#marketing lessons from mando and baby yoda

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Marketing and Mandalorians: Lessons From the New “Star Wars” Series

Marketing lessons from Mando and Baby Yoda that you can apply to your small business marketing plan today.

Image: © Disney

By Jessica Larson, SolopreneurJournal.com

The new hit series from Disney+ is taking the nation by storm with its action-packed sequences, “Star Wars” storyline, and of course, the adorable Baby Yoda. While the 30-minute segments are certainly entertaining, “The Mandalorian” also offers plenty to learn. Looking beyond the science fiction story, viewers can glean valuable marketing lessons and tips from the hit series.

Be Part of Something Big

While “Mando” works on individual missions and pursues specific bounties, he ends up becoming part of a greater plan. What is the role of The Child (aka Baby Yoda), and what part will Mando play in the fate of the galaxy? That has yet to be revealed, but he’s undoubtedly dedicated to taking part in something big. Your product or service can be, too. If your company has an overarching goal or vision, don’t be afraid to share it. Be passionate about your mission and proudly promote it to your customer base. You’ll never know what might connect you to something big.

Protect What’s Important

If only we all had an adorable Baby Yoda to protect and call our own! Unfortunately, many of us have to settle for a business or product we care about just as strongly. In marketing, your word and integrity mean everything. Be sure to protect your morals, ideals, and beliefs like your life depends on it. If you don’t protect what is sacred in your business, you’ll be left with nothing in the end. Once you shatter a reputation, it can be almost impossible to rebuild.

Eliminate the Clutter

With everything going on in the galaxy, it’s pretty easy for Mando to get distracted. Yet, by following his rock-solid code of ethics, he’s able to stay focused on what is important. The same can be said for your own business. Don’t get distracted and weighed down by clutter surrounding you, whether it’s metaphorical or physical. If debris is scattered across your storefront or workspace, it might be time to clear out the old to make room for the new. Hire a dumpster for your office to get rid of useless flotsam that is weighing you, and your company, down.

Focus on Substance, Not Appearance

Consider the appearance of the Mandalorians. The members of this elusive tribe all look nearly identical, but they’re able to accomplish some pretty remarkable feats. On the flipside, if your product or service can’t meet expectations, it really doesn’t matter what it looks like. Don’t worry so much about appearances; focus instead on the substance within. A solid product or service speaks for itself.

Never Stop Evolving

Our Mandalorian friend had a good thing going. He took assignments, completed them, got paid, then set off to find another bounty. But when he encountered Baby Yoda, his whole life changed — and really, who could blame him? In an instant, he changed his entire life to focus on a greater cause. Don’t be afraid to do the same with your marketing plan. Because of the ever-changing nature of business, marketing a successful brand is about staying agile and adaptive. Be ready to evolve at a moment’s notice to deal with fluctuating market trends and conditions.

Find Help Wherever You Can

Even when all hope is lost for Mando, he seems able to find help from the most unlikely sources. The simple fact that a fearsome bounty hunter and a small, wrinkly, green child can work together speaks volumes. You never know where that help might come from, so it’s important to not rule out the possibility of finding it in unexpected places. In marketing, you’re not going to be the expert on everything, so it’s more than all right to ask for help. Sometimes, it’s necessary. Don’t burn your bridges, and keep your social channels open.

Remember: Character Matters

The Mandalorians follow a strict code of ethics to help dictate their day-to-day lives. While your own code doesn’t have to be nearly as rigid, it’s still important to respect yourself and take care of your own affairs. Your word and reputation mean everything in marketing and in personal life, too. Watching and building your credit score is a great way to help build your reputation. Not only is your credit score a reflection of your character, but it also can help save you time and money, and prevent unnecessary distractions in the future.

Don’t Rely Solely on Technology

Although Mando has a pretty cool arsenal of weapons and gear, he’s wary of droids and doesn’t trust their programmed technology. You can apply these same principles to your own business. Use technology when you can to assist you, but don’t forget how to perform tasks the old-fashioned way. Be ready to roll up your sleeves when necessary and dive into your business, unassisted by modern-day help. Not only will you be able to keep your business running if technology stops working, but you’ll understand the process better if you know the mechanisms and methodologies behind the tech.

