I just received this newsletter from a coaching colleague of mine and absolutely LOVE it. Lots of valuable insight and, since I don't need to reinvent the wheel, decided to share it with you.
I know I'm going to be closely reviewing these 7 Lessons from Carol Thompson of Fired up and Fabulous drawn from the highly acclaimed, albeit controversial, singer, Lady Gaga, as I prepare my next 90-day goals on Monday. How about you?
Carol wrote:
As a singer, I am particularly drawn to voices of true artists who have skillfully developed their vocal talents and gifts and who can sing and perform "unplugged", as opposed to many singers today whose voices are "studio-produced". Stefanie Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, is a brilliant, acoustical singer. More interestingly, however, her talents go beyond the singing stage and she has emerged as a truly gifted leader and marketer (emphasis added).In spite of various opinions of Lady Gaga's music and persona, there is no question that she has managed to position herself as an international icon in just a few short years. With more Twitter followers than anyone on the planet and the world's most successful Facebook page, she has established an extraordinarily successful branding second to none in her industry. How did she do this so quickly? Instead of relying on chance, she used her unique combination of talent, charisma, drive, and business savvy to become one of the most influential leaders of our day. Lady Gaga's rise to fame provides an example for any entrepreneur. From the book, "What You Can Learn from Lady Gaga", by the Editors of New Word City, here are some lessons ala Gaga.
Lesson One: Find a mentor. It was only after Gaga found a mentor that she was able to launch her career. Mentors not only inspire but are links to worlds that you have yet to discover, opening up all kinds of new possibilities. Surround yourself with talent and give credit whenever possible.
Lesson Two: Find your "fans." Knowing how difficult it was for new artists to get air time, Gaga courted the gay community and marketed to their fan base. It was this single act that has created her greatest and most loyal followers and was a tipping point in her career. Define, connect with, and cultivate your niche and core customers.
Lesson Three: Mess with success. Although Gaga was selling out her shows, she was continually revising them until they were up to her standards. Don't be afraid to review your processes and change them to keep them fresh and on track.
Lesson Four: Be open to inspiration. Inspiration keeps you fresh, feeds ideas and energizes you.
Lesson Five: Take risks. Leadership is about being bold and breaking the mold. Take a look at your organization or career and see where it may be stagnating and what actions are necessary to revive it.
Lesson Six: Form an emotional bond with your customers. Lady Gaga has a profound connection with her fans, dubbing them her "little monsters." She has made them a part of her family and invests in them as a part of the way she invests in her own career and success. At her concerts she extols them to believe in themselves and to reach for their goals and dreams.
Lesson Seven: Know what you want. Lady Gaga was possessed with becoming famous and every action supported that goal. It's a simple concept but too often in our careers we slip into a reactive and passive mode. Remind yourself daily of why you are in this career and business and do whatever it takes to reach your goals.
Promising you, too,
MORE PROFIT
TONS MORE FUN
RETIREMENT ... on your terms!
'Cause that's what it's all about.
Smith's Falls, Ontario
Las Vegas, Nevada
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