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6 Reasons Why You Should Watch Business Documentaries Over Movies

Business documentaries offer a unique medium for understanding the complex and dynamic world of business, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Unlike movies, which are primarily meant for entertainment, business documentaries are grounded in facts and real-life events.

If you want to learn about the goods and bads of the business world, watching business documentaries can help you gain valuable insights. I don’t mean to say, it would shorten your learning curve in the practical world, but you can certainly start from a higher ground.

Let’s look at how watching these documentaries can help you grow as a professional:

1. Real-world case studies

Business documentaries usually dive into the nitty-gritty of specific companies and industries through detailed case studies. By watching these, you can really learn a lot about the problems businesses face, the clever ways they tackle those issues, and the different things that play a role in whether they succeed or fail.

2. Historical and Contextual Understanding

One of the things that make business documentaries fascinating is their ability to weave business developments into the larger tapestry of historical, social, and economic contexts.

As viewers, you get the opportunity to grasp the complex interplay of factors like market conditions, regulations, and consumer behavior.

You can check out The Men Who Built America – a documentary series that explores the lives of influential businessmen such as John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford, and how their actions and decisions shaped the American economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Must watch business documentaries
Image source: History Channel

3. Diverse Perspectives

Another standout aspect of business documentaries is that they often feature interviews with key players in the industry, ranging from CEOs to top analysts.

This offers a well-rounded look at the business scene, helping viewers grasp various facets of decision-making and problem-solving.

4. Challenge Conventional Thinking

Business documentaries can challenge conventional thinking by providing new information, perspectives, and ideas making you question your assumptions.

The true cost - business documentaries

For example, the documentary The True Cost challenges our assumptions about fast fashion and the environmental and human costs associated with the industry. Then, there is Capital in the Twenty-First Century which challenges the conventional wisdom about income inequality and economic growth.

5. Critical Thinking and Analysis

Watching business documentaries encourages viewers to think critically about the decisions, strategies, and actions taken by businesses and entrepreneurs. This thought-provoking experience not only hones your problem-solving abilities but also deepens your understanding of the complexities of the business world

One great example is Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates. This series offers invaluable insights into Bill Gates’ thought process and problem-solving skills.

6. Insider’s Insights

Business documentaries can provide an insider’s perspective on the good, the bad and the ugly of the business world.

For instance, check out the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma. It features interviews with former employees of major tech companies who spill the beans on how social media platforms use data tracking, algorithmic curation, and targeted advertising to their advantage.


Final Thoughts

So there you have it. Business documentaries are a must-watch for you if you want to sharpen your know-how about the business world. They offer a specialized lens that hones in on the nitty-gritty of the business.

While other documentaries may take a broader approach, business documentaries target specific business topics. By watching these documentaries, you’ll gain valuable insights that can help you expand your knowledge as an aspiring entrepreneur or professional.

You may also ask – why not read business books in that case? Yes, business books can also offer the same perspective, but nothing beats the hard-hitting impact of a well-crafted business documentary.

So, if you’re looking to learn about business, grow your professional skillset, or just need some inspiration from real-life success stories, you know what to do – go watch some business documentaries! Trust me, you won’t regret it.


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