Reflection On The Film Joy – A Great Business Story
Joy is one of my favorite finance-themed movies. I categorize it as a finance or business movie because it tells the story of how one woman went from idea to product, eventually going on to sell billions of dollars worth of household products and becoming one of the most successful female entrepreneurs. I'm talking about the rags to riches story of Joy Mangano, known best for her Miracle Mop invention.
The film is based on the story of her life, the main character played by Jennifer Lawrence. It also features Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper. Mangano was a divorced mother of 3 who worked hard to pursueher passion and though she was told no many times, she didn't allow that to deter her. She admits that she always would strive to try and turn that no into a yes and her passion eventually paid off big time.
While the movie and many stories of success in business have consistently supported a go all in approach, Mangano has previously suggested that one doesn't need to go all in to try and build their business, pursuing that business on the side is possible. Quitting your current full-time job to pursue an idea that you might have but aren't sure people will like or support yet, can be a risky decision. This isn't the only way to try and test out a business idea, Mangano admits. You can find ways to pursue that passion on the side and explore that creativity, you might see it eventually pay off. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to quit their day job to go all in and see if their business idea will pan out.
Joy didn't have to sell her house, car, or make any drastic moves in order to pursue her passion. This isn't the story that everyone has to tell but it goes to show that it is possible. Especially today with websites that help to crowdfund ideas, before you take bigger risks, it can be easier than ever for people to test their ideas and products. Before striking it rich Mangano had worked as a waitress and worked in airline reservations too. Getting started on the path wasn't groundbreaking in that not much changed for her daily routine. Her efforts spanned decades until eventually she was given the opportunity to appear on QVC. Thankfully she did find a way to explore her creativity without taking too much risk and it worked out in the end for her.
The film Joy has a variety of lessons to offer, among them is the message of persistence and believing in yourself even when others might not see the value or use in your idea. Just because others don't see it at first doesn't mean that they never will. Also, we learn that sometimes the person behind the idea can be the very best salesman for the product. If you are looking for a good business story to watch, another finance film to add to the list, then don't miss Joy because it's worth the watch.
