Photo from “9 to 5” music video
By Kevin Elliott
kevin@wewafilms.com
Who Doesn’t Love Dolly?
We all know Dolly Parton for her songwriting genius, her style, and her friendly Southern demeanor. You may even know about her entrepreneurial wizardry – she has interests in everything from a talent agency to a restaurant chain to her own amusement park. Full on mogul.
I’m a long-time admirer (since Rhinestone) and I thought Dolly couldn’t surprise me anymore. Then I watched her latest documentary Here I Am on Netflix.
It is a masterclass on how to conduct oneself and build a business empire, especially for women. But there is one story in the film that encapsulates how Dolly accomplished her stupendous success. It is a lesson to every entrepreneur.
Take the Moment … Then Ask for More
The year is 1980 and Dolly’s phone rings. It is iconic actress Jane Fonda. Fonda is planning a new movie about the challenges faced by three working women in the 1970s and how they get back at their idiot boss. It’s called 9 to 5.
Fonda – Jane freaking Fonda – asks Dolly to be in the film. For context, Dolly is a huge star at this point, but only a music star. She has never done a film, and certainly not one with a Hollywood legend. Most of us would fall at the feet of Lady Jane and express our eternal thanks.
Dolly doesn’t.
“I’ll do it,” Dolly said. “If I can write the theme song too.”
BOSS. MOVES.
Think about that. It would be enough for most people – even ambitious entrepreneurs – to take the movie gig and run. But Dolly pushes for more, and gets it.
That should be a lesson to all of us business owners. Push hard, push for more, make the big ask. Ask for what you really want.
You just might get it.
Kevin
kevin@wewafilms.com
(850) 819-4463
P.S. – Here’s the result of Dolly’s moxy. If you know one of her songs, you know this one.