5 Business Lessons Gleaned From American Idol
So who doesn’t want to be a superstar?
You’re not in business to be mediocre. You wanna rock your world!
Your goal is to stand out from the competition, to extend your reach and expand your influence. So while you’re at it, why not take a few notes from America’s idols? Whether your business is just starting up or in full swing, hopefully these lessons will motivate you to rock on.
Whatever Makes You Feel Like a Rock Star
1. Be real. Be authentic. Be who you are. On American Idol, the most successful performers are ultimately themselves. They may sing other people’s songs, but they perform them with their own style, verve, and voice. They know who they are and what they want. Knowledge begets confidence.
Can you say that about your business? Successful businesses know who they are and what they stand for. They never lose sight of their “why.” And they effectively communicate all that to their audience. Though others may be singing the same tune, successful companies put their unique stamp on their product or service. Knowledge, confidence, and authenticity attract support and win fans.
2. Hustle. Do the work. Success doesn’t happen overnight. If you want to be an idol, you can’t afford to be idle. The performers who finally make it through the auditions have put in years of blood, sweat, tears, and training. And that’s just the beginning.
The same is true for any business enterprise. It takes a lot of hard work, practice, patience, time, and testing to not only launch your product but also stay on top of the competition. So be prepared to do the hustle.
3. Engage your audience. Sing directly to them. Successful Idol contestants reach out and connect with the audience. They draw the audience into their story; they seek to deliver “wow” moments. And they go after your vote with everything they’ve got.
Are you connecting with your clients like this? Successful companies know what their audience wants and needs. And they deliver. They seek to delight and provide that “wow” experience. Interact with your audience; engage in meaningful dialogue. Speak to their needs, and they will respond. They’ll not only vote for you but encourage their friends to do the same.
4. Be open to critique. Act on feedback. On the whole, the Idol judges hand out constructive criticism. They mentor and advise contestants because they want to see them succeed. And the contestants listen attentively.
It’s important to cultivate professional relationships within your field. You can learn a lot from the people who have gone before you. Attend conferences; seek out a mentor. Many successful people are happy to share their expertise and pass on their hard-won wisdom. On the flip-side, be sure to ask your customers pertinent questions as well, and use their answers to improve your product or delivery or service. Ask, listen, and learn.
5. Let passion and practice drive you to excellence. American Idol contestants are dedicated and driven. They pursue their passion with a single-minded purpose. They’re chasing their dream and doing what they love. And no amount of hard work is going to stop them.
Are you passionate about what you’re doing? About your product or service? The road to stardom is paved with hard work as well as vision. It takes a lot of passion, practice, and perseverance to make it to the big time. But when you’re real and work hard and strive to be and give the best, people will not only believe you but believe in you. And that translates into good business.
What about you?
Are you an American Idol fan? What business or life lessons have you learned from the show?
* Photo Credit: BestofWDW (Creative Commons)
