It was my first Zoom meeting after Mom died. Honestly, I didn’t want to host this meeting, instead wishing I could stay in bed, wallowing in my sadness some more. However, I had a wonderful group of Virtual Networkers ready to meet, and I didn’t want to let them down. Equally important, I wanted to do something normal—something I did before Mom died—to get back into my groove. I stood in front of my closet, eyeing the many blouses that hung there, not feeling like dressing up, much less putting on make-up. I pushed the hangers back, glancing at each shirt, until I stopped on a new T-shirt my son and girlfriend gave me for my birthday. This shirt has a drawing of Dolly Parton with this question:
What would Dolly do?
I paused, thinking about my sadness and my commitments, and I asked myself: “Yes, Jill, what would Dolly do?”
I immediately knew the answer: Dolly would put on her lipstick and host this meeting.
I put on my Dolly T-shirt and lipstick, and I held that meeting. As with all Virtual Networkers meetings, I felt uplifted and supported. I am glad I ran that meeting, I am glad I put on my lipstick, I am glad I asked what Dolly would do.
What would Dolly do?
I now ask myself this question all the time. Why? Because if I could emulate the creative entrepreneurship of anyone, it would be Dolly Parton.
I grew up listening to Dolly’s music. Mom loved Dolly Parton and had most of her albums. Mom shared stories about Dolly, how she grew up poor and why she wore blond wigs and loud outfits. Mom admired Dolly’s spirit and talent, and she passed that admiration on to me.
Once, when I was in business school, my mentor asked our class which celebrity or entrepreneur inspired us the most. Almost immediately, I responded “Dolly Parton!”—which may have seemed like a mismatch. After all, Dolly is a singer, songwriter, and actress, while I am a marketing mentor who can’t hold a tune.
But, I do have something in common with Dolly:
We are creative women who want to change the world through our creative gifts and giving back to our communities.
Why I love Dolly Parton
So, it makes sense for me to ask what would Dolly do. Because what Dolly does is often the best, most heartfelt acts—ones that are true to who Dolly is. Unflinching, uncompromising, and unapologetic, she may present herself with fake hair and Botox, the inside of Dolly is (and has always been) genuine. It’s her genuineness that inspires me as a marketing mentor and human.
Furthermore, Dolly knows that for her to change the world, she must be compensated for her gifts. If you watch her interviews, she talks openly about getting paid what she’s worth. I have no doubt Dolly lives a prosperous life. But, she spends her money in other ways—impactful ways. From delivering free books to preschoolers to financing a COVID-19 vaccination, Dolly uses her money to change the world.
I want to do the same.
So, going forward, to meet my Dolly-inspired goals, I will continue to ask myself:
What would Dolly do?
I’ll get quiet and lean in. I’ll hear the answer (I always do). I will follow the advice I receive, at peace I am being led in the most divine of ways, with an earthen angel inspiring my every step.
More resources
Here are some other resources that will help you with your marketing and mindset:
My book, That First Client, which will teach you how to create an effective marketing system that will always attract clients to your business
My book, Loud Woman, which will inspire you to get Louder in your life and business
Check out my latest blog post about marketing, networking, getting clients, and the Law of Attraction
Virtual Networkers, my global online networking organization for women entrepreneurs
Get More Clients Track, a year-long program that will teach you how the fundamentals of marketing so you’re always attracting clients
Manifest More Clients Track, a year-long program that will teach you how to use the Law of Attraction in your marketing
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