Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi master and mentor to both Anakin and Luke Skywalker, is a familiar Star Wars character immediately recognizable even to people outside the franchise’s fan base. With a silent confidence and a wealth of spiritual knowledge, Obi-Wan is both a critical element of the saga and a captivating character in the realm of science fiction.
But even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan or can’t appreciate the characterization of the Jedi knight, there’s a lot that business marketers can learn from Obi-Wan Kenobi (who’d have thought they’d ever read that sentence?).
Take note from the Jedi master, and walk away with these five important tips to an improved marketing strategy:
1.      Utilize Your Resources. Obi-Wan found himself in a heck of a lot of predicaments, but he always had a plethora of tools to help him get by. Instead of blasters and lightsabers, use your human resources and tech resources to your advantage.
2.      Be Willing to Let Go. When Obi-Wan’s trainee Anakin Skywalker turned to the dark side, Obi-Wan did not dwell for very long. As a marketer, you have to be willing to let go of strategies that aren’t working—even if it’s hard.
3.      Use Words Carefully. Obi-Wan was wry. So wry he could talk to Luke about Darth Vader without ever actually revealing that Darth was Luke’s father. Never lie in your marketing materials—but use well-crafted language to your advantage.
4.      Influence Who You Can. Obi-Wan used the Jedi Mind Trick on goons susceptible to influence rather than overpowered tyrants. Instead of the mind trick, you’ll be using your words and designs to influence a specifically targeted audience.
5.      Be Willing to Fail. Not every single strategy is going to work. But if you don’t try, you’ll never succeed. Obi-Wan faced Darth Vader knowing he would probably lose—but he was willing to do it to be a part of something bigger.
Obi-Wan Kenobi never needed to brand or advertise the Jedi Order, but if he did he would have been fantastic at it. Embrace these basic tips, and put them to good use in your approach to marketing. And of course, may the force be with you.
photo credit: kennymatic via photopin cc
