CNN Money has posted an article called How to Succeed in 2007 - “We asked 50 of the brightest minds in business how they do what they do - and how you can cash in on their advice in the year ahead.”

I though it was interesting, so I’ll posting a few of my favorites (and my comments on them) over the next few days.

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Rachael Ray
Chef, Author, and Entrepreneur
Turn Your Passion Into an Empire

“You have to be open-minded when those early opportunities present themselves. Take advantage of them, whether they’re going to make you a lot of money or not. I did 30 Minute Meals for five years on local television, and I earned nothing the first two years. Then I earned $50 a segment. I spent more than that on gas and groceries, but I really enjoyed making the show and I loved going to a viewer’s house each week. I knew I enjoyed it, so I stuck with it even though it cost me.

I’ve also learned that you can’t be all things to all people.

Whatever it is that you’re successful at, that has to be the No. 1 goal. In my case, it’s accessibility. So all of my products have to be usable, accessible, affordable. The olive oils we’re developing with Colavita will be priced to be competitive with every other affordable olive oil. We chose to be in grocery stores, not fancy food stores, because that’s where most of my audience shops. Our pots and pans have to be heavy-bottomed and sturdy but also affordable. Decide what it is that you are and then stay true to that thing. My brand is based very much on how I live my day-to-day life.”

I think that Rachael hits it right on the head. The first big point she makes is You have to be open-minded to new opportunities. Look at the creators of some of the largest corporations today. Many of them were started on a small opportunity that many people would have passed over. Try reading up on Bill Gates or Michael Dell.

Another point that she makes is that you should do what your passionate about because you probably won’t be getting paid much if you’re starting a new business venture. This blog is a perfect example. I’m not getting next to nothing, but I keep blogging because I’m passionate about it and I hope that it will grow into something bigger in the future.

The last one is that you can’t please everyone. Don’t be a people pleaser. That doesn’t mean you should try to upset people, it just means that you should do what you feel you should do. Your decisions should be based on your values and your passions, not someone else’s.

Read the article and let me know who your favorite is.