide fast, effective results.
Plus, it gives you a chance to show off your skills a little bit. You can prove to the client you’re ready for whatever they will throw your way. And you may end up starting a lifelong business relationship if you give the customer want he or she wants.
Keep your cool.
It may go without saying, but you’d be surprised by how many business professionals make the mistake of drinking too much during a meeting with a client. And it’s pretty obvious that things can go south quickly when you drink too much.
Much like Mad Men, people still have their business lunches today. And, again, a lot of professionals indulge in a cocktail or two during this lunch. Some people feel like this is a sure way to get the client comfortable and make them feel at ease. After all, who doesn’t bond after a cocktail or two with a fellow professional?
If you decide to order a drink, take it slow. It’s easy to have too much too fast and before you know it, you’re telling your client all kinds of things you shouldn’t be.
Keep your eyes open.
Consider what a successful businessman Don Draper is. Not only is he a wealthy successful professional – he’s also a smooth-talker who knows how to get what he wants.
But he wasn’t always this way, was he? If he hadn’t transformed from Dick Whitman to Don Draper, he would have never become such a successful presence. And he would certainly have never gotten all the way to the top.
This doesn’t mean you should change your identity and start over. This just shows you should always be willing to better yourself and your career. No chance or opportunity should ever be passed up, no matter how small it may seem. Even if something seems a little crazy, go for it.
You should take any and every chance that comes your way. Not everyone has the option to move up on the ladder – you should grab it while you can.
Utilize advertising. Always.
Now, of course, Mad Men is all about advertising. Why do you think that is?
Because it recognizes that no business would be successful, no matter what the era, without the right kind of advertising. After all, the quality or unique aspect of your product won’t matter if you don’t tell people about it. No one is going to throw money at something they know nothing about.
Draper has shown us that he has a strong grip on the meaning of advertising. Advertising doesn’t mean you are trying to prove something or talk the audience into thinking they need your product. Instead, your goal should be that your product provides them with upmost happiness.
Isn’t that what most people want in life? To be happy? And if your product can give that to them, its sold. No matter what kind of product you’re selling, this can be applied. If your product makes their lives easier, you’ve got yourself a deal.
Studies have shown that billboards and ads on TV can have a serious effect on an audience’s psychology when it’s put together correctly. Make sure you know whom your target audience is and what you need to do to ensure they get the message loud and clear.
Bottom line: You need to put your customer’s happiness at the front of the line, including when it comes to advertising. If you don’t, you’re wasting your time.
Keep an open mind.
Everyone knows change can be a scary thing, especially when it involves taking a chance with your business. But of course, change will happen regardless. And if you try to fight for a permanent situation, you aren’t going to win.
While sometimes change may seem like a good thing, there are other times when it just appears damaging. But the important thing you have to remember is this: It’s going to happen either way. It is what it is.
Owning a business is tough enough. It’ll be an even harder experience if you don’t learn to go with the flow. No matter what kind of change you’re facing, human beings excel in adapting to changing situations.
Try to keep this in the back of your mind for the next time you’re dealing with a seemingly daunting situation. And sometimes, change is a good thing. We’ll say it again: Sometimes, change is a good thing.
Make the change yourself.
On the flipside of the change coin, there are also the times when you need to initiate that change yourself. When, you ask?
When things aren’t working.
Selling a specific product or even a service isn’t exactly easy. It can be nerve-racking to be on such unsteady ground. In fact, for many business owners, it has taken years and years of trial and error in order for them to figure out that something isn’t working.
Some people see this as a waste of time. Others (the most successful ones) believe that this is a chance to learn.
The whole process of trial and error serves as a time to take note of what works and what doesn’t. And just like that, you’re moving right toward success.
When it feels like you’re getting slammed hit after hit, that’s a sure sign it’s time to make a change. So give your technique, methods, processes or whatever needs to be changed a makeover.
Even the smallest step in a different direction can make a huge impact on your end result. One you see it for yourself, you’ll continue making changes in the future.
Use your resources.
Remember season one of Mad Men? Draper used an entire carousel slideshow in order to market for Kodak. But think back – he wasn’t selling the camera. He was trying to get into the hearts and souls of the target audience by giving them a large dose of nostalgia.
Having a feeling of remembrance is a huge pressure point for a lot of people. Why? No one really knows. Maybe it’s because they’re taking a trip down memory lane to how things used to be – and how they will likely never be again.
If you think about it, you see it a lot in advertising today. And when it’s used properly, it can be just the resource you need to close a deal.
Get face time.
With ever-changing technology, the window of face-to-face communication is slowly but surely closing. It’s easy to pick up a phone and call or text someone. While this can be a huge plus for your business, it does have some negative attributes.
For one, virtual communication is so the standard and many professionals make the mistake of not bothering to schedule in face-to-face meetings anymore.
Let’s face it (literally) – there’s nothing quite like a face-to-face meeting. You can explain things more clearly, get a better idea on how the other person is feeling and that person is more likely to agree with what you’re saying when it’s face-to-face. Mad Men is a perfect example of that.
And the most important thing Mad Men has taught us – we’re all in charge of our own happiness and successes in life, including at work. After all, what would Don Draper do if he were unhappy at work? He’d leave and find a new job. What if he were unhappy in a relationship? He’d either jump ship or fix the problem. Make sure you’re giving yourself the foundation you need in order to succeed.
I hope you enjoyed this article on one of the greatest shows on TV. If you think someone else would benefit from this article then why not share this article with them?
If you would like more information on marketing your business then I suggest you check out this book.