Promote Your Brand

One thing “Star Wars” certainly gets right is its ability to self-promote. Everything from the recognizable title font to the trademark scrolling opening sequences to the adorable and absurd Baby Yoda ears: It’s always distinctive. Treat your company and business the same way by creating a brand all your own. You want people to be able to recognize your product or service instantly, so use your own branding on products whenever possible. Everything from promotional items to marketing materials should include your company’s brand and image.

As entertaining as “The Mandalorian” is, there are also valuable lessons any marketing professional can take away from the show. Emulating Mando and his ideals can lead to success in marketing your product or service. By staying true to your mission, focusing on the bigger picture, and looking for help in unexpected places, you can make your own marketing efforts pay big dividends.

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The Mandalorian Model: What You Can Learn About Marketing from ‘Star Wars’

When people think of “Star Wars,” the words “conflict” and “chaos” may come to mind. Let’s face it: The residents of the planets across George Lucas’ galaxy rarely live peacefully. Our problems here on Earth are different, but we still have to contend with conflict and chaos.

Consider how public perception and current events can impact our brands or marketing initiatives. We often need to learn how to act on the fly.

Despite the differences between our world and the “Star Wars” galaxy, we can learn a number of lessons from George Lucas’ alternate universe. Take “The Mandalorian,” for example. Here are five things you can learn about marketing from the hit Disney+ TV series and its main character. (We’ll just call him “Mando.”)

1. Develop a strong, recognizable brand

Mandalorians are instantly recognizable, even in places where they’ve never been before. Their beskar armor and unique helmets make them stand out in any crowd. Peli Motto on Tatooine instantly knows who Mando is, thanks to his gear. And when they land on the remote planet of Sorgan — even though Mando mentions he’s never been there before — the krill farmers recognize him. One immediately says, “You are a Mandalorian, right? Or at least wearing Mandalorian armor. That IS Mandalorian armor, right?” The bounty hunter is totally recognizable, even to complete strangers.

Following this example can nab your company similar benefits. If you own a business or are responsible for developing a brand, make sure your logo and other identifying features are memorable. Distinguish yourself from the competition — by establishing a proprietary style of décor, customer service techniques, or other standout qualities. Consider giving away or selling custom printed items like tote bags to help make your brand become more visible. The more attention you can grab, the more familiar people will become with your brand.

2. Know when to trust your gut

Mando fulfills his side of the bargain with the Bounty Hunters’ Guild by handing off The Child (aka “Baby Yoda”) to loyalists of the former Empire. But before leaving, he instinctively asks the client what they plan to do with “it.” This question is highly irregular and just asking breaks the code of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild.

Adhering to the code, the client doesn’t answer. But later, as he heads off to claim his next bounty, Mando’s gut is clearly telling him something’s wrong. So he returns to reclaim Baby Yoda from the warlord and, upon rescue, finds The Child to be highly distressed.

If you’re in the midst of a deal, investment, promotion, purchase, or other business situation where an important decision must be made, it’s OK to rely on your gut instincts sometimes. Data is great for helping you inform yourself, but isn’t the last word in every situation — especially if something feels “wrong.” Also, not every decision you make will have a quantifiable result, so you must sometimes go on your intuition and experience.

3. Know when to take risks

This goes hand-in-hand with trusting your gut. There are just times you have to take a calculated risk even though you know the consequences might be severe. After the Empire fell, the Mandalorians had gone into hiding to survive. Yet, they emerge again to aid Mando’s escape with The Child. They do so at great risk to their safety, revealing themselves to the stormtroopers and other imperial loyalists. But they take this risk because they understand the importance of Mando’s actions.

