This past weekend I had the opportunity to hear Kathy Ireland speak at a marketing conference in Chicago. Just before she was scheduled to be on, I was headed to the restroom and ran into her. She smiled brightly and said “hello” – like we were old friends just running into each other. I returned the smile and greeting – not putting it together fast enough that it was Kathy Ireland I was talking to. Living in Los Angeles, this happens to me often. I see someone I recognize and then after the moment has passed I realize that they are some sort of celebrity I’d seen in a movie or on TV. Duh!
Anyway, Kathy Ireland soon took the stage and shared her story. She talked about how she leveraged her super-model career into a $1.4 billion empire by creating unique lines of life-style products. She shared her triumphs and failures and then offered sage advice which I thought I would share with you.
- When working on your goals, you need to be specific.
- How much do you want to make?
- How are you going to get it?
- When you do get it, what are you going to do with it?
- Think of failure as an education.
- It’s not about making sacrifices in your life (to do without), but rather a bold investment in your future.
- Turn off the noise of negativity and surround yourself with people who will support your goals.
- There will be difficult times, but you can make it through if you believe in your dreams.
- Know your values.
- Don’t take “NO” for an answer. The best things don’t come easy.
- Build your business on existing relationships. People want to be reached on their terms.
- If you’re not being rejected, you’re not trying hard enough.
- Don’t let the rejection deter you from your dreams.
- Your passion can be contagious.
- Winning is a habit, as is losing.
- We’re all human, we all make mistakes.
- Remember our words and actions can and do impact others.
- Sometimes you have to say “no” to good things in order to achieve great things.
- Building a brand is hard work.
- You have to have a vision to achieve your goals and a true passion for what you are doing.
- Remember that being of service is the ultimate goal – you want to find solutions to help your customers or to provide them a good experience.
Inspired? I was . . . I came home from the conference and got work on my brand. Kathy Ireland is one smart cookie with an awesome body.
© 2011 Heather C. Morrow. All rights reserved
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Heather C. Morrow, owner of Pottery Daily, helps emerging artists express their true value and get paid what they are worth. Her products and services show you how to make more money, save more time while enjoying the freedom in your art. For your FREE audio go to www.marketandsellyourart.com.