What Would Dolly Do?

When times get tough, ask yourself one question:

What Would Dolly Do?

So, it begins.

Saturday night, I found myself back at the scene of our recent Block Party—(Brighton Open Air Theatre.)

If you have yet to see it, then this is what you have been missing.

This time, it was a night of rhinestones and song.

Why?

Am I a big Country music fan?

Have I hit 50 and ditched my Hip-Hop gear for a Stetson and Spurs?

Well, no.

It just sounded like a lot of fun, so why not?

400 people of all ages, laughing, singing, and dancing the night away.

It was pure joy.

But it got me thinking:

You don’t have a career as long as Dolly’s without being a shrewd cookie.

She’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship.

So here are just a few things we can learn from her.

Know Your Brand and Own It

Dolly’s one of the most recognisable brands on the planet, and she owns it fully—her style, voice, even her wig.

She’s always been faithful to herself, never chasing trends. In business, be clear on who you are and what you stand for.

Consistency builds trust.

Diversify and Innovate

Dolly’s not just a singer—she’s an empire.

From Dollywood to children’s books, she’s constantly innovating.

Businesses stagnate when they stick to one model.

Dolly stays relevant by expanding her reach.

Know Your Audience

Dolly knows exactly who her fans are.

She speaks directly to them, staying true to her roots. In business, know your customer.

Build your product or service for them. Connection comes from authenticity.

Strategic Collaborations

Dolly’s a pro at picking the right partners. From Kenny Rogers to Miley Cyrus, her collaborations make sense.

In business, it’s about teaming up with the right people to expand your influence and bring fresh ideas.

Turn Setbacks Into Opportunities

Remember when Elvis wanted to record "I Will Always Love You," but Dolly said no because he wanted half the rights?

We all know how well that turned out a few years later when Whitney got hold of it..

In business, know when to say no.

Stick to your values, and don’t sell yourself short.

Give Back

Dolly’s a philanthropist.

Her Imagination Library has given away millions of books because she grew up knowing her dad couldn't read.

In business, it’s about more than profits.

Could you make a positive impact?

So ask yourself:

What Would Dolly Do?

Be authentic, work hard, innovate, know your audience, collaborate smartly, stick to your values, and give back.

And wear more sequins.

I'm all about the sequins.

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So, what musical icons can I learn from?

Let me know,

Until next time: