#534 poison apple

Yesterday I wrote about the new line of Disney paints.  And where is this high-end magic available?  Only at Walmart, the low-end discounter.  Not what I would have suspected.

Disney's mission is "to be one of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.  Using our portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services and consumer products, we seek to develop the most creative, innovative and profitable entertainment experiences and related products in the world."  

Does it sound like a line of paints fit with that mission?  Is paint an entertainment experience or "related product"?  I think the word profitable is what is driving this business decision.  

In Good to Great, Jim Collins wrote that successful companies will have more opportunities than they can handle, and the trick will be sticking with only those that fit with their core mission and goals.  I think Disney should have let Glidden market black paint as black paint, not as Mickey Ears, and stayed in the entertainment field.  

Be wary of letting opportunity or profit drive your expansion if it takes you away from your core.  Like the witch's apple for Snow White, giving in to temptation can have its consequences.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
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