In marketing, you don’t always know which big initiative is going to pay off. You can do your research, collect the data, and create your campaign. Many ventures will succeed, though some might not. (Remember The Gap’s new logo fail in 2010?) Even though an idea may flop, you never know which one will become the next brilliant or successful marketing campaign. The key is to know when it’s a good time to take a risk — as timing is everything — and what level of risk you can absorb, just in case.

4. Master the art of negotiation

Mando learns from new friend Kuiil that violence isn’t the solution to everything, that negotiation could be a useful alternative. He allows Kuiil to barter so he can get parts from his ship back from the scavenging Jawas who stole them. Mando later uses his new skill while working with Toro Calican to pursue the assassin Fennec Shand on Tatooine. To reach their destination, they must cross Tusken Raider territory, so Mando takes Toro’s binoculars and gives them to the raiders. In exchange, the Tuskens let the duo cross their land.

You don’t have to be in conflict with other life forms on different planets to use negotiation. You can use it in your everyday business dealings. It’s not always easy, but it can be very effective — and lucrative. Think about negotiating with your suppliers, vendors, and even your customers. Skillful negotiation can yield great results.

5. Know when teamwork can get things done

Episode 4 of “The Mandalorian” is all about teamwork. In it, Mando and The Child land on Sorgan, where Klatooinian marauders are using heavy-duty weaponized Imperial Walkers to attack a village of krill farmers. Mando and The Child team up with the villagers to fight them. The villagers want Mando to do all the work, but Mando and ally Cara Dune explain how they can’t beat the AT-STs alone. As a result, the villagers learn how to shoot, build a trap, and generally work together to fight back. The kids of Sorgan take on the care of Baby Yoda while the adults battle the Klatoonians. Everyone has a job to do. As a result of their teamwork, they defeat their enemy.

In a professional environment, relationships are vital to success. Whether it’s working toward a mutually beneficial goal or using your networking skills to build business alliances and deals, you’ll need to follow the principles of teamwork to get things done.

Knowing who you are, when and how much to risk, and when to ask for help are all imperative skills in daily life, business dealings, and intergalactic warfare. “The Mandalorian” is meant as entertainment, but a closer look at the storytelling reveals just how many marketing lessons lie beneath the surface.

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10 Small Business Marketing Tips from “Star Wars: The Mandalorian”

Original Image Source – Depositphotos.com

Disney’s popular new series, “The Mandalorian,” has captured the hearts of longtime Star Wars fans and probably attracted some new ones. Who can deny the appeal of a story in which a tough bounty hunter like Din Djarin (the titular Mandalorian) saves the life of an adorable little one like Baby Yoda?

“The Mandalorian” represents a lot more than a heartwarming adventure, though. Small businesses can find a lot of useful takeaways from Disney’s popular new series.

In addition to the cool visual effects, classic adventures, and some nostalgic nods to the original trilogy, this series contains nuggets of wisdom that can resonate throughout the galaxy — even here on Earth.

Here are 10 small business marketing tips that can be gleaned from “Star Wars: The Mandalorian.”

1) Develop a Memorable Brand, and You’ll Always Be Recognized

The Mandalorians rep a distinctive “brand.” Their signature helmets and beskar armor are recognized throughout the galaxy — humans and alien life forms instantly know when they’ve encountered a Mandalorian, even if they’ve never seen one before.

Speaking of “brand,” while Baby Yoda’s origins have not yet been shared with audiences (nor was the original Yoda’s), the species’ distinctive ears and mannerisms are recognizable at once.

As a small-business owner, this is the kind of visibility you should seek.

Be sure your company’s logo and assets are memorable — then assertively market them to gain familiarity in your markets and, ultimately, instant recognition. Doing so will help your company stand out against its competitors.

One good way you can achieve recognition is to order some cool swag to boost your visibility. You don’t need a Disney-sized budget to do it, either; there are many affordable and budget-friendly promo items small businesses can invest in.

2) Partnerships Can Help You Reach Your Goals

Mandalorians appear to be loners by nature unless they are congregating with their own clan.

