At least that’s what we aspire to do.
You probably think we are mad… Let me start by using some text from that well know font of knowledge, Wikipedia….
“Pejorative use of Mickey’s name: “Mickey Mouse” is a slang expression meaning small-time, amateurish or trivial. In the UK and Ireland, it also means poor quality or counterfeit.”
So who on earth would want to run a “Mickey Mouse” business.
Me! And here’s why;
The term “Mickey Mouse” may well be associated as a relatively derogatory term referring to something that is lacking substance, amateur or not credible.
But lets take a closer look at Mickey Mouse and set this in a business related context.
- Mickey is an instantly recognised, market leading, global brand. Here’s a quote from Marketing Week …”[Disney] is built around the success of a cartoon mouse called Mickey and sits in 18th position in the Global 500 table, making it the top media brand for the second year in a row.”
- He is a fundamental part of a business with an annual turnover of over $38 billion and profits of over $4 Billion
- Mickey has constantly evolved and changed to remain at the absolute forefront of his market since 1928 despite intense global competition
- His diverse business interests include short animations, feature films, TV programmes, comic books, video games, theme parks and countless spin off merchandising products
- He has won countless awards and is clearly world class within his field
- His core values include integrity, team work, respect, trust and honesty
- He is an eternal optimist and always sees the best in others
- His long serving core “team”, including his right hand men Donald and Goofy and his “life partner” Minnie, have been with him for almost 70 years
- Despite all his success he remains incredibly humble and down to earth
That’s why we aspire to run a “Mickey Mouse” business.
Interestingly, Wikipedia also mentions that in parts for Australia, “Mickey Mouse” can mean excellent or very good…I think our friends down under may well be right…
uplimited
October 27, 2011
An after thought…I’d also welcome being a company of Muppets. Will leave you to work out the many positives.
nicky fraser (@NickyElectric)
October 27, 2011
Hey cool post Campbell – and it does really bring into question the whole idea of things being referred to, in a derogative manner, as Mickey Mouse.
Totally with you on the Muppets too -I’d love to work with Kermit, Fozzy, Scooter and the others, although I might give Miss Piggy a body swerve
uplimited
October 27, 2011
Thanks. I’ve heard several of my colleages saying they work with a big Muppet…but I cant think of any we here.
I’d love to work with Beaker. Says it all really. :0)
Sylvia Halkerston
May 3, 2012
Campbell – it is now 20 years since I first studied with Walt Disney Inc and ever since have said to everyone who will listen that if they hear anyone describing a company as “Mickey Mouse” then they had better be describing the very best! A big UP to UP for getting that!