The One Skill That Built a $6 Billion Empire

🔥 Feature Insight: The People Skills That Built a $6 Billion Company

Barbara Corcoran, the real estate mogul and “Shark Tank” investor, didn’t have a background in finance or a massive startup fund—she had an incredible ability to read people, build relationships, and negotiate.

Her success proves that mastering people skills isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether it was persuading clients, motivating her team, or outmaneuvering competitors, her ability to connect with and influence others made all the difference.

As a founder, you don’t just build a business—you build relationships. Employees, investors, partners, and customers all respond to trust, confidence, and effective communication. The better you are at understanding and managing people, the faster you’ll grow.

Five Lessons for you;

Leverage Your Strengths - Corcoran discovered early on that her biggest asset was her ability to connect with people. Instead of trying to master every aspect of sales, she focused on building relationships and left deal-closing to those who excelled at it. Entrepreneurs should identify and lean into their strengths rather than trying to do everything themselves.

Delegate Your Weaknesses - Rather than struggling to improve at closing sales, Corcoran hired people who were naturally good at it. This lesson applies to any business—founders should focus on what they do best and delegate tasks that fall outside their expertise. Hiring the right people can accelerate growth more effectively than trying to do it all alone.

Hire for Growth, Not Just Operations - Corcoran prioritized hiring salespeople over administrative staff because sales brought in revenue. She understood that in a startup, every dollar spent should contribute to growth. Entrepreneurs should take a similar approach by investing in roles that directly impact revenue before expanding other functions.

Recognize and Retain Talent - Her ability to identify potential in employees and make them feel valued contributed to strong loyalty and work ethic in her team. Entrepreneurs should not only hire talent but also nurture and retain them by recognizing their value and providing opportunities for growth.

Know When to Exit - Corcoran sold her company at its peak when she had leverage in negotiations. She recognized that timing is crucial in business—whether it’s scaling, pivoting, or selling. Entrepreneurs should keep an eye on market conditions and be strategic about when to make major moves.

(Read the full story)

💡 Founder’s Corner: Quick Tips to Develop People Skills

Want to improve your ability to connect and influence? Try these:

Listen More Than You Talk – The best communicators are the best listeners. People will tell you exactly what they need—if you pay attention.

Master the Art of Storytelling – Facts tell, but stories sell. Whether you’re pitching investors or closing a deal, use narratives to make your message stick.

Read the Room – Observe body language, tone, and reactions. The best founders adjust their communication based on their audience.

Ask Great Questions – The right question at the right time can unlock opportunities, build trust, and make you more memorable.

Stay Confident, Not Arrogant – People follow leaders who exude self-assurance without being overbearing. Confidence invites trust; arrogance pushes people away.

Small changes in how you engage with others can lead to massive gains in leadership and deal-making.

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🛠️ Tool of the Week: OpenAI’s Operator

What if AI could handle your busy work so you can focus on growth?

OpenAI’s Operator is designed to streamline operations, automate communication, and even assist with decision-making. Founders and entrepreneurs can use it to:

✅ Automate customer service responses

✅ Generate reports and insights in seconds

✅ Manage scheduling and task delegation

✅ Analyze business data for better decision-making

It’s like having an AI-powered chief of staff, freeing up time for what truly matters—building and scaling your business.

(Check it out here: OpenAI Operator)