My smokin’ hot wife, Kay, and I love watching the Olympics. The competition, the athletes and their stories, keep us glued to the TV every evening.
I found it particularly interesting that 178 athletes at this Winter Olympics are competing for countries they were not born in. In a curious getting-around the-rules manner, many of these athletes have figured out how to achieve a life-long dream of getting in the Olympics when they might not have otherwise trying through their native country.
It’s all completely legit in the Olympic rules, which made me wonder what we, as business people, can learn?
Watch this week’s Uncopyable Business video and get my take on using rules to your advantage.
It’s your smokin’ hot wife here…great observation! These athletes found a way to work AROUND the rules, while still following them. I’m sure there are complaints by some that it’s unfair. But at the end of the day, these athletes are legitimate Olympians and have the chance to compete (and win). It’s an opportunity available to ALL who want to jump through the necessary hoops.
Your tie-in is right on. Businesses can see rules as roadblocks. Or, they can find a way to get creative and open up new opportunities, like your Disney example. An organization that does that has a clear advantage.
Great post!
Hi Steve! Your videos are terrific! Really enjoy your latest “Breaking Rules” video, and, in particular, your discussion about Disneyland and Space Mountain.
Keep up the good work, my friend!
Thanks, Dick! Great to hear from you again!
Hi Steve,
Nice discussion of market segmentation. The Olympic athletes competed in a different “team segment” than their home team participation segment. Disney, as you noted, did not compete in the straight-up roller coaster market segment. He put a roller coaster in the “entertainment” market segment. As you stated, roller coaster expectations in the entertainment market segment are significantly different than in the straight-up roller coaster segment. The on-going lesson for us is that products and skill sets are transferable to different market segments than just their historical market placements. We need to re-look at potential new market segments and product configurations that will enable us to grow products and businesses that might not otherwise flourish in crowded or declining industries or market segments.