Defying Gravity: Wickedly good lessons for business owners

In this Article:

• Dare to be different
• Partnerships can be powerful
• Reputation matters
• Adaptability is key
• Every story has two sides
• Dream big, start small
• Your future is unlimited

If you’ve seen Wicked, you already know it’s a musical masterpiece. But beyond the dazzling songs and clever twists, there are surprising lessons tucked into this Broadway hit that small business owners can relate to. Let’s explore what Elphaba, Glinda, and the land of Oz can teach us about running a successful business.

💚 1. Dare to be different

Elphaba’s green skin made her stand out, but she didn’t let it hold her back. In fact, she leaned into her uniqueness, using it to carve her own path. The takeaway? Don’t be afraid to embrace what makes your business unique. Whether it’s an innovative product, quirky branding, or a customer-first approach, being different helps you stand out in a crowded market.

✨ Oz-some tip: Write down three things that set your business apart. Then brainstorm ways to showcase those differences to your customers.

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🎀 2. Partnerships can be powerful

Glinda and Elphaba couldn’t be more different, yet their unlikely friendship brought out the best in both of them. In business, forming strategic partnerships with people or companies who complement your strengths can lead to incredible growth.

✨ Oz-some tip: Look for opportunities to collaborate with other small businesses. Maybe a local bakery and a florist team up to create holiday gift bundles. The possibilities are endless!

📢 Related: A 7-point checklist for a successful business partnership

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💚 3. Reputation matters

Elphaba learned the hard way how easily reputations can be made or destroyed. For small businesses, your reputation is everything. Whether it’s word of mouth, online reviews, or social media, how people perceive your business impacts your success.

✨ Oz-some tip: Monitor your online reviews and respond to them—good and bad. Show customers you care and take feedback seriously.

📢 Related: Small business customer service: why it’s essential for survival

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🎀 4. Adaptability is key

Elphaba faced constant challenges, from being misunderstood to outright villainized. Yet she adapted, reinvented herself, and kept fighting for what she believed in. Small businesses face obstacles too—economic shifts, competition, or even just an inexplicably bad quarter. Success comes from pivoting when needed and staying true to your values.

✨ Oz-some tip: When things aren’t working, don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy. Regularly assess your goals and progress to stay on track.

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💚 5. Every story has two sides

One of Wicked’s central themes is perspective. What we thought we knew about the Wicked Witch wasn’t the whole story. For small businesses, this reminds us to see things from the customer’s point of view. Understanding their needs, frustrations, and desires is key to serving them better.

✨ Oz-some tip: Conduct a customer survey or ask for feedback to get insight into how your business is perceived. Use this information to improve your offerings.

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🎀 6. Dream big, start small

Elphaba dreamed of defying gravity, but it started with small acts of bravery and self-belief. Building a business is the same—it takes time, effort, and courage to reach big goals.

✨ Oz-some tip: Break your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Celebrate milestones along the way to keep yourself motivated.

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🧹 Your future is unlimited 🧹

💡✍ Wicked reminds us that no matter where we start or what challenges we face, the possibilities are endless. Just like Elphaba defied expectations and reached for the sky, you have the power to shape your business into something extraordinary. By embracing what makes you unique, building meaningful partnerships, protecting your reputation, staying adaptable, and dreaming big, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Your future is unlimited—go out there and make it happen! But make sure you prepare for the unexpected – you never know when a house could fall on you!  Hiscox can help  – while you’re dancing through life, we’ve got you covered. Get a quote today!

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