Motivation for Business Fueled by Emotion and Inspired by…Eminem

by Rob Wolfe – Connected Places Global

Music can motivate you to achieve your business goals and, as a result, achieve stronger loyalty from clients. According to Motivational-Well-Being.com, “Everyone has a handful of songs that when they listen to it, it just makes them want to take action…When you find inspirational songs that pump you up, use them to propel yourself towards the accomplishment of your goals.” In fact, music can be such a fantastic source of motivation, it’s almost like a waste not to make use of it! The reason why your favorite song can be a great motivator lies therein that music is able to elicit positive emotions within you, hence it can stir a spirit of optimism, energize you and get you into that epic “I can do anything” mindset.

In her 1to1 Media article, “Stand By Your Brand: Cultivating Experience to Foster Brand Advocacy,” Anna Papachristos touches on the connection between eliciting positive emotions and building brands.  Scott Bedbury, builder of the Starbucks & Nike brands and author ofA New Brand World, builds further on this concept:  “A great brand taps into emotions. Emotions drive most, if not all, of our decisions. A brand reaches out with a powerful connecting experience. It’s an emotional connecting point that transcends the product.”

My point is that if music can inspire business leaders by eliciting emotions, then motivational lyrics can also inspire them to craft brand messaging and establish brand positioning that stirs similar emotions among clients and the target market.

Resonating with Entrepreneurs: The Spirit of Eminem’s Lyrical Messages

As Vincent Van Gogh once said, “You have first to experience what you want to express.” While I am open to experiencing the feeling provided by music from all genres, I have always been a fan of the often-controversial artist Eminem (Marshall Mathers). When I listen to any Eminem song, I feel his emotion and believe that his lyrics are a true expression of what he has personally experienced. I have respect for his commitment to succeed, and have become a loyal “client” of his music, his message, and his brand.

Following are a sampling of lyrics from 3 Eminem songs that provide motivational messages that can be applied to business. I’ve included a brief summary of the applicable entrepreneurial message that can be drawn from each:

“Lose Yourself”
Motivational Business Message:  You can do anything you set your mind to. But you must take risks and seize every opportunity. Whether you fail or succeed, you can’t get there unless you try.

If you had, one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted
One moment…
Would you capture it?
Or just let it slip?

The moment, you own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime

“Not Afraid”
Motivational Business Message:  Don’t be afraid to do seek guidance from others who have walked in your shoes or to bring people who can help you on board with you. You can’t do it alone. Rely on help from others who have been where you are and who are willing to help you and guide you in any way.

I’m not afraid to take a stand
Everybody, come take my hand
We’ll walk this world together through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just lettin’ you know that you’re not alone
Holla if you feel like you’ve been down the same road
(Just follow me, I’ll get you there)

“Dare to Dream”
Motivational Business Message:  You can have or achieve whatever you want as long as you have the passion and devote yourself fully—that alone will put you ahead of most other entrepreneurs.

You can own this city
You have everything you need
All it takes is all you got
Life don’t ask you if you’re ready or not
You can own this city
Deep inside you hold the key
While the world is fast asleep
You can take it all if you just dare to dream

Other Song Lyrics to Motivate You As You Grow Your Business

While the messages in Eminem’s music have the power to motivate you, I believe you can apply the same emotions from his music (as well as the additional examples of such music/lyrics listed below) to the crafting of your brand essence, your brand positioning, and the messages aimed at your target market.

“Man in the Mirror” (Michael Jackson)
Motivational Business Message:  Know who you are, stay true to yourself, and help others along the way.

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways…
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make the change
You gotta get it right, while you got the time
‘Cause when you close your heart
Then you close your mind

“I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack)
Motivational Business Message:  Dare to take risks, or you may regret not doing so later in your life/career.

Always keep that hunger…
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they’re worth taking…
When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance

“Eye of the Tiger” (Survivor)
Motivational Business Message:  Stay determined and confident, but always be mindful of the competition.

Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive…
Went the distance now I’m not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive

It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watchin’ us all with the eye of the tiger

A final thought:  Even though inspirational music has the power to drive and motivate you, nothing beats the sound of your inner voice.

What are your thoughts on the power of music and lyrics to motivate entrepreneurs and/or employees and drive business forward? What about the notion that these motivational concepts can help to build brands and loyalty by stirring the same kinds of emotions among your target market? Do you have any stories to share of business success tied to music-fueled motivation?