7 business Lessons from The Boss. Springsteen turns 65...

Today the Boss, Mr. Bruce Springsteen himself, turns 65.

As we say in Britain he is about to get his free bus pass and can take up retirement. There are many reasons why he won’t be retiring just yet. For us it is interesting to see what we can learn from Bruce in developing our own business.

1. The team is really, really important

The E Street Band is a massive machine of talented musicians who play their heart out every night. Well organized and flexible they play rock, soul, country, folk and punk music. Anything that might be needed. Everybody gets to shine and everybody has a place. He gives them freedom, influence and let's them shine.

2. Build a customer base

When was the last time Springsteen had a top 10 hit? Exactly. He has not produced hits for a long time. He has however, consistently played for sold out stadiums and arenas. His fan base is consistent and loyal. They are loyal because he makes sure he delivers every time he goes out to play. Value for money, always-high quality and always making sure people go home happy.

3. Branding

He has mastered the art of building his brand. As he admits himself, when he started singing happy songs people stopped coming to his concerts. He has consciously focused on telling his stories about the “broken American dream”. He has crafted his reputation around marathon concerts and hard work. If you say Bruce Springsteen, most people instantly have an image in their head of what he stands for and what he does (our current operations manager excluded). Consistent, clear messaging and carving out a niche where you are really good is essential.

4. You need a good finance person

When Springsteen met John Landau, his long time manager, he found his CFO. One of the canniest operators in business, Landau has created a long lasting career and one of the wealthiest music stars in the world. Every company needs a strong Finance Director or CFO. It’s a huge skill and utterly essential to future success.

5. Story telling

In the early 90s Springsteen fired his long companions the E Street Band and went on a tour with anonymous session musicians. He played for half empty arenas and stadiums. As Springsteen recently quoted his guitar player during the Hall of Fame induction of the E Street Band “Bruce Springsteen AND the E Street Band. THAT is the legend”. The team is part of the story of your company and your customers know it. You and your team do not work for the company, you are the company. What is your shared mission and history?

6. Empty the tank

As John Stewart put it when introducing Springsteen at an award ceremony; He empties the tank. He empties it for his family, for his art and for his fans. Always give it your absolute best. Your customers, suppliers, team and family deserve nothing less. We all make mistakes, we all get things wrong. The question is: did we empty the tank trying?

7. The Boss is not the boss

His band does not refer to him as “the Boss”. They call him “Our Fearless Leader”. A great title to have earned.

(Picture by yours truly. Taken in The Woodlands in May 2014)