Beyonce is a global brand recognized for her talent, beauty, and work ethic. She is a true inspiration for men and women alike, because her brand sends out one strong message – Follow your dreams. I have been a loyal fan since her Destiny’s Child days and many of us have watched her career evolve into what it is today. There is a dark side to being a personality brand but the perks definitely outweigh the cons. Here are six lessons we would all do well to learn from her.


1. Follow your Passion – Not the Money

Chasing money is fine and we all do it, but don’t let it be your primary motivator. I never understood the logic behind this reasoning until recently. The reason is very simple: Motivation based on achieving material things runs out. True passion doesn’t.

Beyonce has worked on her career most of her life, something very few people can claim. Her dedication and work ethic got her to where she is now, and will take her to new greater heights.

2. Control your Brand & PR

One thing about Beyonce is how well recognized her brand is, and an awsm PR team to boot! One of the best PR teams in the world, I’d say. Just like many other celebrities in the music industry, she has had her fair share of scandals and rumors because her private life is fodder for public consumption – everybody wants a piece, and the tabloids are willing to pay top-dollar for any information on her.

Her brand is recognized world over, in English and non-English speaking countries, because she makes an effort to be involved in all her deals. She doesn't just put her name on something and leave it for other people to handle. Branding is an essential part of controlling your PR. Determine what you want your brand to be, develop a branding strategy, then dedicate yourself to working on it consistently.

3. Teamwork

One person can't possibly do everything by themselves. Even if you can, you excel in some areas over others. Though you may have to do everything yourself in a start-up, bring in other people in different capacities as you go along. Focus on what you excel in, and bring in other people who also excel in what they do. Synergy works wonders!


4. Be Creative & Ambitious

Beyonce has set herself apart from everyone else by doing her thing, her way. She set high goals for herself and her team, and finds ways of achieving them. Though she is obviously influenced by other artists in the industry, she puts her on spin on everything. Find a way to be creative in whatever field you are in. So even when you decide to follow a trend, make sure to make it your own. That’s the only way you will stand out from the crowd.

5. Reinvent yourself

Times change, and your audience and/or market changes. You need to change along with it. Do not let yourself get stuck in the ‘good old days’. Nobody cares. To stay on top, you have to be on top. Take the lead and others will follow.

Beyonce has been a trendsetter since her work began featuring on the billboards. Many fans have stayed loyal for 10+ years and only because she has kept herself current by constantly reinventing her image.

6. Diversify

She is a prime example of a celebrity who has been able to leverage her popularity and her brand to organize multimillion sponsorship deals with brands such as Pepsi and L’Oreal. She has taken it a step further by launching House of Deréon with her mother, several fragrances, and featured in a number of movies. There’s no need to limit yourself. Explore whatever sparks your interest and have fun doing it. You never know where that path will lead you