‘The Intern’ – Just about the best movie I have seen in a very long time. I love and adore Robert De Niro at the best of times and Anne Hathaway has done some really great work, too. This past Saturday, I wanted some pure entertainment. I didn’t want to have to think, to predict, to use my brain in any way – I just wanted to sit back, relax and have a laugh or two.

I wasn’t really surprised that there were actually many lessons to be learned in this movie. However, the depth of the lessons and the incredible story that unfolded is what really surprised me. The fact that the movie focused on a ‘senior internship’ was novel unto itself – the take-aways were amazing for people in the corporate world but also in the world of entrepeneurship.

Here are the key points I took away:

1. SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES.
I could so relate to the role that Robert De Niro played in this film – it was for a ‘senior’ intern (as in age~!!) – and he was stepping into an on-line clothing business. Our generation did not grow up with computers and electronic devices so it was quite amusing to watch him set his alarm clock on the first morning of work, grab his leather brief case and head off to work in a suit and tie. The main point is that, while he may have felt out of place and intimidated by the sheer nature of the business, he said YES to the opportunity. Where are you staring opportunities in the face right at this very moment? Say YES today and watch the difference it can make in your business.

2. BE HUMBLE.
While Robert De Niro had an incredible background and many years of experience in marketing and sales, he stayed humble and quiet. He examined the situation. He did every menial task he was asked to do – from cleaning off the top of messy desks, to getting coffee, to making copies to being the ‘chauffeur for the day’ for the business owner. Be humble when you are in a situation of potential growth. You will learn a lot by just showing up and being engaged.

3. LISTEN AND WATCH.
Robert De Niro watched. He observed. He was quiet. He stayed in the background. He learned a lot. He asked questions when and where it was appropriate. He quickly caught on to the business and what the major challenges were – from the personal life challenges of the CEO through to the inefficiencies of some of the junior team members. He became the ‘go to’ mentor – he had a quiet confidence about him – he allowed people to get to know, like and trust him. Where can you apply this concept in your own personal and professional development. Who is in your presence that could mentor you? What more can you learn so that you, too, can become the ‘go to’ expert and begin to implement all that you know.

4. YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS.
Robert De Niro had a wealth of knowledge in marketing and sales. Once the know, like and trust factors were established, he jumped in to help and support the CEO and other team members. He stayed modest. He offered his experience and knowledge where and when it was needed. Just because you may be new to the world of entrepreneurship, that does not mean that you don’t know anything! We all come to our businesses with a wealth of knowledge – begin to apply what you do know and what you believe. Couple that with advice from a strong mentor and coach who is a few steps ahead of you in business – that’s a match made in heaven!

5. DRESS THE PART.
One of the ways that Robert De Niro stood out in the film is that he dressed for success. I hear many entrepreneurs, especially those with a home office, talking about the joy of working in their yoga clothes or even in their PJ’s. Come on! Get real. That is not what true professionals do – and that is not how successful entrepreneurs show up. In this day and age of technology, one never knows when you will get a Skype video call! More importantly, however, show some pride in your appearance. Dress the part. Dress for success. When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do good. It will pay off. Trust me.

While you may not, any time soon, be trying out for the role of a ‘senior intern’, there are certainly many lessons you can learn from watching this movie. So why not treat yourself to a professional development day and go watch a movie. Your business and your clients may thank you!
Go see the movie and leave your ah-ha’s here so I can see what YOU learned, ok?