The Wacky Races - Which Character Represents Your Small Business?

INTRODUCTION:

It's Friday so why don't we finish off the week with a little lightheartedness?! I happened to be flicking through the channels the other night and a re-run of The Wacky Races was on. This was an old favourite of mine as a kid (even in black & white) and brought back many fond memories.

As they went through some of the characters in the race it reminded of how sometimes the cars and drivers are often found in small business (good and bad).

So take a look and work out which one you think you might be.

Figure 1: The Wacky Races had many faces just like a small business can.

1. The Anthill Mob In The Bullet Proof Bomb

The Anthill Mob in the Bullet Proof Bomb despite appearing as gangsters looking for trouble are in the race to get in, get the job done and get out as fast as they can. To increase speed they use "Getaway Power" which allows them to extend their feet below the floor and give the car that extra boost. Does your team use "Getaway Power" when it needs to?

Figure 2: The Anthill Mob - extra speed using your feet!

2. Lazy Luke And Blubber Bear In The Arkansas Chuggabug

Lazy Luke is a hillbilly who drives the hot rod jalopy half asleep mumbling away. It's powered by coal through a pot bellied stove which tends to blow up when you least expect it. Hopefully you don't show any of these traits as a leader to your team as you drive your small business growth! Be alert and be clear as to where you want your business and team to head. Have a business plan that is effective. if necessary get your small business accountant involved.

Figure 3: Don't be a Lazy Luke mumbling away at work whilst driving your team half asleep!

3. Penelope Pitstop & The Compact Pussycat

One for the ladies. This business is beauty on wheels! Articulate, well presented and polite. People just can't help but want to do business with her.

Figure 4: A beautiful business inside and out.

4. Red Max & The Crimson Haybaler

Red Max has a car called the Crimson Haybaler. When it needs to get somewhere fast it has the ability to turn into a plane. Basically its business is a hybrid so it can have the best of both worlds.

Figure 5: How adaptable is your business or can it only do one thing the same way no matter what changes around it?

5. Peter Perfect In The Turbo Terrific

Peter is in love with Penelope Pitsop (he calls her "Pretty Penny") and is often distracted easily. He also goes out of his way to praise his car endlessly without giving it the servicing it requires and as soon as he gives it a compliment it breaks down and he is out of the race!

Figure 6: Do you get easily distracted with your business? Do you make sure it is well serviced or do you think it will keep going by itself?

6. Rufus Ruffcut & Sawtooth In The Buzzwagon

This vehicle is made of logs and is powered by a buzzsaw. It can cut its way through anything in its way if it has to.

Figure 7: Does your business overcome any of its hurdles or does it just halt to a complete stop.

7. The Slag Brothers

The Slag Brothers are cavemen driving a wheeled boulder. To get the car going quicker they use their clubs and start bashing it.

Figure 8: Do you work with your team to get more out of them or do you use a club like the Slag Brothers? Pressure can be good in some ways but over exerting can be counter-productive.

8. Dick Dastardly & Balmain Baz (Muttley) - The Mean Machine

The villain of the show who is always trying to win the race using illegal tactics but is never successful. He sets traps for his competitors but these usually blow up in his face. (I'm hoping none of you do business this way!)

Figure 9: Never bag your competition and have honesty and integrity in business.

CONCLUSION:

Well, I hope you enjoyed this lighthearted little trip down memory lane. 

Which character and vehicle represented your business?

Enjoy your weekend with your family.