How a Meme Reflects the Path to Success

Let’s talk about one of the most relatable memes out there: the iconic “I was a businessman… doing business.” You’ve probably seen it before—a quote turned meme, poking fun at the simplicity with which some people approach the idea of running a business. But here’s the thing: this meme isn’t just funny, it’s a great reminder of what it takes to succeed in business. It's about doing what needs to be done taking action, solving problems, and moving on. That's a mindset we welcome here at Bangin' Biz.

Patrick Davison says in his essay The Language of Internet Memes that every meme has an "ideal"-the central concept or value it tries to convey. The ideal for this meme is pretty simple: business success is not always about being flashy or overcomplicating things. Sometimes, it is simply about showing up and handling your responsibilities. It's a message that resonates profoundly with entrepreneurs and dreamers who know the key to building something great merely is taking consistent, meaningful steps forward. As Davison writes, "The ideal dictates the behavior, which in turn creates the manifestation," for this meme, the ideal is straightforward: roll up your sleeves and get to work​(davison).

What makes this meme so powerful is how it spreads and evolves. According to Know Your Meme, memes like this gain traction because they're adaptable and relatable. The quote might be used to poke fun at over-simplicity, but its versatility allows it to connect with people in different industries and stages of their business journey. Whether one is hustling on a side project or running a full-scale enterprise, this meme speaks to the universal truth that success comes from doing the work even when it's not glamorous.

This meme encapsulates humor and relatability that speaks to Bangin' Biz. It reflects our approach: take action, adapt, and get things done. Success isn't about perfection; it's about persistence and making progress. That's why this meme connects so well with our mission of reminding us that anyone can succeed by putting in the work and moving forward.

Allow this to be your reminder when overthinking starts kicking in or when you are doubtful, so it proves that you don't have to have all the answers right now. Take that next step, and it all follows. Every great big business started with somebody doing business. References: Davison, Patrick. "The Language of Internet Memes." The Social Media Reader, edited by Michael Mandiberg, NYU Press, 2012, pp. 120-134.

"I Was a Businessman Doing Business." Know Your Meme, https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/i-was-a-business-man-doing-business