Barbara Corcoran is a living, breathing example of making it big from humble beginnings. After growing up in an Irish-Catholic working-class family in Edgewater, New Jersey, she went on to build a thriving career in one of the toughest real estate markets in the world.
Long before Shark Tank and her $100 million fortune, she was learning how to get through tough times. Those challenges shaped the resilience that defines her today.
She began with a modest real estate office in New York City and turned it into a powerhouse worth millions. She lives by a simple rule when it comes to money: what goes around, comes around.
That keeping money in motion approach guides how she invests, spends, and grows her wealth. Her success didn’t happen overnight, though.
Barbara Corcoran Success Tips
Barbara Corcoran’s success is rooted in a lot of things, but playing it safe and conventional is not one of them. She’s known for making bold, sometimes unconventional moves that have paid off throughout her career. Here are some of them that made her the mammoth she is today:
Change Your Workspace to Spark Ideas
Barbara Corcoran revealed that she used to move her desk every week to stay tuned in to her team’s energy, deals, and daily challenges. “It kept me plugged into the heart of my team,” she said.
If you run a small business or work in a flexible space, try switching up your spot once in a while. You might pick up fresh insights or spark new connections. Your environment fuels your ideas, make sure it is not just bed rot and the four walls of your room.
Use Rejection to Fuel Your Success
Facing rejection can be tough, but Barbara Corcoran has been using it as fuel rather than a setback. She once said that when people doubted her potential, she committed to working twice as hard to prove them wrong.
If you’ve been denied a raise or opportunity, take the time to understand the reasons, refine your approach, and keep going until you succeed.
Host Events to Energize Your Workplace and Build Team Connection
Barbara Corcoran found that bringing fun into the workplace could energize her team. She hosted everything from pajama parties to Kentucky Derby-themed events. It often inspired people to give their best at work.
If you lead a team, consider organizing your own creative events. They can strengthen bonds, boost performance, and even become highlights you can reference when seeking a promotion or raise.
Turn Failures Into Growth
Barbara Corcoran didn’t let setbacks hold her back. She once explained that each time she failed, she avoided dwelling on it and simply moved forward. Her approach shows that learning from failure and keeping momentum can be more valuable than avoiding mistakes altogether.
She has worked as a messenger after her work hours to keep things moving. No job should be beneath you when you are trying to build your business from the ground up.
The Importance of Teamwork
Corcoran understood that a strong team is the backbone of any business. Even as the company’s owner, she focused on supporting her employees. She was the “cool boss” before being a cool boss was cool. The Corcoran Group offices offered perks like babysitters and free lunches.
For anyone leading a team, it’s worth asking whether you’re truly valuing your people (and making adjustments if you’re not).
Stand Out and Stay Memorable
Standing out from the crowd always works in your favour, and Barbara has known that. She chose red as her signature color, saying, “I wanted to be unforgettable, so I made red my signature. In a sea of black suits, people might lose my name, but they never forgot the lady in red.”
Finding a way to make yourself memorable. This applies both personally and professionally, as it can leave a lasting impact.
Leverage the Media to Build Credibility
Barbara has admitted, “I did the wackiest stunts just to grab a headline. It worked.” Barbara Corcoran knew how to turn publicity into a powerful tool for her business.
Using the press strategically can give your business a major boost. Don’t hesitate to take smart, attention-grabbing risks. But try not to be misleading with it.
Stay Connected with Clients
In the era of your network being your net worth, Barbara Corcoran knew the value of maintaining strong client relationships.
She made a meticulous habit of sending anniversary and birthday cards. These were small gestures that left a lasting impression. Simple acts like this can help clients remember you and even lead to increased sales.
What Barbara Corcoran Teaches About Leadership and Life
Barbara Corcoran’s story is about grit, creativity, and the people around you. She built her empire by taking risks, learning from failures, and finding ways to connect with her team and clients.
Whether it was moving her desk to stay in tune with her employees, hosting quirky office events, or sending simple cards to clients, she showed that small actions can have a big impact.
Her story is a reminder that small gestures, bold moves, and the right mindset can make a huge difference in business and in life.
Great content! The list of tools at the end was a lovely bonus.