However, during his quest to protect and safeguard The Child, Mando, the mighty bounty hunter, learns that he cannot do it alone. For support, he recruits the help of Kuill, Cara Dune, and Peli Motto. As he continues to face different challenges in his journey with Baby Yoda, Mando even teams up with Greef Karga, head of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild, whom he had previously double-crossed (for a good cause).

The lesson for small businesses is that help can come from unexpected places. You never know who can step in to provide you with good advice or lend a helping hand when needed. (Baby Yoda even uses the force to save Mando from the deadly and angry mudhorn.)

So always be on the lookout for opportunities to network and connect with other small business owners like yourself. And remember, you can always offer others your help, as well. These relationships will be golden in the long run.

3) Guard Your Reputation

Kuill, a member of the Ugnaught species, spent almost his entire life in servitude to the Galactic Empire — but not by choice. When he was much younger, he was sold against his will. He then spent years trying to earn his freedom, which he ultimately obtained through determination and hard work. Kuill was rich in “good credit” and sincerity, which ultimately brought him the freedom, peace, and satisfaction he sought.

After he helped Mando recover the parts to his ship from the thieving Jawas, the bounty hunter offered the Ugnaught employment.

But Kuill declined, preferring to protect his own reputation for integrity and choosing to pay his own way without feeling as if he “owed” anyone.

Operating an ethical business and establishing a premier reputation is vital to a small company’s success in much the same way. Customers need to know you’re reliable and true to your word.

Deliver on time and remain true to your return policies, so you can earn your customers’ trust as a reliable businessperson. You also want to be timely with your accounts and establish good credit with vendors and suppliers. Be sure to monitor and take steps to boost your credit score, especially if it’s a little on the low side.

In keeping with their warrior ways, Mandalorians operate on a strict code of honor. Their reputation holds prestige. Do the same and your reputation will become one of your business’s greatest assets.

4) Protect What’s Important at All Costs

Even though Din Djarin initially wasn’t sure why he was rescuing The Child from the Empire loyalists, he instinctively knew this was the right thing to do. Later in the series, the bounty hunter shares his backstory, revealing he was a “foundling” after his parents were killed during an attack on his planet by Separatist battle droids. It was other Mandalorians who saved him.

As a young boy, Din Djarin adopted Mandalorian customs and learned the value of protecting what’s important at all costs. By the end of the season, he becomes a father figure to Baby Yoda. Even Kuill, who worked so hard for his freedom, sacrifices his life attempting to save The Child from the Stormtroopers chasing him.

While your company’s goal may not be to protect a powerful and adorable green baby with psychokinetic abilities, you do have a lot at stake. You’ve seeded your business, nurtured it, and watched it grow.

After going through all this time and effort, you want to keep it thriving. By staying true to your core beliefs in your business practices and maintaining your integrity, you’ll be able to safeguard your brand and keep it viable.

5) Stay Calm in Times of Crisis

Anyone who has followed the “Star Wars” saga knows the main characters face numerous crises in their daily lives.

To date, Mando has faced the mudhorn, endured Jawas stripping his ship and stealing its parts, battled with IG-11 over “the asset” (eventually revealed as The Child), and tried to escape from the fiery wrath of Moff Gideon and his Stormtrooper minions. Through all these trials, Mando had to remain calm and work proactively if he wanted to survive.

All small businesses will experience a crisis at some point. Whether for a significantly disruptive long-term event or a temporary catastrophe that needs attention ASAP, it’s a good idea to have a disaster recovery plan in place. Many businesses permanently shutter their doors after a disaster; the danger is real. You may not be a large corporation, but you still need to establish continuity for your company to survive.

Proactive planning will help you in the event the disaster does hit. Your plan can serve as a roadmap to pull you out of survival mode and allow you to return to levelheaded proactivity. It’ll also help you to stay calm in times of crisis since you will have already identified the steps to take.

Not to mention, statistically speaking, a plan will give you a greater chance of surviving if a disaster or serious interruption does occur.

6) Never Be Averse to Change

The Mandalorian lived most of his years as a bounty hunter (or at least as one in training). As far back as “Star Wars” lore goes, bounty hunters have a reputation for being heartless and possessing a killer instinct.

