Cookie Monster first appeared on Sesame Street in 1971, and there are very few characters that have been popular for this length of time - puppet or otherwise. To have lasted this long, we can conclude that he has done some things right and as any child will tell you he always gets the cookies - so let's take a look at some of the lessons we could use and apply to business, from this very likable childhood icon........
1) Mission
Cookie Monster has one vision or mission - and everyone know what that is. He wants cookies (not cake, walnuts or apples), cookies - and no one around him is in any doubt. What is your mission for your business and does everyone know it? - your staff, customers, suppliers........ Apple's mission was to make the their Mackintosh computers/iPhones/iPads easier to use than anyone else and the world knew it - so what is yours?
2) Focus
Very few people have anything like the focus that Cookie Monster has. Virtually nothing can distract him from his goal of that next cookie. What is your main GOAL? and how can you make sure that you do not get distracted from it?
3) Enthusiasm
One of the reasons why Cookie Monster is so likable is is absolute enthusiasm. Just watching him you can't help but have a smile on your face and catch a little of his enthusiasm yourself. People like to feel good and believe in something. The more enthusiastic you are, the better customers, associates and staff you will attract to you and your business.
4) Action
GOALS are great but without action they are of little value. Cookie Monster imagines how good the cookies will taste - and then he takes whatever action he needs towards finding them. He will look anywhere and everywhere until he has his cookie.
5) Standards
Cookie Monster loves cookies, but he still has standards. He doesn't hurt people on his cookie missions. As you persue your business GOALS make sure that you not only make a better business for your customers, staff and yourself, but that you also ensure the world is a better place because you and your business are there.
6) Enjoy the Journey
Remember that although the GOAL is the end destination, it's really about what you learn and become on the way. Cookie Monster takes enjoyment and pleasure every step of the way, imagining the cookie, enjoying his friends on the way, finding the cookie, eating the cookie, remembering eating the cookie. So make sure you celebrate and enjoy every step along the way. Business is not always easy so celebrate every win you can.
7) Timing
Timing can make the difference between success or failure. Cookie Monster although he is not always the smartest, has a habit of being in the right place at the right time. In business make sure that you are in the right place. If you are an accountant wanting business clients, you are unlikely to find many by advertising at the local rugby match. Better to advertise at a local business event instead.
8) Recognizable
Cookie Monster is recognizable wherever he goes. He is a big blue monster, and with slogans like "Me eat cookie!" every kid knows and understands him. Make sure that your business has a strong logo and colours, and that your story is clear - to make you recognizable to your market.
9) Keep Learning
Even Cookie Monster is still learning. As we can see by his latest YouTube hit "Me Want It (But Me Wait)", he is now learning self control, delaying a few seconds to enjoy the cookie even more. Every business is a reflection of the owner, so you need to keep growing to get the best from your business. So keep learning and becoming better both for your sake and your business.
Action Point: Take a minute and write down one thing from the lessons above, that you know you need to do to improve you and your business. Then decide on the next step - it might be getting a book on the subject, asking another business owner how they solved the problem, or getting hold of a mentor to help you work it out.
1) Mission
Cookie Monster has one vision or mission - and everyone know what that is. He wants cookies (not cake, walnuts or apples), cookies - and no one around him is in any doubt. What is your mission for your business and does everyone know it? - your staff, customers, suppliers........ Apple's mission was to make the their Mackintosh computers/iPhones/iPads easier to use than anyone else and the world knew it - so what is yours?
2) Focus
Very few people have anything like the focus that Cookie Monster has. Virtually nothing can distract him from his goal of that next cookie. What is your main GOAL? and how can you make sure that you do not get distracted from it?
3) Enthusiasm
One of the reasons why Cookie Monster is so likable is is absolute enthusiasm. Just watching him you can't help but have a smile on your face and catch a little of his enthusiasm yourself. People like to feel good and believe in something. The more enthusiastic you are, the better customers, associates and staff you will attract to you and your business.
4) Action
GOALS are great but without action they are of little value. Cookie Monster imagines how good the cookies will taste - and then he takes whatever action he needs towards finding them. He will look anywhere and everywhere until he has his cookie.
5) Standards
Cookie Monster loves cookies, but he still has standards. He doesn't hurt people on his cookie missions. As you persue your business GOALS make sure that you not only make a better business for your customers, staff and yourself, but that you also ensure the world is a better place because you and your business are there.
6) Enjoy the Journey
Remember that although the GOAL is the end destination, it's really about what you learn and become on the way. Cookie Monster takes enjoyment and pleasure every step of the way, imagining the cookie, enjoying his friends on the way, finding the cookie, eating the cookie, remembering eating the cookie. So make sure you celebrate and enjoy every step along the way. Business is not always easy so celebrate every win you can.
7) Timing
Timing can make the difference between success or failure. Cookie Monster although he is not always the smartest, has a habit of being in the right place at the right time. In business make sure that you are in the right place. If you are an accountant wanting business clients, you are unlikely to find many by advertising at the local rugby match. Better to advertise at a local business event instead.
8) Recognizable
Cookie Monster is recognizable wherever he goes. He is a big blue monster, and with slogans like "Me eat cookie!" every kid knows and understands him. Make sure that your business has a strong logo and colours, and that your story is clear - to make you recognizable to your market.
9) Keep Learning
Even Cookie Monster is still learning. As we can see by his latest YouTube hit "Me Want It (But Me Wait)", he is now learning self control, delaying a few seconds to enjoy the cookie even more. Every business is a reflection of the owner, so you need to keep growing to get the best from your business. So keep learning and becoming better both for your sake and your business.
Action Point: Take a minute and write down one thing from the lessons above, that you know you need to do to improve you and your business. Then decide on the next step - it might be getting a book on the subject, asking another business owner how they solved the problem, or getting hold of a mentor to help you work it out.
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