The Frank Underwood Guide to Building Your Small Business Empire

As we celebrate the return of the most successful online series in history: House of Cards. We can also learn many key business lessons along the way which are relevant to the Australian/New Zealand Small Medium Business market too. 

The show is changing the face of an industry by proving that an original series can not only succeed online, free from the shackles of traditional cable networks, but that it can thrive. With a handful of Emmys under its belt and one of the most anticipated debuts of the year, there's no doubt that House of Cards has thoroughly disrupted the television industry.

Small businesses face the same challenge every day. They compete against larger, more established competition in the hopes of making an impact and making a difference in their industry. Much like the lead character of House of Cards, Frank Underwood, small business owners need to be scrappy and determined, with a single-minded focus on achieving their goals.

While Frank Underwood might be a sociopath and not the best role model in most areas, he does offer some sound advice when it comes to achieving your goals. He’s ruthlessly pragmatic, calculated, and unflinchingly determined. Here are a few Frank Underwood quotes offering you advice on how to grow your small business empire.

“If you don’t like how the table is set, turn over the table.”

Action and inaction are both conscious choices. Small businesses have an incredible advantage in how responsive they can be to a changing marketplace. If a business plan isn't working, change it. If you see a weakness in your competition, strike fast. If you see a unique value proposition for your company, leverage it. Choose to shape your company's own path and future. Don't let larger competitors or inaction decide that path for you.

“For those of us climbing to the top of the food chain, there can be no mercy. There is but one rule: hunt or be hunted.”

The business world is more competitive than it has ever been. With lower barriers to entry than ever before, marketplaces are flooded with new companies every day. To rise to the top of this food chain, small businesses need to get competitive. There's no way around it. You certainly don't have to be as ruthless as Frank Underwood (and probably shouldn’t be, seeing as he’s murdered a couple people...which in ANZ just isn't cricket Mate!), but you should find what makes your company different and use it to set yourself above and apart from the competition.

"Treading water is the same as drowning for people like you and me."

The status quo is the enemy of a successful small business. Today's marketplaces move so fast, taking your foot off the gas for even a moment can leave you buried by the competition. You should always keep one eye to the future, looking out for what's coming next and planning how you're going to take your company to the next level. That's how you create a small business that doesn't just exist, but thrives.

"We'll have a lot of nights like this — making plans, very little sleep." 

Don't forget that creating and leading a small business is an exciting job. You're building something from scratch and pouring your heart and soul into making sure your idea succeeds. Sure this life can sometimes involve all-nighters and long hours, but they are often the result of passion as much as necessity. No matter how crazy the small business life gets, make sure you always take a moment to enjoy the ride.

To help get you on the road to even more success, check out our Small Business Centre, or download a free copy of this E-Book!