Each week, I learn how to perform better in my business by watching other people. Formal mentors are great, and coaches are wonderful also. But did you know that you can learn many things on your own simply by studying and then adopting the productivity habits of others? This week, instead of success tips, I'm excited to bring you “Success People!”
When you proactively observe what successful people do, you'll begin to see patterns of behavior that you can model to create the outcomes you desire. Get into the habit of studying the actions of people who have accomplished what you want to accomplish. Set aside time each week to digest what they do and how they do it. Here are 10 small business “Success People” to follow, each one a member of the Indie Beauty Network, of course!:
- Kristin Fraser-Cotte. Kristin (photo, upper right) is CEO of The Grapeseed Company, Kristin offers products containing grapeseed and other wine extracts. Since she lives in the lush wine country of Santa Barbara, Ca, she is perfectly positioned to leverage relationships with wineries to help her business grow. How can you leverage relationships that complement your business? Watch Kristin to see how it's done.
- Gina Rafkind. At Veda Sun, Gina makes aromatherapy bodycare and facial care products. She also uses her personal journey to create information products that complement her cosmetics line as they empower people to relax and enjoy an uncluttered life. How can you leverage your personal power to expand your product line and create new opportunities for yourself to grow? Watch Gina to see how it's done
- Laureen Falco. Laureen (photo, bottom right) owns Lyrical Concepts where she makes soy candles and jewelry. Not only that, she'a prolific writer and she has created a popular DVD that teaches others how to make soy candles. Laureen is also a musical performer, an accountant, a writer and a jewelry maker. OK, so you probably can't do all that just by observing her, but you can sure get some insights into how one person makes it her business to achieve so much, and so well. How can you use your natural talents and gifts to create new products? Watch Laureen to see how it's done. (And for a fun laugh, watch this video of Laureen's bloopers and outtakes at the social networking site!)
- Debbie Chialtas. Debbie is the award-winning creative genius mind behind Soapylove, a soap crafting company. In addition to being a wife and mom to two very young children, Debbie publishes a soap crafting magazine, makes soap and teaches people how to make soap. I have watched Debbie insert some pretty impressive efficiencies into her business model over the years, making it possible for her to do and be many things and have substantial results to show for it. How can you focus to accomplish more even though there are only 24 hours in a day. Watch Debbie to see how it's done.
- Jamyla Bennu. Calling herself the “Grand Mixtress,” Jamyla (photo, upper left) makes Oyin brand cosmetics with an emphasis on natural hair care for people of color. Joined by her husband and partner Pierre, Jamyla also manages the “Oyin HoneyBees,” what she calls the women who help her make the products. She and her husband are also fun and entertaining, and you simply must check out the Late Night Oyin Podcast Show. This is the show to watch if you are in the mood to just laugh. How can you entertain people as you also sell your products? Watch Jamyla to see how it's done.
- Linda Balon Stein. Linda owns Zosimos Botanicals, and she makes mineral makeup and skin care products in a 100% wind powered facility. When I first met Linda, she told me about how she outfitted her entire business with furniture and equipment from The Freecycle Network. Linda puts her money where her mouth is when it comes to running a business in ways that respect the environment and line up with how she lives her life personally. How can you run your business in more environmentally friendly ways? Watch Linda to see how it's done.
- Funlayo Alabi. Along with her husband, Funlayo (photo, bottom left) owns Shea Radiance, which imports shea butter and black soap from Africa. The couple ran their business for many years while holding down full-time jobs and also caring for their two young sons. Last year, Funlayo left her job to focus on Shea Radiance's wholesale and retail divisions. It's a huge lifestyle change, and one that many people say they want to enjoy for themselves. How can you start a business that allows you to transition from employee to CEO? Watch Funlayo to see how it's done.
- Charlene Sevier. Charlene owns The Bead Dreamer, where she makes stunning handmade jewelry like this and this. Charlene's work is labor intensive. She polishes metals, strings beads, wraps wires and even makes chains. And she does all of this while also managing to edit a blog and participate actively on Twitter and other social networks, including IBN's. How can you turn a true handmade craft into a profitable business? Watch Charlene to see how it's done.
- Lela Barker. While her daughters were still toddling and in diapers, Lela began a journey as a single mom. With no home of her own, no job, no degree and no plan, she started making sugar scrubs in her mother's basement (where she also lived for a while). Today, she owns Bella Lucce, a million dollar company and recently launched a non-profit business to empower artisans in Morocco. How can you start a business, even though you're a single mom with seemingly no options? Watch Lela to see how it's done.
- Valerie Reed. Valerie owns Valana Minerals, a makeup company specializing in foundation shades for women of color. Valerie is relentless in her focus. In addition to running her business and now shipping products to Whole Foods Markets, one of her newest wholesale customers, Valerie is also a professor of sociology at a local community college. Valerie likes her work, and she puts her sociology expertise to good use by studying human behavior and using what she learns to create better products and make her business more profitable. How can you use your educational or work background to make your business more successful? Watch Valerie to see how it's done.
IBN is filled with hundreds of people who make great examples to follow, so it was hard to narrow it down to these ten. I will repeat this post soon with some more fantastic people for you to observe and learn from!
Question: Who do you recommend we follow?
