By #10: Oprah Winfrey
Lesson: Build a strong personal brand.
The talk show host and entrepreneur built a muli-billion dollar empire, thanks largely to her strong personal brand. In addition to an award-winning talk show, she has channeled her fame and fortune into a highly successful magazine and a television network set to launch this year. She ranks #165 on Forbes’ list of the 400 richest Americans.
Oprah transformed the talk show genre by bringing it into to a more personal, confessional realm. She interviews mega celebrities, experts and average Americans with a story to tell. But she doesn’t do so objectively. She shares own personal issues, struggles and adventures with her audience. American women have grown to trust her on anything from kitchen appliances to spirituality.
Not bad for a girl who was born into poverty, was allegedly raped at 9 and was pregnant (but miscarried) at 14.
Building a personal brand sets you apart from the competition. And thanks to the internet, cultivating and promoting your brand is easier than ever.
