I just got through watching Zombieland - who doesn't love a great Zombie movie and it occurred to me that there are some great lessons for those starting up their first business.

Rule #1: 406 is your worst nightmare

So 406 was the girl next door who Columbus let into his apartment only to find out in the morning that she was a Zombie. Well, there's a business lesson here. When starting up your business, you are going to eventually be in the position of really needing somebody to help you REALLY bad. You are going to want to let them into your apartment with the hopes that they will help make your business grow.Unfortunatly, you will be tempted to not be discriminating and they will become a Zombie right in front of you and threaten to destroy your business. Don't let them in - no matter how much you need somebody.

Rule #2: The Bill Murray Rule

Bill Murray - not a Zombie - plays golf every day at Riviera (walks on) by looking like a Zombie so he is left alone. Remember, you need to look like you belong on the course even in business. Know your market and what they like, what they don't like. Become Bill Murray and fit into your market space. You will be able to move about and make sales because you have credibility.

Rule #3: Nut Up or Shut Up

Crude but true. In Zombieland you have to do a gut check and go ahead and do what you need to, whether it's opening a door, getting gas, or checking out a grocery store, or getting a map to the movie stars' homes. In StartupLand, you have to pick up the phone, get in the car, or whatever it takes to get in front of your customers. It's tough. But you have to learn to nut up and do what it takes.

Rule #4: Bring a Banjo

When checking out the local market for supplies, Tallahassee brings a banjo. This goes along with #3 (Nut up or Shut Up), you need something that's going to make some noise. In addition, you need to get multiple uses out of all your tools. In Tallahassee's case, it both rang the dinner bell for the Zombies, but also was an effective weapon. In a startup, make sure you have your banjo.

Rule #5: Make sure you are prepared when you turn the lights on

The girls, Wichita and Little Rock, go to Pacific Playland at night and turn everything on. Unfortunately, they forgot that they had rung the dinner bell (see #4), placing themselves in serious danger as Zombies from all over the area converged on them. As a startup, make sure you are prepared when you ring the dinner bell. You need customers/users and you need to make sure they have a great experience so do your prep work ahead of time. Don't take shortcuts in order to get something to market today. You may not get a second shot. Look at Friendster, bad experiences made people look elsewhere. On the other hand, look at how Google rolls out new apps - limited beta until they know they have it right then a public release.