I liked the movie “The Social Network”. To me, the film had some amazing lessons to teach. Whether the film was accurate or a dramatization really doesn’t matter to me. And it is irrelevant whether you like or dislike Facebook, and whether the creator Mark Zuckerberg appeals. Business owners and entrepreneurs should see this film.
The film tells the story, right from the opening scene, of how Mark got the inspiration to create a social network for his university, and his interactions with his friends and fellow students during the process. There are no dramatic twists, and no surprises in this interpretation of previous events, but there are some great business lessons which can be learned, if you are paying attention.
1. Entrepreneurship
This movie was all about entrepreneurship. If you have a force and a reason driving you, great things can be achieved in your life. It’s like a fire inside you, and all entrepreneurs know what I am talking about. It cannot be bought or learned. You are either born an entrepreneur, or you are not.
2. Creativity
It is so important to always be pushing the boundaries of our existence. This is why it is so crucial to “dream” and “believe” that all things can be possible. As we develop our habits and systems in our daily working lives, and as we fill our days with busy, busy, busy, it can be difficult to really tap into our imagination and “what ifs”. Creativity is the fuel that drives innovation and what the businesses of the future will be.
3. The Outcome
Whether you know what is it, or what it isn’t, the outcome or final product in your mind should be your guide. You must know what is “true” for the business and for the brand, and never waiver in potential moments of weakness. Following your heart is the true way to success.
4. Management
I really enjoyed watching the initial hiring process, and the example of how Mark selected interns/ staff for Facebook. The test he created at the campus not only determined their technical expertise, but more importantly, their spirit and attitude. The people who subscribed to the vision of Facebook were the key to driving it forward. Eduardo never really understood the vision, and his actions displayed this in the film. When it comes to working with people, or hiring people, “why they do it” is just as important as “what they can do” and “how they can do it”.
5. The Law
From a legal point-of-view there was a lot to be learned in “The Social Network”, since the film was based on the law suits Mark Zuckerberg faced. When in business, we sign so many documents, that we sometimes forget the importance and value of our signature. Do not be pestered to “hurry up and sign” anything. And do not believe everyone has your best interest at heart. Always read and understand everything before parting with your signature.
Your thoughts…
What did you learn from the film? Feel free to share your thoughts.
RT @abnormalmarket: 5 Business Lessons from The Social Network http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #facebook #blogboost
RT @abnormalmarket: 5 Business Lessons from The Social Network http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #facebook #blogboost
RT @abnormalmarket: 5 Business Lessons from The Social Network http://www.abnormalmarketing.com/2010/10… #facebook #blogboost
Nice post.
I saw the film last night and was going to write a post similar to this, no need now! Good job!
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Twitter: abnormalmarket
October 22, 2010 at 4:25 pm | Permalink
@David Shaw, Hi David, Wow, that was good timing – so I guess you know what I mean?
I’m glad to hear you got as much from the film as I did. I could definitely watch it again. It was all talk, talk, talk, and I’m sure I missed some. 
Thanks for the kind compliment.
Twitter: jaydipparikh
December 5, 2010 at 5:21 pm | Permalink
@David Shaw, Even I was planning to write about it but yet not wrote. Not sure will write it or not. If I will write then also It will more on Blogging aspects.
Jaydip Parikh´s last [type] ..3G is Coming How it will change Bloggers Life
Fiona, you basically touched the truly important issues raised throughout the movie. It was incredible how could we, entrepreneurs, can relate to all the problems they had developing their product. That simple action of noticing where can systems or practically anything can be upgraded to be much better is what really drives entrepreneurs.
Twitter: abnormalmarket
October 23, 2010 at 3:33 pm | Permalink
@Pablo, Hi Pablo, Thank you for your kind feedback.
I wasn’t sure if I missed something… maybe –
Marketing – if you create and give people something they really want, you’ll become a billionnaire…
But it definitely makes you think when it comes to marketing, and how a product can grow virally…
Strategy – timing is everything, and having the right strategy can really help you achieve what you want to achieve – like 1 big marlin, versus a few trout.
Thanks for your comment Pablo – here’s to entrepreneurs everywhere!
I think that many entrepreneurs start with an inspiration. The only difference is that they took the risk in making an idea come to life. Not everyone can succeed in doing so and when they do, they can get into a whole lot of trouble simply because they didn’t expect to be an overnight success. You may be in a hurry to get everything out there but taking it one step at a time can save you all the legal matters. I wonder what the movie did to Mark’s ego though.. anyway, thanks for reminding aspiring entrepreneurs out there to take caution.
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Twitter: abnormalmarket
November 7, 2010 at 3:28 pm | Permalink
@Shaleen, Hi Shaleen, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on entrepreneurs. You are spot on in your definition of their character.
Even though the film showed Mark as winning in the end, and being a success, in a way I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for him. It’s so true that money isn’t everything, it’s only a tool to getting what you want.
And in the film it cleared showed that money, and even success, doesn’t always get you what you want. Still…. top film
Twitter: rdx_karan
November 13, 2010 at 6:08 pm | Permalink
Nice observation Fiona.
Thanks for sharing it!
Blogging Tips´s last [type] ..SEO- Beware you might be keyword stuffing your blog
Twitter: abnormalmarket
November 14, 2010 at 6:34 am | Permalink
@Blogging Tips, Thanks Karan. Did you see the film? Did you like it?
Twitter: rdx_karan
November 15, 2010 at 11:32 am | Permalink
@Fiona Bosticky,
Well, I didn’t see the film but saw the mention in your post.
lolz
Blogging Tips´s last [type] ..SEO- Beware you might be keyword stuffing your blog
Twitter: rdx_karan
November 15, 2010 at 11:33 am | Permalink
@Fiona Bosticky,
I wish to see it, but exams are going on and studin hard..
Phew!
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Thanks Fiona I also liked the movie very much. the things I learned was never to underestimate anybody and beware of everybody cause your best friend may turn out to be your worst of enemies cause anything is possible in business after all its business.
I especially liked the following part of your article
“When in business, we sign so many documents, that we sometimes forget the importance and value of our signature. Do not be pestered to “hurry up and sign” anything. And do not believe everyone has your best interest at heart. Always read and understand everything before parting with your signature.”
Twitter: abnormalmarket
March 14, 2011 at 8:08 pm | Permalink
@Suraj Sharma, Hi Suraj,
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback. Yes, “business” is a funny game…
Entrepreneurship and creativity in buisness is enough to make a man Successful
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