Oprah Winfrey built a media empire using the same basic principles that has earmarked every successful entrepreneur. You can apply the same ones to drive your own success.
When you look at your role models, have you had what I call a pity-party? It’s where you sit, wondering (with lots of envy), why not me? Those moments where you think, ”I do the same things and, just like cooking, mine looks nothing like the pictures.” I have had some of the best pity-parties the world has seen. I began to study my role models, really study, to work out what the differences are and how I could change me. I would like, over a series of articles, to share with you just how each one of my role models actually does the cooking…
Oprah Winfrey is a unique story and there are many factors that contributed to her enormous success, including personal qualities like relentless drive and belief. Like most self-made business people, Oprah Winfrey is smart, talented and persistent. Following her as a business role model for decades, I already know that Oprah’s business Harpo has – business plans, an operating model, mission statement, strategies, adaptability and core values. I have copies of each of them (its on their website).
So What Is the Difference?
A recent article by Jenna Goudreau captures the essence of how the media queen’s strategy for success is based on three branches of leadership: Her team, vision and values.
- Manage relationships: Relationship building is the core of the Winfrey leadership – her TV success hinges on her ability to connect. So how does Winfrey harness that capacity in every business activity? She hires and nurtures top talent, cultivates mentors and powerful allies, and, above all, sustains her relationship with her audience.
- Define and pursue your vision: The ability to dream big isn’t unique; we can all do it. It’s Oprah’s ability to sustain her vision that truly sets her apart. Goudreau notes that Winfrey built her empire step by step – using her television show to found a production company and then diversifying into print, radio and online media businesses and launching a high-profile charitable foundation.
- Focus on core values: Winfrey’s central message is “live your best life,” and it’s a value she applies to everything – whether reinventing herself, exploring self-help techniques with her audience or engaging in philanthropic activities, Winfrey consistently delivers an optimistic message: Positive change is possible.
You can learn from Winfrey’s remarkable example no matter what industry you’re in or what your key strengths as a woman business leader are. Following these three principles, you can build a foundation for success in your enterprise. Make sure you manage relationships carefully, building and maintaining ties with customers, mentors and allies. Identify and pursue your vision, sustaining it in all aspects of your business and personal life. Lastly, centre all your activies on your core values. You cannot sustain your vision unless you connect all that you do to the whole of what you do. Read Jeanna Goudreau’s complete Forbest article, How to Lead Like Oprah.
