One word describes why Walt Disney was so successful: Pioneer
It doesn't matter what you read, hear or view about Walt Disney and his life, one word always underscored who he was and what he did, and that was "pioneer."
It didn't matter what field he entered, it wasn't long before he had created an entire new industry out of nothing but his vivid imagination. He was always at the front of the curve in whatever endeavor he chose to involve himself in.
That's important to understand (especially in our day and age), as it becomes increasingly difficult to differentiate, as the knockoff artists and unimaginative are able to quickly learn what a entrepreneur and creative person is doing, and copy it fast.
While that's nothing new, the pace at which they are able to do it - because of existing technology, is new. That leaves very little time for a company to grab a lead and hold it. At least it appears that way.
To me, like with Walt Disney, what's becoming increasingly important is style, narrative, content, customer service, among a number of things like that. These types of things are extremely difficult to copy, and in most cases can't be. Look at how many special effects TV shows or movies have been made, and the very few that become vastly popular.
It's the story, not the effects (or technology) that makes a difference.
In our businesses we must continually learn what is the most difficult to copy or replace that we have and do, and push that more than anything else as our point of differentiation.
Walt Disney knew what it was, and nobody came close to competing with him while he was alive. It was only afterwards that legitmate competitors arose, as the standards of Disney were set aside as irrelevant, and the content coming out of the former powerhouse faded.
That's one reason why Disney (DIS) had to end up acquiring Pixar, as they had completely bypassed them in quality and storytelling; something that could never have been done with Walt Disney at the helm.
Walt Disney was able to do this because he was such a pioneer and experimenter. His curiosity was insatiable, and his ability and willingness to continue trying something new left his comtemporaries in the dust.
For us, answer the question of what we have that isn't technology, that someone else would have tremendous difficulty copying, and you have the key to what will bring you long-term success.
Other Walt Disney Sources:
"Walt Disney and the Quest for Community"
The Golden Age of Mickey Mouse
Chronology of the Walt Disney Company
Walt Disney's original plans for EPCOT
Builders and Titans: Walt Disney
Disney the Innovator vs Disney the Conservative
A belated thank you to pioneer Walt Disney
Remember to Sign up for my feed
Sponsored link: The outsourcing every manager requires - Tampa Locksmith
Comment Preview