How to be a Business Superhero (Costumes, Catchphrases & Communications)

This is an observational discussion as how small businesses can learn things from superheroes and adapt them for their own purposes. Business can be so serious and this is one way of making it more Blissful.

Company Cosplay | Strong words for Superheroes | Where's Batman? | Finding your Kryptonite | About the struggle

Every business needs a superhero, a champion, a master, a guru and often more than one. If you don't have people who are passionate, committed and brave, you're best hope is mediocrity or industry sameness. Having a hero at the helm makes everything better, but we can't all be superheroes can we? Perhaps AI is the Golden Child many businesses hope for? Maybe, but if you are looking for transformation then it generally comes with graft. Before the realisation of every superhero, there was a struggle.

The one thing we can learn from every superhero ever is that they are ordinary, often solitary figures thrown into the limelight by their special skill or a quest. They lead a double life; a public persona, and a private life full of big hopes and dreams. They are supported in their journey by a variety of guides and sidekicks. They are not alone.

When our characters transform physically and mentally into superhero mode it usually involves putting on the costume, changing their body language and becoming brave and confident. When they transform they know what they have to do whatever the risk, this is not a time for the faint hearted. It wasn't easy the first time but they did it and it got easier each time, quickly evolving into the persona as each challenge was overcome. There is certainty in the look, the style and the attitude. Business heroes too can benefit from putting on the costume (uniform) adopting a positive stance, and a good catchphrase can help you to be braver and more confident than you know.

Where's Batman?

There are lots of ways Superheroes get to the action and ways to show the world who they are. They often have their own methods, Spidey Senses tingle when danger is close, A dedicated phone line, the Bat-Phone helped Commissioner Gordon alert Batman that he was needed (1966). What will yours be? Whatever you decide it must belong to you. Don't build your business on someone else's platform, it might not give you the certainty and security you need and definitely won't give you the freedom to be you. If you are using the same means and methods as everyone else then it's a race to the bottom.

Joining Bliss Business will help you get your communications started whilst you discover your identity and if you decide to stay friends when you're a fully fledged hero we'd love to have you.

Company Cosplay - Uniforms

Superhero costumes build confidence, they are bright distinctive and fit for purpose, but they are more than that, they are transformational. Superheroes are generally speaking differently abled that most folk and the outfit must suit the ability. It must be comfortable, fit for purpose and make us feel good. Hulk would never be able to keep a suit in tact and Spiderman's use of gloves must help him keep those sticky webs from sticking to his hands. Creative Studios have many years experience in helping provide company costumes and for times when you just need a good shirt their Business Superhero Range is worth a look.

Strong words for Superheroes - Catchphrases

In business we don't call it a catchphrase we might call it a business strapline, a KPI (key performance indicator), it could be something we tell ourselves to help us get over the line. The repetition helps us believe and grow into our brave confident self. The great thing about a catchphrase is that other people inside and outside the business can get behind it, empowering you and spreading the world about what you do. The secret, if there is one is that it must be consistently and frequently used with a strong clear message people can believe in. Don't be shy about using it and don't be woolly or inconsistent. Sometimes it doesn't matter that the listener doesn't understand it just has to sound cool and be repeatable. Screenrant have a great post "15 Coolest Superhero Catchphrases Of All Time, Ranked" check it out and you'll see exactly what we mean. Here are a few of our favourites:

"Avengers Assemble" - That puts a spark into any team challenge!

"I can do this all day" - Captain America tells everyone that you're here to win

"I'm the best there is at what I do" - Wolverine tells us. That's a great confidence statement even if what you do isn't very nice or fun!

If you are struggling to find your catchphrase Grant Leboff of Sticky Marketing Club is really knowledgeable on this topic, Creative Studios also can sit with you and help you find the hero inside.

Finding your Kryptonite

Every superhero has a weakness, for Superman it's Kryptonite, an alien mineral which deprives him of his powers. We each have our own Kryptonite and other less serious things which hurt us, prevent us from winning, from being the hero we are.

If you are not customer facing working from home, it's easy to stay in your onesie, working in the lounge. If you are self employed the tv, hobbies, family interruptions and chores will be a strong pull away. Kryptonite to your productivity, your confidence and your success. Our article "5 Reasons to FSB" may help you discover how to combat those things which hurt you and your business. You may already know what your Kryptonite is. Mine is gaming, I would love to play The Sims again, having been a beta tester for it and my daughter is a big fan, it's a strong pull. I know if I start to play it will eat my time and kill my productivity. Kryptonite. No Superhero can survive their Kryptonite without a strategy, it's a good idea to find yours.

From one hero to another - about the struggle

There is always going to be battles to win and obstacles to overcome for superheroes and business heroes. When I'm really struggling to finish something I count.

I count time :

• You CAN manage another 10 minutes

• After an hour on this you can go on that walk

I count items:

• Finish 5 more mugs

• Cross 3 things from your list

And people:

• call 3 more people

• send 10 more emails

Sometimes there is a reward for the action, sometimes just finishing is enough. Whatever it is that I'm trying to achieve or struggling with the counting grounds me in the moment, helps me focus and makes me finish. This might not be for everyone but it works for me.