Lessons for Business as American Idol Hopefuls Step Into The Spotlight

Yup, it’s another season of American Idol. Ellen’s in. Simon’s on board for his last season (Miss you already Simon) and the lessons for entrepreneurs abound.

Just a singing contest. Hardly. Just like it’s not a “Who’s the best accountant?” contest when your prospects are looking for a new money man. It’s about personal branding. Standing out. Being memorable. Being engaging. Being unique. It’s about having a story.

Did you notice tonight (you watch it, admit it…) that Simon said he liked the idea of a lowly (no he didn’t use that word, but clearly implied) waitress doing well in the competition. Or that only a couple of people in each lineup, the two with the best stories I’ll bet, were featured from episode to episode. The endearing backwoods contestant who’d never been on an “aeroplane” before and her gushing mama. The sister with a houseful of developmentally challenged brothers cheering her on. The father who chose Hollywood week over his wife who is in labor with his first born ’cause the dream means so much to him. The mom who tatooed the name of her baby “Anthony” on her back while the American Idol cameras looked on.

If you think it’s only about being the best singer, then you probably also think it’s about being the best estates lawyer. Not so much.

Stay tuned for coverage of American Idol from a business perspective all season.

Tsufit Out