Oprah Winfrey is one of the world’s most powerful and influential women. As the former host of the Oprah Winfrey Show and CEO of Harpo Productions and the Oprah Winfrey Network, she has amassed a fortune of around $2.7 billion.
Oprah swiftly rose to fame despite working in an industry dominated by white males. Whatever she touches seems to turn to gold, and if she mentions a product or service, you can expect to increase sales overnight. Winfrey is also the only woman in the world to have appeared on TIME Magazine’s ‘Most Influential People’ list ten times. Some have even argued that she has more credibility than the president.
As a business, there are plenty of lessons that we can learn from this influential business magnate. Read on to learn more…
Tune in to your audience
As a talk show host, Winfrey is never afraid to ask bold questions whilst demonstrating a genuine, caring and empathetic character. She is highly attuned to her audience and knows exactly what content they will love. She uses her plainspoken curiosity to encourage her guests to talk about their stories to the world.
People love a business that is honest and genuine. If your audience can relate to you on a human level then they will be more likely to take action and buy into your products or services whilst spreading the word about your business to others.
Take Risks
Oprah Winfrey has always pushed boundaries. One of her most controversial moves was to invite a group of neo-Nazis onto her show, which catapulted her into the public spotlight. Although Winfrey later admitted that she regretted the decision, this showed her audience that she wasn’t afraid to take risks.
As a business, it is always important to think outside the box and take risks. Although some of those risks will of course wind up being unsuccessful, by demonstrating to your audience that you are not afraid, you will be more likely to get strong attention for your brand and generate a committed, loyal following.
Explore New Avenues
Despite the fact that the Oprah Winfrey Show was so successful, Winfrey did not stop there. Since then, she has explored new avenues including The Oprah Magazine, the Oprah Winfrey Network, five books, films, apps, a TV and radio show as well as the website, Oprah.com.
Always avoid remaining stagnant as a business. Push your business to new heights to testing out new strategies to gauge the response. When you establish what works, stick to it but never be afraid to try new things.
Be an Influencer
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential women in the world and anybody that has appeared on her show has become an overnight success as a result. Books that have featured in her book club have gone from average sales to staggering sales within the weeks after being included, demonstrating just how big her influence is.
If you can learn to be attuned to your followers, take risks and explore new avenues, over time your followers will regard you as an influential figure that they can confide in.
Though it’s easier said than done to become as big a brand as Oprah, through passion, determination, honesty and communication, you stand a better chance of creating a memorable brand experience that lets you shine above the competition and excel as a business.
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