3 Business Lessons from Susan Boyle
Posted By admin on April 20, 2009
I am loving this woman and her newly-found fame!
I’m sure you recognize her, who doesn’t know her these days? This is a picture of Susan Boyle, the woman who wowed the world on Britain’s version of “America’s Got Talent” just a few days ago. In a matter of hours, this humble woman went from being an unemployed villager to an overnight sensation.
I saw her last night on CNN’s Larry King Show and her presence was inspiring. And when I hear her speak and think of her story, I see a myriad of lessons for those of us in business. These lessons aren’t novel or new, but are worth repeating, especially now when the economy is taking its toll on us all.
Lesson #1: Just Do It! Sometimes we all need a push out of our comfort zone to do what we’re in the game to do. Prior to auditioning for the show, Susan seldom left the confines and comforts of her small village. Going to the studio and getting up on that big stage took a lot of courage and as business people, we can learn a lot from her example.
Lesson #2: Ignore The Naysayers. Did you see how rude the judges and the audience were to Susan? When Larry King asked how she rose above that, Susan Boyle simply answered that she had to do what she’d come to do and couldn’t let the hecklers and haters deter her. (These are my words not hers.)
That’s remarkable! How many of us get sidetracked by what others think or discouraged because someone else refuses to believe in our dream?
Lesson #3: Be Authentic. Offers are coming out of the woodwork from people who want to give Susan Boyle a beauty makeover. So far she’s refused. Good for her! She’s planning to remain true to her to who she is and not allow others to mold her into what they think she should be.
What a great lessson to those of us in business. We need to stick with our brand and those who recognize the value we bring will come. (Like Simon Cowell who is reportedly planning to offer Susan a record deal whether she wins the show’s competition or not!)
Nothing new here, but important lessons worth repeating.
I take my hat off to Susan Boyle. As far as I’m concerned, she’s already won.
Susan Boyle is an exceptionally talented lady who’s been subjected to considerable criticism in the media. IMHO she deserves all of the success that she is currently enjoying.