Who would you think to be Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran’s most influential mentor? Barbara says that Business Unusual is her podcast about her mother, who was her most significant mentor when it comes to business.
I have been blessed to have had many mentors. Usually, I have more than one coach, and I appreciate them all. Barbara’s podcast got me thinking. What did my mom teach me that influenced my business decisions?
My mom was not a businesswoman, but she should have. She was a master at managing money. With a modest budget, she did miracles. Before the term was invented, she was a supermom. She worked full-time, cooked, canned, cleaned, and even sewn many of her own clothes.
Even though she was constantly fighting depression, the woman was a true dynamo. It’s impossible to imagine what she could have done without her constant companion.
My mom didn’t own her own business, but her wisdom and experience have helped me to build my business. In honor of my mom’s greatness, I want to share these with you. These lessons can be equally valuable for your business.
Lesson 1: Show kindness to others
My mom was known for being kind and gentle. Her importance was placed on connections. People constantly referred to her and had positive things to say about them. In your business, your reputation precedes you. Positive reviews are earned when you’re kind. People will turn to you. Your business’s heart is built on relationships. You should treat the people around your company with respect.
Lesson 2: Keep your promises.
My mom was against skipping out at the last minute because she didn’t feel like it and blowing off people because she had another offer. Once made, commitments had meaning and were to be kept. That teaching has always been important to me. It’s priceless to build trust with others, whether that’s clients, colleagues, or team members. Another way to build relationships!
Lesson #3: Work hard.
My mom was known for her ability to work. Work. The energizer bunny never stopped. My mom was the reason I am willing to work hard. It takes hard work to achieve business success. It is not possible to be successful in business if you pretend it does or listens to someone tell you that there is a shortcut. You will be closer to achieving your goals if you understand the importance of hard work and are willing to put in the effort.
Lesson 4: Be persistent even when it is difficult.
She stuck with the projects. She found a way. She didn’t view gender, past experience, or current skill sets as obstacles. She persevered past the barriers and was focused on the end result. She taught me that you could never lose hope if it is something you genuinely want. This applies to your business and your impact. Find a way through difficult times. A mentor can help you get through tough times.
Lesson 5: Know when you should quit.
You might be thinking that I just said persevere. It is essential to know when it is time to relax. This is more of an anti-lesson. My mom didn’t know when to stop and when to take a step back. This sometimes backfired. Even if it’s only temporarily, I have learned the importance of knowing when to stop. It’s crucial to recognize when something isn’t working in your business. Is there a better way? Are there any adjustments I could make to the plan I had?
Many of us live in a world where people have gifts for us. My mom was a gift to me in many ways. Now, to you. Class dismissed.
Ursula Jorch, a speaker and business coach, helps entrepreneurs build a business that makes a positive impact on the world. Ursula Jorch, a 21-year-old successful entrepreneur, allows entrepreneurs to define their purpose and create strategy and marketing to increase their impact.