The Brady Bunch Model for Small Business Success

In order for your small business to succeed you need to be a good leader for your company and you need to learn how to make decisions that will benefit your company instead of impede its success. There are many models for small business development and leadership that you can follow. However, the best role models to turn to may have nothing to do with business. Take for example the success of the Brady Bunch. This sitcom has remained successful for several generations because of the formula that it used to appeal to the public and to address issues that the public were interested in.

Value Appeals

One way to learn from the Brady Bunch model is to examine how values were used to attract an audience. Since small business rely on the relationships that they can develop with local consumers this is an approach that can be beneficial. The values that consumers appreciate are quality, honesty and reliability. Focus on these three values and your customers will help keep your company afloat even during the rough times.

Teamwork

Another aspect of the Brady Bunch formula was teamwork. In order for the blended family to solve their problems they had to work together as a team. This is something that is also going to be true for small businesses. If your staff is not working together as a team then you are losing productivity and you are limited the innovation potential of your company. Investing in team building activities and training is important for small businesses, particularly when the economy is experiencing changes.

Don't Rule Out Crazy Ideas

What made the Brady Bunch fun was that they always seemed to find crazy ways to solve problems. The crazy idea philosophy can be very useful for small businesses that are trying to survive in a difficult economy, or in an economy that is evolving. Crazy ideas help small businesses to identify unique solutions to their problems that their competition most likely has not thought of. However, if you select to use a crazy idea, make sure your plan is backed up with solid planning and decision making strategies.

Compassion

While compassion may not be naturally associated with doing business, it is a characteristic that was demonstrated on the Brady Bunch that is critical for the survival of small business. Small business owners need to show compassion for their employees and for their customers. By supporting these two groups of people they are encouraging loyalty and reciprocity of compassion towards the company. This will enhance the company's ability to survive and their ability to thrive.

References

http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/makedecisions/SERV_DECFAQS.html