FEW TALES IN music history are as intriguing as that of “The Fifth Beatle,” Pete Best, the legendary group’s original drummer.

Don’t Let Me Down: How Best Proved Himself to the World

Did you get dropped for a business idea that would go on to achieve huge fame? You are not alone — there are millions of “Pete Best” themed stories out there and the trick is staying in the game, reinventing yourself and doing your best to forget about the past.

Simply put, The Beatles would go on to make billions of dollars and more and reshape the music and media industry as we know it. And in the end, Best was left out in the cold.

Best’s world has never been the same since his departure from the band; however, his life has taken a new direction, thanks to his innovation, direction and open mind.

These are all critical ingredients for success, whether or not you have been canned by the world’s biggest band, app company or a start-up initiative that you thought would make millions of dollars.

While Best’s departure from the band may have been a bitter pill to swallow on every level, his experiences hold valuable lessons for entrepreneurs who want to launch their brands on the market.

Here is what you can learn from Best in forgetting about the past, building a new future and growing your brand on every level.

A Hard Day’s Night: Embrace Your Unique Identity and Adaptability

As an entrepreneur, embracing your unique identity is crucial for standing out in a competitive landscape. Best’s time with The Beatles exemplifies the importance of recognizing and nurturing your distinctive talents. Every individual brings something special to the table, and leveraging those strengths will set you apart from the crowd.

Moreover, staying adaptable to changing circumstances and market trends will ensure your brand remains relevant and competitive. Best’s departure from The Beatles presented a pivotal moment in his career, and his ability to adapt and embark on a solo journey demonstrates the power of versatility. He even ventured into delivering bread and then working in the civil service. In the face of unforeseen challenges, being open to change and new possibilities can lead to exciting opportunities for growth and success — that’s what Best will teach you about perseverance and commitment.

Nowhere Man… Take Your Time, Don’t Hurry: Resilience and Learning From Failures

Best’s departure from The Beatles could have spelled the end of his music career. However, he demonstrated remarkable resilience by embarking on a solo journey and pursuing his passion for music. As an entrepreneur, setbacks are inevitable, but the ability to bounce back and keep moving forward is key to long-term success.

Learning from failures and using them as stepping stones for improvement will propel you toward achieving better results in the future. Best’s story serves as a reminder that failure is not the end, but rather a valuable learning experience and even new beginnings, no matter how you want to look at it. By analyzing what went wrong, identifying areas for improvement, and making necessary adjustments, you can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and development.

Help: Building authentic connections and consistency

The Beatles’ success wasn’t solely based on their musical talent; it was also due to their ability to connect genuinely with their audience and this included Best’s contributions in the band’s early stages. In the realm of entrepreneurship and startups, building authentic connections with clients and their target audience is essential. Being sincere, understanding their needs and crafting compelling narratives will create lasting relationships.

Moreover, maintaining consistency in delivering quality work will build a reputable brand and earn the trust of your clients. Best’s dedication to his music, even after parting ways with The Beatles, illustrates the importance of staying true to your vision and consistently delivering your best work. Consistency builds a sense of reliability and trust, fostering strong relationships with clients and customers alike. You have a brand, it failed, so what, but new audiences and new horizons await — so long as you stick with the gig.

Ticket to Ride: How Best Finally Cashed In on Success

Best stuck with his gig and playing music — working to make his drumming and sound known. And guess what? He ended up making millions of dollars from royalties from records and shows over the years. The Beatles released songs and albums which he finally capitalized on. He kept his cool and persevered and followed his own directions. Best did it his own way and so can you. Your business partner may have fired you; your innovation may have failed; a company may have screwed you out of profits; but in the end, if you stay focused, honest and real, you will at some point reap a few benefits or lots of benefits emotionally and on the monetary front. Never give up — that’s what Best encourages everyone — musicians and entrepreneurs alike.

Get Back to Where You Once Belonged: The True Beat of Best’s Vision and Mission

Best’s ambition to pursue music beyond The Beatles showcases the importance of having a clear vision and staying committed to your goals. As an entrepreneur, having a sense of purpose and ambition is crucial for driving your endeavors forward. Define your goals, maintain focus and approach each project with enthusiasm and dedication.

An unwavering commitment to your vision will help you overcome challenges and achieve success. Best’s journey teaches us that ambition can be a driving force even in the face of setbacks. Embrace your aspirations and keep pushing forward with determination, knowing that each step you take is a part of your greater journey toward success.

Best’s journey as the “Fifth Beatle” offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs. Embrace your unique identity, exhibit resilience and stay adaptable in the face of challenges.

A “Hard Day’s Night” comes for everyone, but with determination and a forward-looking mindset, you can conquer any obstacle and achieve greatness in your entrepreneurial endeavors.

Paul Fitzgerald’s column appeared in Rolling Stone on August 14, 2023.