Friday, November 5, 2010

What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta"


Forbes.com:

My obsession with Bravo’s The Real Housewivesbegan a few years ago with the women from Orange County. Since then, I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with the girls of Hotlanta. At times, I can totally relate to what’s going on in their lives, but there are moments when I could do without the ratings-driven drama and stereotypes of black women.

As with anything I watch on TV, there has to be some educational element built into the show or it’s not worth my time tuning in. The lessons aren’t always obvious so it’s important to pay close attention and catch the reruns if necessary. Here are a few takeaways from the season thus far.

GOALS

During season two, Kim Zolciak debuted her iTunes single, “Tardy for the Party,” which was produced by fellow Housewife, Kandi Buress. Fast forward to season three and Kim still doesn’t have a clue as to where she wants her newfound singing career to go.

When Buress asked what she wanted next, Zolciak replied, “I don’t know.” It’s been reported that the single has made close to six figures and Kim has had a number of appearances and performances. The last thing she should want is to have all of the hype die down without leveraging it for more exposure, money, and longevity. We all know the shelf life of a reality star’s celebrity status is short lived.

Reality Check: Have a plan before you start. It doesn’t have to be detailed, but do map out next steps. If the only reason you’re getting in the game is to become the next one-hit-wonder, you’re better off watching from the sidelines.

CONTRACTS
When Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Kandi Buress produced Kim’s single, she did so without having a binding legal contract. Surprising since Kandi’s professional music industry experience dates back to 1992.

I’m sure Kandi did this only because the two are friends, and as a result, she forfeited any rights to profit off the project. Buress stated if she works with Zolciak in the future, she’s treating it like business as usual and getting paid accordingly. I can’t fathom Buress herself not officially signing on the dotted line last year with Capitol Records, although that deal has since dissolved.

Reality Check: Business attorneys aren’t exclusively reserved for tycoons, pro athletes, and major corporations. Sooner or later you’ll need legal advice. Interview a few and have one on stand-by for when the need arises.
It's funny what you can learn from just listening to the rich and famous instead of ridiculing them.

1 comment:

  1. I happened upon your blog and was shocked at some of the things going on with the housewives. I'm not sure that we as Americans understand the quote "All that glitters isn't gold" When you look at many of the housewives and what has happened to them as a result of them changing even a small part of themselves it should make us sad. People have sold every ounce of dignity for fifteen minutes, many have gained fame and lost themselves. While many people would sell their souls for what some of these and other realty stars have achieved my question to you is "Is it worth it?"

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