No one really loves a bounty hunter, and most life forms try to avoid contact unless they’re hiring them.

Yet despite his upbringing, Din Djarin had a change of heart, even after he was paid handsomely to deliver Baby Yoda to the client. Having handed over the bounty, he decided it was time for a change and upended his life. It wasn’t easy, but with dedication and hard work, he found it was possible. And worth it.

Small businesses that remain static won’t be around long. Today’s companies have an amazing capacity to compete with big corporations, thanks to technology. By embracing change and being willing to integrate technology (as needed) into your processes, you can level the playing field and be truly competitive.

Change is difficult, but once you make the commitment, adapting to changing circumstances becomes easier. Never stop evolving, and always pivot your strategies as times change.

7) Don’t Neglect Your Core Audience

When Din Djarin rescued The Child from the evil holdovers from the Empire, he knew he would tick people off. Not only did he anger the client, but he also angered the Stormtroopers, other Mandalorians, and Greef Karga, the head of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild.

The lesson here is that you won’t be able to please everyone all the time. However, you need to be selective in whom you do work to please. Your core audience is more likely to stay with you through thick and thin, so don’t spend too much of your financial resources trying to attract others who are unlikely to join your loyal customers.

Never cast aside those who truly matter. Remember, it costs far less to retain good and reliable customers than it does to get new ones who might be fickle or not so enthusiastic about your product or service.

8) Look Beyond Profits

If Mando had continued on his bounty hunter path, he would undoubtedly have become a rich man, having mastered his skillset and built a reputation as of the best at his job. However, when push came to shove, he chose the well-being of The Child over himself. And he did it again when he protected the villagers on Sorgan from marauders who attacked them.

Profits are essential in any money-making company and shouldn’t be ignored, but it’s important to look beyond this basic business need and put some effort into initiatives that support corporate social responsibility (CSR), as well. Millennials and Gen Z’ers are rapidly expanding their spending power, and one of their core values is caring for the world around them. They’ll instinctively be drawn to companies that are engaging in CSR.

Belong to something bigger than yourself by identifying a meaningful cause and contributing to it. In the long run, these initiatives — in addition to improving the planet — also can prove to be a passive way to market yourself organically.

9) Use Technology Strategically, but Wisely

The Mandalorian has a huge stash of neat gadgets to help him in times of conflict. These tools aid him in his battles, but sometimes they aren’t accessible, so he has to improvise. In one episode, the mighty bounty hunter uses his instincts and crushes an opponent with a door. He also refuses to rely on droids in an era where almost everyone is dependent upon them. Even his ship, The Razor Crest, isn’t shiny and new; it predates the Empire.

Technology is vital to modern business operations, but it’s not wise to become too dependent on it; plus, it’s important to thoroughly understand the processes behind that technology. If you don’t, and your tech goes down or is damaged without a backup or repair plan, your business can take a big hit.

Tech is powerful and has amazing capacity, but it should never replace basic skills. The ability to improvise and adapt without technology is crucial to any business. You want to position yourself as a mover and shaker, but if your core is all about the tech, you’re doing something wrong.

10) Simplify and Stay Focused on Your Mission

Mandalorians aren’t caught up in clutter. Their armor and lifestyle are quite simple. This enables them to perform their duties without distraction.

It’s not easy to focus on your core competencies if you’re surrounded by clutter. If you make an effort to streamline your physical space, for example, it’ll help you get a lot more done. And while you’re tidying up your professional space, why not get the whole office on board, rent a dumpster, and give it a good cleaning? Once you’re done, you can get back to business without distraction. Eliminate the clutter and create a pleasant environment — and watch your productivity soar!

Original Image Source – Depositphotos.com

“Star Wars” is a memorable collection of movies and series that many people are drawn to, and with good reason. However, if you look beyond all the excitement on screen and think about the characters’ actions and dialogue, you might be surprised by how many business lessons can be learned — lessons that can apply to any planet in the galaxy, including Earth.

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