I went to the movies last night.  Yes I know – shocker 😉  I saw Michael Jackson’s This Is It and all I can say is “Wow, wow, WOW!”  I feel his loss all the more now that I realize the extent of his talent.

As I sat in the theater, mesmerized by this incredible talent,  was struck by a few observations that apply to any business:

1. Know Your Business Inside & Out: MJ knew every note of his music and could hear and direct every part.  There’s a scene where he’s singing the bass line to the Bass Player, telling him exactly what he wanted to hear.

He had a hand in the selection of dancers.  And directed lighting cues and the selection of video images and more.  He knew every aspect of his business.  Even if he didn’t handle everything himself, he knew every aspect of his business.

2. Have A Clear Vision: MJ had a clear vision of what he wanted to hear and see.  He had a deep understanding of every movement that his body made and how it accented the music.  He had an even greater understanding of stillness or silence in a performance.

There’s a scene in the movie where a sizzle happens on a marquis and then opened up onto a City Scape  The director called cut because the musicians missed their cue.  MJ corrected him and said they were waiting for his cue.  The director expressed concern that they needed to start at a specific point in the video that was being projected onto the screen behind Michael.  “How will you know?” and Michael replied “I’ll just feel it”  He knew how the scene needed to unfold – he had a clear vision of what he wanted to project – the effect that he wanted the scene to have and he would find a way to work around the limitation of not being able to see the scene behind him.

MJ knew exactly how he wanted each piece of the performance to unfold and stuck to that vision.

3. Keep Your Target Market In Mind Always: MJ always thought of his audience.  Always.  Another scene in the movie illustrated this point beautifully.  He was speaking to the Keyboard Player and directing him on the sound he wanted to hear.  The keyboard player was throwing in a few embellishments and Michael tells him “I want them to hear what they hear on the record”  And in the heartfelt speech he gave to his musicians and dancers at the end of the movie, he spoke about giving his fans an experience they’ve never had.  His entire focus was on what the audience would see, hear and experience.

Do you know your business, inside and out?  Are you capable of managing and directing all aspects of your business, even if you’re not actively involved in all aspects.  Do you have a vision of where your business is heading?  And are you always keeping the needs of the people you serve in mind?  Share your thoughts below.