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Entrepreneurial Lessons from Willy Wonka
What can you learn about business from a children’s movie? Youcan learn some great entrepreneurial lessons from the recentfilm “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” starring Johnny Depp. WARNING -Spoiler Alert- If you have not seen the movie (or theolder version) yet, this article may give away a few elements ofthe story that could reduce your enjoyment of the film. You canalways come back and read it after you have seen the picture. Marketing “Find 1 of 5 Golden Tickets in a Willy Wonka product and be oneof the first people in a long time to visit the magicalchocolate factory. Also, one kid will win a special prize thatwill exceed your wildest imagination.” This is an excellent promotion. It sparks interest in WillyWonka products, builds brand awareness, and most importantly; itsignificantly increases sales. The media picks up on thepromotion and generates a tremendous amount of free publicity.Word of mouth referrals help spread the promotion to areas thatwere untouched by newspapers and television. Positive Thinking There are many “naysayers” who discourage the main character,Charlie, from getting his hopes up about finding one of thelucky Golden tickets. Negative thinking can be devastating,especially to a child. However, Charlie does not take heed ofthe negativity. Supported by his Grandmother’s constantreassurance, Charlie keeps a positive outlook and believes thathe has as good a chance as any other kid to find one of the fivetickets. Don’t Quit Charlie refuses to give up on his dream of finding a ticket.After he doesn’t find one on his first, and probably only,attempt – he doesn’t quit. Charlie believes that he will get oneof those tickets. Providence provides two more opportunities andamazingly, Charlie finds the last ticket! This is especiallysignificant because it had been falsely reported that all of thetickets had been found. A Good Support Network Charlie has an excellent support network. Although very poor infinancial terms, Charlie is very rich in family. He lives in aloving environment and appreciates every member of hishousehold. He selflessly offers to sell his ticket to providesome much needed cash for his family, instead of taking thespecial chocolate factory tour. His family will have nothing ofit and encourages him to pursue this once in a lifetimeopportunity. When Willy Wonka offers to make Charlie his heir, Charlierefuses because accepting the offer would mean that he probablywould never see his family again. Willy Wonka later makes theoffer again, but allows Charlie to bring his family this time.Charlie’s family then extends its hospitality to Mr. Wonka andhe ends up gaining the positive and supporting network that hehad needed as well. Four Good Lessons If you are an entrepreneur or are thinking about becoming anentrepreneur, remember these lessons from “Charlie and theChocolate Factory”. It takes good marketing, positive thinking,and a good support network to get started. Most importantly,don’t quit – your success may be only one candy bar away.
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