It can be so easy these days to make assumptions and judgements about people. People we may never have met.  Everybody is living their life in the public eye and so we feel that they are somehow subject to criticism because of that.  Take the Kardashians (or Car Crash-ions as French and Saunders called them).  They are subjects of equal ridicule and slavish admiration.  Many people see them as vacuous self-promoters who create little of value and live an over-indulged extravagant lifestyle (I’ve been guilty of some of this judgement myself!). But here’s the thing - they all work pretty bloody hard to a) keep themselves in shape, b) engage in constant self promotion and media via social networks, c) engage with their audience, and, d) continue to look for new products and revenue sources for themselves.  Now, love or hate them you’ve got to give it to them that as modern business they make the most of the various platforms that are available.  They do not rest on their laurels or stagnate.  My point is that much of what they do is the foundation for any successful business and so there’s something to be learned from them.  You may not like their product or delivery but you can’t fault their basic business acumen.  And they’ve all got their own niches going too!

It can be easy to dismiss people or businesses that don’t align with our idea of a ‘proper’ business but if someone is successful, particularly over the long term you’ve got to consider that they know something about building and maintaining success.  You may argue that people have a big profile because of who they are or how they look but there’s plenty of people who build businesses from scratch.  Plenty who build businesses without major financial backing. Plenty who start their business from their kitchen table or garage and go onto grow a successful and profitable business.  Instead of dismissing some of the more flamboyant or celebrity successes that you see  try and remember that they are all just people too.  Go check their profiles and see if there’s anything you can learn from them.  Let a little admiration for others success replace envy and you’ll find its a much nicer feeling.  And while we’re on the subject don’t forget a little admiration for yourself and what you’re trying to do too!  That’s also a pretty nice feeling!

Till next time,

Sarah-Jane

P.S. If you want to join me there’s lots of ways to connect,

Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/houseboundbusiness/

Website - https://www.sjsmith.com.au/

Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/sjsmithartist/

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/housebound_business_community/

Art Products - https://society6.com/sjsmith