3 Lessons About Business Straight from Duck Commander

Wednesdays used to be such a drag. You are excited that you survived the first half of the week, yet Friday still seems so far. However, now that the new season of Duck Dynasty is back, Wednesday just became the #bestdayever.

It is no secret: I LOVE, LOVE reality TV. Thus, when my friend introduced me to Duck Dynasty I was instantly hooked. Every time Si talks I am pretty much LOLing on the floor, and I seriously have the biggest crush on Willie (okay, that might be kinda weird).

While the Robertson men and women are no doubt entertaining to watch on TV, there is more here. Long before the TV show, they were able to put together a multimillion dollar business. Yes, some might write them off as trash TV, but there are obviously important business lessons to be learned from Duck Dynasty.

So, in honor of tonight’s new episode, here is business 101 from Duck Commander:

1)   Surround yourself with people you love. The reality is we spend more time with our coworkers than with our friends, families or spouses. It is important to like the people you work with. Coworker feuds can be toxic to the entire workplace environment. I am not sure I could ever work with my family (ala Duck Dynasty); however, to me, when hiring employees, skills aren’t everything. I need to work with people that are fun, inspiring, and all around badass.

2)   Pick one thing and be really good at it. Duck commander is a business built on the success of one item: a duck call. While that might not be the most exciting product in the world, they have perfected the art in a way that can only be done with lots of time and attention. Even if you aren’t in the market to start your own business, make sure you are really, really good at one or two things; this makes you a lot hard to replace. If you go the jack-of-all-trades route, you will only be mediocre at everything, and people are looking for an expert.

3)   Branding matters. People fall in love with a brand’s personality first, and products second. Even if you beards and camouflage aren’t your style, the men of Duck Dynasty have a look and they are sticking to it. It is important that a company has a uniformed feel through and through. It would obviously not make sense if Willie came out in skinny jeans and flannel from Urban Outfitters. Have you ever paid over $50 for a white t-shirt at American Apparel? Why? Because branding sells. Don’t force your brand; the feel of your brand, should be naturally inspired by your lifestyle.

With all that being said, get excited for tonight’s episode!! I can’t wait.