Where have I been?

I had no idea that Kathy Ireland was such a success story. The founder of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, a 1.4 BILLION dollar corporation, with 50,000 products, sold in 40 countries around the world, she understands business. I remember her as one of the supermodels of the 90′s but have come to realize that she is so much more…

As she stood there, poised and very well spoken, I took some notes. Her message was very clear and the base that she kept returning to was don’t let criticism keep you down. Seems that she had plenty of people setting limitations on her as a model. A few times people actually told her not to speak because they thought her voice was bad. Often treated, literally, like she didn’t have a brain in her head, she would be positioned on the set like a dummy. There she would stand, thinking about her true love, business.

Here’s What Kathy Had to Say:

• You are your own brand – make every experience with you a lasting impression.
• Brands succeed because they have relationships.
• Well branded people and products will outperform.
• Women join brands – they’re loyal to a brand.
• Corporate America no longer controls brands
• Host socials to promote your brand.
• Just because it’s never been done doesn’t mean it CAN’T be done.
• Learn from criticism – look for those people who are honest and have them tell you the truth.

Don’t Just Sit There…

All this is great, but the biggest thing I learned from Kathy Ireland was to jump up when the Q & A time comes. I always like to get up there and get a minute with the star. (At an event in Boston a few years back, I pitched a TV show to Tim Gunn at the mic during a Q & A.) So when they opened up to the floor I ran to get in line. Well, Kathy was very thorough in her answers and only two people were able to get their questions in. When they came to tell us there was no more time, I know I looked like I would cry, so as a consolation, they sent me and two others to the FRONT of the line. With hundreds of Diamond Members, these are the people paying the big bucks, waiting to get their photos taken with Kathy, I was escorted right up to the fount. I ended up being the very first person to get my picture taken with her at the event. Moral of the story is this, “Don’t just sit there, jump up and great things will happen!”

Make sure you read my post Polish and the Mob. You’ll learn about how celebrities can help your business.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have. I’ve been amazed at how many people have questions about ideas, strategies and techniques written about in my blog, but only ask me in person. I welcome your questions and comments so please don’t miss this opportunity to get some expert advice.