Business Lessons From My Favourite TV Shows!

What is the #1 question asked weekly by ‘Mr. Wonderful” – Kevin O’Leary?

Who really chooses the winners of the Mirror Ball on Dancing with the Stars?

I do watch TV on a regular basis and I’m not ashamed to admit it. These days, it seems like it’s a bad thing to watch TV – but that all depends on WHAT you are watching and why.

It’s a weekly ritual for me to watch ‘Mr. Wonderful”, Kevin O’Leary, both on (Canada’s) Dragons’ Den and on (U.S.) Shark Tank. What I have learned from the dragons and the sharks is this:

1) Know your numbers.
2) Be clear and concise in your presentation when asking investors for money.
3) And be able to answer their question: “How Am I Going To Make Money From This?”

And many of you know already, that I am totally addicted to the show, “Dancing With The Stars”! What I have learned from that show is:

1) Be humble and open to learning new things – no matter what your level of expertise in other areas.
2) It takes hard work to master a skill.
3) It’s the fans who really determine the winners of the famous Mirror Ball.

So, what does this have to do with my world of being an entrepreneur? What does this have to do with growing a business, making money and a profit and being able to make a big difference in the world?

EVERYTHING!

As a business coach, I work with women entrepreneurs all the time who have a passion and purpose for the work they do. The one thing they always need to learn is business skills and, in particular, how to read their numbers!

Another important skill is public speaking and giving presentations. It’s very clear that, on these TV shows with investors, you have a very brief period of time to present your business and ask for what you want. No different with the rest of us when speaking with prospects – they are not interested in having you go on and on and on trying to explain what it is you do. And you’ve got to have a clear plan on how you are going to make money and make a profit in your business.

The bottom line is that to succeed in business we must be humble, be continuously learning, listen to our clients and customers (they are the ones who will keep us in business!) – andremember to do the happy dance when we accomplish great things. It’s ok to celebrate!

So, yes, I do watch TV and I really enjoy it – whether the seriousness of the business shows – or the sheer pleasure for the entertainment on the likes of Dancing with the Stars. There’s always a take-away for me and the key to my success is that I implement what I learn!