Take It to the Limit: Business Principles from the Eagles

On Monday night, my wife and I attended the Eagles concert at US Bank Arena here in Cincinnati. Ten years ago, I couldn’t have imagined myself attending this, or any, classic-rock show. But, the older I get, the more I appreciate music that’s stood the test of time. During my college years, I listen to a lot of aggressive or angst-ridden music, most of which I’ve long since forgotten. But, I’ve come full circle to embrace a band whose music spans more than four decades (well, save the 14-year hiatus between the first and second incarnations).

Most in the crowd were of a certain age (Karen and I, in our 40s, were probably among the youngest 25% in attendance), but I saw three generations of families seated together, couples in their 20s, and a kid who looked to be of college age, who, when an adjacent bystander seemingly in his 50s expressed surprise to see such a young person there, replied, “It’s real music. It’s timeless.”

What makes it timeless? The Eagles’ catalog of songs, from tender ballads (“Best of My Love”) to hard-driving cautionary tales (“Life in the Fast Lane”), provide simple, yet insightful, insights to love and life experience that resonate across generations.

And, if you listen closely to the lyrics, are nuggets of professional inspiration. A few examples:

From “Already Gone”:
“So oftentimes it happens that we live our lives in chains,
And we never even know we have the key”

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. Have the courage to imagine your shop growing and evolving to meet your customers’ changing needs. Use the industry’s many available educational resources (hopefully, ST is one of them). Retrain and cross-train your employees if necessary. Maintain relationships with an eye toward mutual growth, and strive to make new ones.

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From “Desperado, Part 2”:
“Don’t you try the queen of diamonds, boy, she’ll beat you if she’s able,
The queen of hearts is always your best bet.”

While embracing a new challenge can be fruitful, don’t just do it for the money. If you treat your work, or your customers, like cash cows, it will eventually become obvious – and not be well received. Part of a successful business transaction is making sure the other party believes they’re getting value and return on investment. If they don’t, they won’t come back. Put your heart into what you do, and take pride in more than a payday.

From “It’s Your World Now”
“It’s your world now, Use well the time
Be part of something good, Leave something good behind”

Don’t lose your sense of purpose. Get involved in your community; whether it be donating signage to a charitable or serving as an event sponsor, it’s personally and professionally enriching to look beyond the bottom line. Statistics indicate a rise in volunteering, particularly among those with young families. As these people rise to decisionmaking status professionally, they’re more apt to do business with someone who’s actively engaged in community life and investing time and talent back into the community.

The last few years have undoubtedly been rough on the sign business (and most every other endeavor, save bankruptcy attorneys and repo men). But now, most indicators point towards stability, with an expectation for moderate growth. Let the fear of 2009 go; think in terms of possibilities, not limitations. Change is a constant; approach it mindfully, but acknowledge and work with it.

As the Eagles themselves would say, Who’s gonna make it? We’ll find out — in the long run. Fleeting success may temporarily enrich a lucky fool, but sustained success usually only happens to those who’ve worked for and deserve it. Never lose sight of those goals.
 

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