Three Lessons I Learned From Christian Grey… Business Ones!

As women, regardless of our various levels of success, either working within the home, running a small business, or climbing the corporate ladder, one truth became very clear to me while chatting with my fellow gal pals during our daughters’ dance class. You are given the ‘stink eye’ (thank you Juno, the movie, for this phrase) if you haven’t read the 50 Shades trilogy by now. I’ll admit, I was very late to join this club but now am a proud card-carrying member. So, I write to you, while sipping coffee and listening to the 50 Shades soundtrack, hoping to set aside the images of the ‘playroom’ and draw your attention to three things I think business owners, soon to be and current, can learn, believe it or not, from our mercurial billionaire…Mr.Christian Grey.

1. Stop over thinking things – At age 21, when many of us are trying to finish college and figure out what to do, Mr. Grey was starting a business. It was radical and risky but isn’t that the secret to building something remarkable? Many of us have so many great ideas that remain mere good intentions due to lack of action. Well, at some point, we have to stop over thinking it and make a move. Chris Guillebeau says in his book The $100 Startup that in the battle between planning and action, action wins.

2. Nix the potluck mentality – Though we may bristle at Mr. Grey’s often callous interaction with his staff and just about everybody, you have to admire his ability to be direct and decisive in his actions. He gets right to the point. As women, many of us are born nurturers and conversationalists. Although we run the business, we are quick to chat off subject and suggest a potluck. We sugarcoat things. And that’s not bad..that’s what make us women and we shouldn’t try to be anything but who we are. But, I would caution you to build rapport without sacrificing business authority. Be firm, succinct, and even-tempered. Instead of a potluck, how about a team lunch over at the locally owned deli?

3. Make a positive social impact – It’s fair to say that Mr. Grey could afford to be selfish. I believe he remarked that he earned $100,000 per hour. Nice. But at the root of many of his business ventures, was an effort to bring good resources to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to them. For his own reasons, which I won’t spoil for those of you who haven’t read it, he cared. Building a business is great. Building a business that unselfishly supports the community yet fills your coffers is exceptional!

With that said, hopefully, these are points ‘well made.’