Over the weekend, I watched a documentary about the career of film composer, Hans Zimmer. His work has enhanced some of my favourite films and no doubt some of yours as well. Thinking about films like Rain Man or the Dark Knight I can immediately hear how they sound as much as anything else about them. Perhaps only John Williams could match (or better, for some) how prolific Zimmer has been. 

Zimmer's work is what drew me to the documentary, but what I enjoyed most having watched it is the story of how he built his career and his business. I could immediately see lessons that can be learned by entrepreneurs looking to grow their own ventures.

1. Put in the hard work - smartly

Zimmer had passion for music from an early age and built a network within the industry, but perhaps the thing he worked hardest to do was to become an expert in the latest technology. Electronically produced music, using synthesisers, was new to the mainstream in the 1970s and Zimmer embraced this new technology and became a leading light as its use exploded in the UK during the 1980s. When he arrived in Hollywood in 1988 he was amazed at how antiquated the film industry was and his introduction of new digital processes was revolutionary. His expertise had created a huge point of difference.

2. Surround yourself with experience

When Zimmer opened Lillie Yard recording studio in West London his business partner, Stanley Myers, already had almost 20 years of film composing behind him with credits including The Deer Hunter and Moonlighting. The experience of Myers, his network and the scale of the projects with which he was involved gave Zimmer, and his transformational approach, an audience. However talented a composer, or how amazing a business idea, it needs a lot of inputs to succeed.  So much can be supplied by experienced individuals keen to get involved with innovative entrepreneurs.

3. Be a Pied Piper

A major element that jumped out at me was how much people enjoyed working with Zimmer. Directors and fellow composers remarked that Zimmer’s character was what carried him beyond being a genius and helped make him a success. His being easy, fun or inspirational to work with are all important but the likes of Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are hardly proof of an enjoyable character being a rule for success. Instead, the consistent trait of these people is that people wanted to work for them. In building a team, make sure you provide a reason for people to want to follow you - money and share options aside; what do they get from being on the team?

4. Build Partnerships

The already mentioned John Williams is well known for his work with Steven Spielberg. In Zimmer’s case, that partnership is with Christopher Nolan. They succeed through their shared approach of pushing the boundary of what is technically possible; a theme that runs through their collaborations. And there is the correct word - we succeed through collaboration, through building a coalition working towards achievement of shared goals.

5. Keep Learning

From being on the cutting edge of production technology on his arrival in Hollywood in 1988, Zimmer has ensured he has kept learning at every turn. He experiments on one project, improves on the next and then perfects, only to repeat and repeat. His first Academy Award for The Lion King and his second, over 25 years later, for Dune demonstrate an enduring prominence but also a huge progression in artistry. He has transformed his point of difference from being the only one who knows how to do something to being the one who knows the most, and best. 

Colab-8 helps innovators build strategies to grow networks, seek out expert partners and create cultures of continuous learning in their ventures.