Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • About
    • About the Chamber
    • Board of Directors
    • Trustees & Chairman's Circle
    • FAQs
    • Staff
    • Contact
  • Calendars
    • Chamber Events
    • Member Events
    • Community Events
  • Membership
    • Why Join
    • Membership Application
    • Investment Levels
    • Business Directory
    • Member Login
  • Programs
    • Signature Events >
      • Monthly Events
      • NonProfits
      • Senior Health
      • Women in Business
      • Pinnacle
      • Sip & Taste
      • Holiday
      • Home Fair
    • Affinity Programs
    • Marketing
    • Ribbon Cuttings
    • Scholarships
  • Involvement
    • Committees
    • Referral Groups >
      • Power Partners
      • Nexus
    • Ambassadors
    • Speakers
  • Business
    • Development Resources
    • Broward Scorecard
    • Permits
    • Bids
    • Veterans
    • Health
    • Disaster Preparedness
    • Certificates of Origin
  • Advocacy
    • Legislative Agenda
    • Elected Officials
    • Voting
  • Community
    • Community Calendar
    • Submit an Event
    • City of Miramar
    • City of Pembroke Pines
    • Why Here?
    • Relocation
  • News
    • 2024 Community Guide
    • Blog
    • Job Bank
    • Coupons
    • Press Releases

Chamber Blog

11 Things Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Jimmy Buffet

9/22/2023

5 Comments

 
​On September 1, 2023, we lost a big name in music–Jimmy Buffet. As always happens when a celebrity passes, suddenly everyone is talking about him and his myriad contributions to entertainment. But Buffet’s popularity wasn’t because of his complex songs or his professionally-trained voice (he had neither). Buffet had something else. He became known as the king of vacation, his laid-back attitude was something a lot of people aspired to. For that reason, and eleven others, entrepreneurs can learn from this “son of a son of a sailor.” After all, he “sold” a way of life and a community that most of us find enviable.
Picture
Embrace Change
In the Jimmy Buffet song Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes he sang, “I took off for a weekend last month just to try and recall the whole year…” This is something every professional can take to heart. Sometimes you need a break, an escape, to be able to have a brighter outlook on things. Whether you’re physically changing your latitude or simply coming at the problem from a new direction, new views can promote new clues.

Be True to Yourself and Your Mission
Jimmy Buffet released his first album in 1970 as a folk-country singer. In over half a century, his music has changed very little. He still sang about the same topics and was true to his musical roots. So true, that even if you heard a Buffet song for the first time, you could recognize it as one of his. He was always true to himself, his brand, and his mission.
Entrepreneurs can learn a lot about branding and tone from his approach. The Margaritaville brand is recognizable and synonymous with a good time.

Know Your Audience
In addition to being true to himself, his brand, and his mission, Buffet served up what his audience wanted from him. He knew what they liked and recognized his brand provided an escape for Parrotheads everywhere. (The name for his fan base was molded after the Grateful Dead’s Deadheads.) Even though other trends emerged in music, he didn’t go chasing them. He continued to give his audience what they wanted.

Eventually, Buffet grew his brand outside of music, getting involved in the hospitality industry, casinos, liquor, and even retirement communities and RV parks. But as disjointed as these other business ventures appear at first glance, they are a continuation of his appealing “island escapism” brand.

Entrepreneurs can learn from Buffet’s brand extension and how he continued to address the needs of his evolving audience (even into their own retirement).

Embrace Partnerships and Collaborations
It’s easy for celebrities to become intoxicated by fame. While you may not be in danger of that as a business leader, and might be feeling quite the opposite some days, like Buffet, success is something people often replicate. You may be feeling like other businesses in your area are becoming more competitive and are trying to eat into your market share.

While Buffet may have felt the same every time someone tried to copy his work, this never made him shy away from valuable collaborations and partnerships. In his music, he collaborated with Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, and George Strait. He recognized a similar sound and extended his audience by working with these artists.

As an entrepreneur, you might be able to do the same thing to grow your audience and extend your reach by embracing the right kind of partnership. 

Work Hard and Play Hard
Although Buffet was seen as a person on perpetual vacation, he released 31 albums and went on 45 tours (including one in 2023) throughout his lifetime. He made a living on vacation, enjoying what he did. But he also took time for self-care. Buffet mastered the work hard, play hard mantra without burning himself out.

Leave a Legacy
How many number-one hits did Buffet have? 20? 10? 5? Try 0. According to Billboard, he had one Top 10 Hit and 13 that made the Top 100. Yet, he is one of the most well-known singers out there and in 2023 he reached billionaire status.

Keep this in mind when you think about your efforts on behalf of your company. You may not be receiving the kudos of a #1 hit but you are having an impact on the industry. And you may not realize just how big that is for some time.

Diversify
Buffet took a gamble when he diversified into all the categories that he did. But he diversified smart. He chose products that were in line with what his audience wanted, what his brand was, and the value he brought to his audience.

You don’t want your company to be known for just one thing (like your signature service or product). But you also want to be smart in the projects, events, and programs you take on. Don’t embrace something just because it’s a trend. Make sure it’s in keeping with your strategic plan.

Lead by Example
Buffet didn’t build an audience of flip-flop-wearing fans by showing up for his concerts in business suits or a hoodie, for that matter. His audience became him. They followed his leadership and laid-back approach.

As a business leader, you want to show your community the type of leader they need through your actions. Don’t give words to leadership programming and then exhibit the exact opposite. Be true to your brand and your leadership style in words–and more importantly–actions. Lead by example.

