Business Monday: Toys, Tom, Tech, and Business – Bob Salvas

by Bob Salvas, contributing writer

If you are a fan of movies, you know that TOY STORY 5 is one of the most successful movies of 2026 (so far).  It may also end up being the most successful TOY STORY movie of them all, which is unusual for a movie franchise that has five in the series.

There are many reasons for a film’s success, but one thing is true for most films – impacting the success of any movie is often the lead actor.  In this animated movie, actor Tom Hanks plays the main character, Woody.

Tom Hanks is no stranger to success. Movies like Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, Castaway and others (including the 4 previous TOY STORY movies) have made Tom Hanks a household name.

A while back, Tom Hanks was asked what his personal rules are for long-term success and he said this: SHOW UP ON TIME, KNOW THE TEXT, and HAVE AN IDEA.  These rules obviously don’t just help aspiring actors, but they can also help aspiring entrepreneurs.  Here are some thoughts on each of these key points:

SHOW UP ON TIME – By arriving where you are supposed to be ahead of time, you get a chance to center yourself and collect your thoughts.  It also shows that you are reliable and have respect for those you are meeting (no one likes it when an appointment is late).  Additionally, showing up early can have other benefits.  Getting to a networking event before it starts allows you to have conversations with the organizers and to initiate conversations with other key attendees as they arrive.

“If you are five minutes early, you are already ten minutes late.” – Vince Lombardi

KNOW THE TEXT – In Tom’s case, he was referring to knowing the script or the story that an actor might be playing or trying out for.  But really, it applies to a lot of things.  Other ways to say this might be BE PREPARED, DO YOUR HOMEWORK, KNOW THE GOALS, GET UP TO SPEED… essentially NEVER wing it.  And don’t forget the personal stuff, too!  Check social media to see what is happening in the other person’s world.  Understanding the mindset of the person you are meeting with and asking about their life can go a long way to cementing a solid relationship for you with that person.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. – Benjamin Franklin

HAVE AN IDEA – In addition to showing up on time (early) and doing your homework, you also want to have something to add to the conversation.  Everyone has a unique perspective and a different background to draw on.  Bringing some of your own thoughts and creativity to the table not only shows your individual value but it can lead to a new idea or innovation or a problem-solving solution that ultimately wins the day.  One note of caution: Be authentic but don’t be so married to any one idea that you get upset if that contribution is ignored.  Have the mindset of wanting the WIN-WIN situation and work together to help create it.  If one idea doesn’t fly, be open to offering or trying another!

“I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.” – John Cage

BONUS THOUGHT – SPOILER ALERT!

(some revealing of the movie’s plot here):

There is an underlying message in TOY STORY 5 that might also help you when marketing your business.  The movie revolves around the battle between modern technology and traditional toys. Ultimately, the conclusion at the end is that toys and tech can work together for the joy and benefit of the children. Both are, in fact, needed.

In a very similar way, there is a battle today between marketing online and marketing offline.  One is not better just because it is newer.  And the other one is not better just because it has a long history of success.  Each complement each other when working together for the success and benefit of the business.  Both are, in fact, needed.

“Trust is built offline, but scale happens online.” — Elevated Marketing Solutions

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Bob Salvas is a Professional Development Manager for the RI Builders Assn, a marketing consultant, the founder of Momentum Networking, and the co-founder of THE MARKETING CAMP, a yearly conference to help small businesses achieve success.  For more information about THE MARKETING CAMP, go to themarketingcamp.com.  Bob can be reached at 401-359-1602 or at [email protected].