BGBS Episode 007: Living Joyously As a TadpoleWhat do goosebumps, surfing, Pink Floyd, and sheep have to do with building a billion-dollar brand? Well, for UGG boots, just about everything! You see them everywhere – the beach, mountains, cities – wherever there are chilly feet. The fashionable and functional UGG brand was founded by 70-year-old Brian Smith, who has a youthful spirit and infinite wisdom. Brian’s success in building a brand is a mix of philosophy, mysticism, business acumen, and emotion.

You’ll Learn…

• Growing up in Australia, Brian was into surfing and sports, not shoes; never thought he was going to be an entrepreneur
• Brian’s tenacity to never give up on things; he was good at a lot of things, but not the best at anything
• Power of Song Lyrics: Motivation to get up and do something
• One time after surfing, Brian put on his sheepskin boots from Australia and realized that they should be the “next big thing” in America
• You can’t give birth to adults; every new business has to go through stages: Conception, birth, infancy, youth, teenager, and maturity
• Send the right image to your target audience; make customers want something
• Quit or Not Quit: Took years to earn just a small salary from the business
• Overcoming his fear of sales and rejection; realized they weren’t rejecting him
• Dreams going down the drain that led to blessings; enjoying what you do, not working hard, making lots of money, and having fun
• The quickest way for a tadpole to become a frog is to live every day happily
• Goosebumps: A decision that’s in alignment with what you’re supposed to do gives you a spark of spirituality to let you know you’re on the right track
• Have faith and take action, even if you don’t know where you’re going; don’t give up when desperate
• Sometimes staying in the game is more important than dominating the game to ultimately be successful

Resources

Brian Smith

The Birth of a Brand

UGG

Oprah’s Favorite Things

Quotes by Brian Smith:

“One thing that I had when I was a kid that sort of led to why I became what I did, is that tenacity to never give up on things.”

“I was never interested in dropping everything else. I was really good at lots of things, but not the best at any.”

“You can’t give birth to adults.”

“The fear of rejection was really, really very strong with me.”

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