2. Walt Disney is one of the greatest people of the 20th Century. His influence on entertainment
endures to this day. Walt had many innovations, but one stands out above all the rest – his
amusement parks. Disney amusement parks are the highest rated parks in the world. In fact,
they rank in the first 8 of the top 10, in terms of attendance. Why is this?
The reason is due to Walt’s timeless principles that are woven throughout the business.
Here are 11 business wisdom nuggets from Walt Disney.
3. Walt Disney had an amazing eye for details. He constantly worked with his product until it
was top notch and criticism was absent. The Disney Parks are filled with incredible detail.
The details matter for your business. You must constantly look at every area and make
adjustments until it is right. People notice the details, even the ones that you might think
are insignificant.
“No detail is too insignificant.”
Wisdom Nugget #1: The Details Matter
4. Just because your idea or plan is rejected doesn’t mean that is the end. Setbacks are
merely a time to rethink and refocus on your business and values. Find what matters
and continue to push forward.
“Mickey Mouse popped out of my mind onto a drawing pad 20 years ago on a train ride
from Manhattan to Hollywood at a time when business fortunes of my brother Roy and
myself were at lowest ebb and disaster seemed right around the corner.”
Learn more about this incredible event at The worst trip of Walt’s Life.
Wisdom Nugget #2: Never give up!
5. Just because you suffer a setback doesn’t mean that is the end. Setbacks are merely a
time to rethink and refocus on your business and values. Find what matters and
continue to push forward.
“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may
be the best thing in the world for you.”
Wisdom Nugget #3: Setbacks can be good!
6. Work can be extremely rewarding and it is easy to give it top priority. Don’t! Family must
always come first. It’s possible to have a healthy balance of both, but you have to choose
it. In fact, staying in close contact with your family members is a great way to put into
practice the action of caring for others and those who need you. These values will also
show up in your business activities and customers will notice.
“A man should never neglect his family for business.”
Wisdom Nugget #4: Stay Balanced!
7. Optimism is a must to grow your business. However, it must always be tempered with
a constant assessment of reality. Accept your situation or the facts for what they are,
and assess how they affect your current scenario. Then use that information to create
a future that matches your dreams and vision.
“I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic
enough to know that life is a complex matter.”
Wisdom Nugget #5: Be realistic!
8. Confidence is critical to achieving your goals. You must have deep conviction that you can
do it. Confidence must become a part of your soul and emanate from you in some way.
You employees must see a confident leader. They will work more diligently when they do.
“When you believe a thing, believe it all the way, implicitly
and unquestionably.”
Wisdom Nugget #6: Confidence is Key!
9. Competition is a part of every business. Competition forces you to step up your game and be
constantly on your toes. However, it can do even more. Proper assessment of the competition can
expose a niche for you and your business to grow within. Identify that niche and go after with intense
ferocity. Eventually, you will be the one your competition is fearing.
“I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn't
know how to get along without it.”
Wisdom Nugget #7: Embrace Competition!
10. Of the top 10 theme parks in the world by attendance, the Walt Disney theme parks have
the top 8 spots! How did they attain this? Walt Disney never settled for 2nd best.
You must not settle for just being okay. Constantly work to make your product or service
the absolute best it can be. Set your goal on being #1 and never stop working towards it.
“I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment.
I am never satisfied with my work.”
Wisdom Nugget #8: Strive for Excellence!
11. If you really take time to see what is most valuable in your business, you will quickly
realize that nothing happens with out people. Your employees are the most important
asset you have. You need to constantly invest in them to make them better. In the
end, they will be very loyal to you for helping them grow.
“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the
world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”
Wisdom Nugget #9: Recognize the Importance of People
12. Even though you may have achieved some level of success, competition is not far
away. They are ready to storm your castle. Keep working on making your business
better. Never stop improving. Periodically analyze every aspect of your business to
see how you can provide more value for your customers.
“Whenever I go on a ride (at Disneyland), I’m always thinking of
what’s wrong with the thing and how it can be improved. That is
how I generate some of my best ideas.”
See Disneyland Opening Day Disaster
Wisdom Nugget #10: Keep Improving
13. Walt Disney was always experimenting with new animation technology. He was always
interested in how to make his product better. As a business owner, you need to
constantly be exploring the next big thing. You cannot be complacent. Keep your eye
open for new ideas, procedures and trends that can give your business an edge.
“We keep moving forward opening new doors and doing new things, because
we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
Wisdom Nugget #11: Be Curious
14. I hope you enjoyed the Slide Show
Scott Postma
scott@mamenga.com
www.mamenga.com
SEO and Encouragement for Small Businesses
Thank you
