Business Lessons

It's 8:00, and the family is gathering in front of the television to enjoy one of the few shows they can all watch together. Sitting next to the sofa is the telephone so everyone will be ready to vote once the show is over.

It's time for “American Idol,” a phenomenon that has taken the country by storm. Well, not just our country, but countries all over the world. What's it all about? How has this show and its associated business ventures become so successful? How have its owners been able to brand, market and partner their product to ensure unbelievable revenues? If it is not the high-profile, high-priced stars that are attracting our attention, then what is?

Is there something that home care companies can learn from the Idol experts? I'm not talking about the Simon's, Randy's or Paula's of the world, but I'm referring to those men and women sitting in the American Idol corporate boardroom making deals, developing partnerships, looking for new products and planning a business strategy like nothing we have ever seen in television history.

Let's take a careful look at the strategies and lessons we can learn from American Idol. Can we translate this model into something that will work for HME companies?

Keep in mind that Idol is a cultural sensation, an enterprise and a business we may all want to consider emulating. It's the series that attracts us, not the identifiable stars we often hope to see.

With that in mind, here are seven lessons we can learn.

• Lesson #1: Everything old is new again. As a concept, American Idol is not a new idea. It comes from the days of vaudeville (most of you realize that was from the caveman days), or, more recently, a reincarnation of the Ed Sullivan show. American Idol is simply an old wheel with a flashier turn. Not much change except for a dazzling opening, some spectacular set designs and new music that gets our attention.

  How can you relate to Lesson #1?

  There is always something new you can bring to your home care company. You can rearrange the store products, begin introducing new staff to your referral sources or begin marketing new programs to your customers. While the programs may not be new to you, they could be to your customers.