Don’t Succumb to Self-doubt
Was Jimmy Buffet the best singer ever? Could he play guitar like no one else? Was he the best dresser, best looking, or smartest in the room? Perhaps. But likely not. He built a brand that reflected who he was. He didn’t question whether he was the best person to sing his song, nor did he allow imposter syndrome to derail him from a spectacular career.

You may not be the best business mind in your town, but you are giving your community something only you can do. You’re sharing yourself, your personality, and your talents. Pay close attention to what you’re best at. Compliment yourself when you’re feeling doubtful. The biggest critic you will ever face is you. Thankfully, it’s the only one you have any control over.

Indulge Your Passion
Buffet did what he did well into his 70s (a decade or more after most people retire), not because he needed the money, but because he had a passion for it and enjoyed it. What is it about your work that you are passionate about? Keeping your mind focused on that will help you overcome the trials and challenges.

Get Creative
In addition to investing in several verticals, Buffet left time to be creative across many mediums. He wrote a Hollywood Soundtrack, a Broadway play, fiction and non-fiction, in addition to his music.

If you have lost some of your passion for life as a professional or entrepreneur, or if you want to avoid burnout, look for ways to flex your creativity. Whether that is a creative pursuit in your life or taking up a hobby or a side gig, getting creative is like exercise for the brain. It helps make it stronger and nimbler.

Jimmy Buffet had a brilliant business mind and surrounded himself by a capable team. But he was also very invested in every project and undertaking within his portfolio. Entrepreneurs can learn so much from his life, including one piece of advice that can help us through any tough day “…there’s booze in the blender, and soon it will render that frozen concoction that helps me hang on.”
 
5 Comments
Jenny link
1/30/2024 06:24:34 am

Get Creative, yes this is very important for an entrepreneurs to succeed and stay unique in the business. Jimmy is right, passion seems no age. For those who stick with their passion, age is just a number [just in the case of Jimmy]. Also, one need to be think about budget and finance in business. You must follow standard process to minimize the operational cost. Just for an example, instead of carrying paper business card going with digital card lower down the operational cost.

Reply
Creative Business link
5/16/2024 02:52:11 pm

Creativity is an important ingredient in building your business in this day and age

Reply
I Luv Aussie link
8/3/2024 07:08:58 am

This article brilliantly captures the essence of Jimmy Buffett's entrepreneurial spirit! Buffett's journey is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. His ability to turn a love for music and the beach into a successful empire is truly inspiring. The emphasis on building a strong personal brand and staying true to one's identity really resonates. It's a great reminder for entrepreneurs to leverage their unique strengths and interests. Thank you for highlighting these valuable lessons – a perfect blend of creativity, authenticity, and business acumen!

Reply
Sidney De Queiroz Pedrosa link
10/24/2024 12:07:05 pm

This article brilliantly highlights the entrepreneurial lessons from Jimmy Buffett's journey. His resilience, adaptability, and commitment to enjoying life while pursuing business goals are truly inspiring. The blend of passion and practicality in his approach offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to thrive in the entrepreneurial world. Great read!

Reply
Beatriz Barata link
10/26/2024 10:17:27 am

This article provides inspiring lessons from Jimmy Buffett that every entrepreneur can embrace. From building a unique brand to fostering genuine connections with fans, his approach shows the value of passion, creativity, and resilience. Buffett’s journey is a great reminder that following one’s dreams can lead to lasting success.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    January 2024
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    May 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    October 2019

    Categories

    All
    Business
    Chamber
    Chamber Membership
    Communication
    Coronavirus
    Crisis Management
    Customer
    Cybersecurity
    Diversity
    Economy
    Employee
    Facebook
    Google
    Habits
    Health
    Hiring
    Holiday
    Holiday Season
    How To
    Instagram
    Kindness
    Legacy Building
    Marketing
    Millennial
    Newsletter
    New Year
    New Years
    New Years Resolutions
    Online Course
    Political
    Product
    Professional Development
    Protests
    Reasons To Join Chamber
    Recover
    Relax
    Restaurants
    Return On Investment
    Sales
    SEO: Search Engine Optimization
    Small Business
    SMS Messaging
    Social Media
    Stand Out
    Success
    Successful
    Tribe
    Video
    Video Conference
    Website
    Website: Holiday
    Workforce
    Work From Home
    Workplace
    YELP

    RSS Feed

Copyright Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
3150 SW 145 Avenue, Suite 315  |  Miramar, FL 33027
Phone: (954) 432-9808 | [email protected] | sitemap | privacy
MemberClicks
  • About
    • About the Chamber
    • Board of Directors
    • Trustees & Chairman's Circle
    • FAQs
    • Staff
    • Contact
  • Calendars
    • Chamber Events
    • Member Events
    • Community Events
  • Membership
    • Why Join
    • Membership Application
    • Investment Levels
    • Business Directory
    • Member Login
  • Programs
    • Signature Events >
      • Monthly Events
      • NonProfits
      • Senior Health
      • Women in Business
      • Pinnacle
      • Sip & Taste
      • Holiday
      • Home Fair
    • Affinity Programs
    • Marketing
    • Ribbon Cuttings
    • Scholarships
  • Involvement
    • Committees
    • Referral Groups >
      • Power Partners
      • Nexus
    • Ambassadors
    • Speakers
  • Business
    • Development Resources
    • Broward Scorecard
    • Permits
    • Bids
    • Veterans
    • Health
    • Disaster Preparedness
    • Certificates of Origin
  • Advocacy
    • Legislative Agenda
    • Elected Officials
    • Voting
  • Community
    • Community Calendar
    • Submit an Event
    • City of Miramar
    • City of Pembroke Pines
    • Why Here?
    • Relocation
  • News
    • 2024 Community Guide
    • Blog
    • Job Bank
    • Coupons
    • Press Releases