Yes!

These times are tough. Work is difficult to find. Robots, barcode readers, and automated telephonic devices have invaded and are now occupying every moment of our lives. 

Creativity and innovation indexes are dipping to all-time lows. That could say we are all stumbling around without that old ‘skip in our step’– as if we had a wooden leg. 

Ahoy! 

It is time to put down your mild-mannered business ways in times like these. It is time to embrace your inner pirate. You are Blackbeard, a swashbuckling entrepreneur of epic proportions! Break through the beige cubicle of contemporary thought. Make your own rules and succeed! 

It worked for Blackbeard. Now, make it work for you!

Nearly everyone has heard the tales of the merciless and bloodthirsty pirate Blackbeard. However, few know that this man, known for seemingly mindless attacks and killings, was actually a marketing genius who employed consistent brand strategy, persistent social networking, and relentless word-of-mouth advertising in his reign of terror over the 18th-century Caribbean.

TIP NUMBER ONE:
EXPERTISE. EXPERTISE. EXPERTISE.
STICK TO WHAT YOU KNOW. 

Blackbeard was born in 1680, either in Bristol, England or on the British-controlled Caribbean island of Jamaica. He was born to a relatively wealthy upper-middle-class family and was given the birth name Edward Teach. Although it is not known for sure where he was born, it is known that Blackbeard grew up in Jamaica. At the time, Jamaica was a British-controlled colony and a hub for the privateering business. So, it is believed that Blackbeard’s parents wanted him to take up that career. 

A privateer is “A private person or ship authorized by a government by letters of marque to attack foreign shipping during wartime.” During Blackbeard’s childhood, England was entwined in the Wars of Spanish Succession and Queen Anne’s War. (The Wars of Spanish Succession concerned who was the rightful heir to the throne of Spain. Queen Anne’s War was fought in North America and concerned the ownership of colonies among European nations.) Queen Anne established privateers to keep a handle on the exports and imports of foreign goods. She gave them the mission of intercepting enemy supply ships. Blackbeard is believed to have served on one of these ships as a deckhand as a young boy. Therefore, from an early age, he became accustomed to the pirate life in an environment above the law and free from punishment.

England was at peace after several years of privateering, and the occupation’s demand had diminished. Yet, Blackbeard was far from retired. He had made it his mission to live the life of a pirate, no matter what the cost. In 1716, he officially joined the crew of the infamous pirate Benjamin Hornigold. With his experience and know-how, he quickly rose through the ranks and was soon in command of his own ship in Hornigold’s fleet. While serving with this fleet, Blackbeard got his first taste of piracy. Learning the trade under Hornigold’s wing as first mate, Blackbeard seized numerous cargoes, including one containing over 120 barrels of flour. The two remained together until Hornigold died in 1719, leaving Blackbeard on his own.

Take Away:

When things are not going as well as expected, your initial response might be to try something completely different—in nautical terms, jump ship. Patience is the key. Rather than making drastic changes, tweak your approach and carefully monitor the results. Equity gained through education and hard work is precious cargo. Starting over completely is always an option–but only after everything else has failed.

By Douglas & Foster Eymer