She’s bitchy, ballsy and brash.

She’s Tabatha, and she’s taking over.

I might be a little late to the party, but I’ve just discovered “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” (to be relaunched on Jan 10 as “Tabatha Takes Over”), and I’m hooked.

Tabatha Coffey is almost the complete opposite of me in every respect (although, when I was around 7 or 8, I had worked out a basic business plan and was already practicing on my dolls so I could open “Beth’s Beauty Bar” when I grew up). And yet, there is something extraordinarily compelling about watching her crack heads together in the name of saving a failing business. Watching her, I know there is something for me to learn. There’s definitely a homeopathic dose of Tabatha that would make a difference in my business.

With lots of lovely holiday time to reflect on what exactly that dose is, I’ve come up with my “A” List, channeling Tabatha’s on-air advice and to-the-point style (but minus the delightfully colorful language)…

• Attitude: you can’t be in business, especially a service-based business, if you have a cruddy attitude about what you do or who you’re doing it for. Get over yourself and put the client or customer first (if you’re clear about and attracting your “ideal client,” this should be relatively easy). Also, watch out for a casual attitude – set high standards for yourself and others, and meet them.
• Appearances: they matter. Whether you’re working from home or in an office, take care to be organized, clean and professional. Even if no one ever comes into your space, aren’t you – “just” you – worth it?
• Achtung, Baby: pay attention to everything. Details make the difference between being average and knocking it out of the park. This means you know where your money is coming from and going to. You follow a clear business model. You ask your clients and customers what they think (it doesn’t have to be a big deal or a 10-page questionnaire … just make a habit of asking if they’re satisfied and what could be better). Organize the details into systems that work for you.
• Always be learning: no matter what field or industry you’re in, things are constantly changing. Keep up with trends and new information. Stay grounded in the basics while expanding your knowledge.  Be a lifelong learner.
• Attachment: get over it. So much of what holds us back and keeps us stuck is our attachment to people, things, stories and the way things “should” be that no longer serves us. Learn to travel light. Be open to outcome, not attached.
• Align: with your passion. I love something Tabatha said in an early episode: “You should feel excited about putting your key in the door in the morning. It’s like opening a present.” Yes! Take time to recharge your batteries and passion. Don’t take it for granted that it (your enthusiasm, passion, energy, delight) will always be there. If you can’t seem to reignite it, see “Attachment,” above.

If you – if I – heed this wisdom, it’ll help us steer clear of some of Tabatha’s other favorite “A” words, including (but not limited to) “appalling” and “atrocious.”

So, Tabatha’s not “taking over” The Introvert Entrepreneur in the television sense (I already have  a business coach/adviser to kick my butt and help me stay on track, thank you very much). But she has become another voice in my ear, reminding me that running my own business is a gift and that I have to keep stepping up, every.single.day, to keep that gift flourishing.

Please share in the comments: What helps you step up when the going gets tough? If you’ve ever been close to calling it quits but didn’t, what turned things around? If you’ve watched Tabatha’s show, what have you learned that’s made a difference for you?

Tabatha Coffey Image Source: http://www.bravotv.com/bio/tabatha-coffey