7 Pink Floyd Songs That Startups Can Learn A Lot From
What do startups and Pink Floyd have in common? Well, right off the bat — ingenuity, non-conformity, and individuality. The worldwide phenomenon that is Pink Floyd stems from the same core values that make a successful startup.
I’ve been working for GrabOn, a startup in the coupons and deals space for quite some time. But I never realized the connection between Pink Floyd songs and the startup culture up until today.
I was at my desk sipping coffee and listening to The Wall while brainstorming on a topic. I wanted to do something different, something fresh this time. And guess which song came up the playlist — Comfortably Numb. I had an aha moment, I could almost feel the light bulb on the top of my head.
Snapping back to reality, I realized that the one thing that separates a startup from everything else is not being complacent. Because once you are complacent, you’d stop trying!
That’s when I started connecting the dots and this is where I reached so far;
#1. Another brick in the wall
All in all you’re just another brick in the wall.
Be different. Be unique. You’re NOT just another brick in the wall. That’s the most important value a startup needs to inculcate in its employees. Don’t give into the routine. Be original, do something different every day, that’s how you keep growing and better yourself.
#2. Time
You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today. And then one day you find ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun
The time is NOW. Whatever your dreams are, whatever you seek to achieve, start doing that now, today! Don’t procrastinate. As a startup, your decisions need to be swift. Your goals need to be executed without wasting even a tiny moment.
#3. Money
Money, it’s a gas. Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash. New car, caviar, four star daydream. Think I’ll buy me a football team.
Often times, in a rat race to make money, we lose our individuality. The startups can’t afford to do that. If it’s a versus between Passion and Penny, Passion should always prevail. If and only if you churn out quality service, will you build a loyal customer base that will further your business and in turn bring you more revenue.
#4. Welcome to the machine:
Welcome my son, welcome to the machine. What did you dream? It’s alright we told you what to dream.
Don’t be a conformist. This will come up multiple times in different forms. Don’t conform and bend to the already existing norms. In order to stand out you need to rage against the machine. And that is exactly what this Pink Floyd classic tries to stress upon.
#5. Sheep
You better stay home. And do as you’re told. Get out of the road if you want to grow old.
Don’t be naive, obedient and unquestioning. Don’t be the eponymous sheep and be led as the pigs please. The 3 parter Animals, impress upon you this very point.
#6. Shine On Your Crazy Diamond
Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun. Shine on you crazy diamond. Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky. Shine on you crazy diamond
Don’t be afraid to pitch your crazy ideas, Shine On! No matter how weird your idea is, don’t give up on them. Don’t hold yourself back thinking what would others say. As Steve Jobs would say, it’s these weird and crazy people who are destined for big things!
#7. Coming Back To Life
While you were hanging yourself on someone else’s words
Dying to believe in what you heard
I was staring straight into the shining sun
Nothing screams ‘be original’ more than the above mentioned lyrics. Why hang on to the pre-existing norm when you can stare right into the sun and make your own rules!