Celeb Besties: 5 Lessons on Power Duos and Dynamic Networking

Celeb Besties: 5 Lessons on Power Duos and Dynamic Networking


The Web is abuzz about Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj's seemingly new friendship, but take note: Strategic networking and friendships can lead to big wins. (Image: File)

There’s been lots of talk on the Web about celeb besties, particularly the Kardashian clan’s recent sightings with hip-hop royalty like Nicki Minaj, Tyga and Kanye West.

Any smart person knows the sightings are no accident or happenstance, and that new business is being cooked up along with friendly banter and debotchery.

From Kimora Lee Simmons and Tyra Banks, to Kelly Rowland and Serena Williams, to Tavis Smiley and Cornel West, power duos whose bonds are built on friendship often thrive on a solid foundation that can lead to major boss moves.

They say you are who you hang around, and though for many celebrities relationships are forged via work experience or industry circumstance, there’s a thing or two we can all learn about these strategic partnerships friendships.

Don’t sleep. Here are five lessons on networking and power plays from celebrity besties:

1. Two powerhouses are better than one: Kanye West and Jay Z have teamed up not only to make hits, but rake in millions, with record-selling songs and sold-out arenas. What better way to double your coin than to partner with another powerhouse in your industry? For some endeavors, competition is the way to go, but for others, collaboration reaps bigger, long-term rewards.

2. Boss connections can lead to exposure in new markets. Besties Kim Kardashian and LaLa Anthony are the perfect example of this. We all know that the Kardashians have had the reality TV and endorsement game on lock for many years, with matriarch of the family, Kris Jenner, having brokered multimillion-dollar deals for most of the family, as well as music artists and herself. (Bruce Jenner has been a shrewd businessman and pioneer in endorsement attainment for decades, having been part of an advertising first for Wheaties in the ’70s, and featured on their boxes as a paid endorser.)

LaLa Anthony entered the entertainment industry via radio and eventually went on to become a TV host and actress. She then stepped off the scene for a bit, only to make a major comeback by expanding her brand into reality TV gold. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I’m sure these two not only share a sister-bond but also learn and gain a lot from each other in the business.

3. Six degrees of separation can turn into one or two in a snap. It’s always good when your bestie has friends of friends who can benefit you. I’m not talking being opportunistic, but having friends in high places can always do wonders for your network and your boss moves. Great friends will help people in their circle advance, causing a cycle of power reciprocity. Smart bosses in the making know that the ideal relationship has mutual benefits, so when it’s time for making introductions, gaining access to exclusive events or getting that meeting the average person wouldn’t get, you know what time it is.

4. An upgrade to your position, livelihood, confidence or swag is never a bad thing. Let’s face it: The more powerful, popping people in your crew, the better. Who doesn’t respond well to a group of established, wealthy, well-dressed people rolling together? Not many, especially those who know star quality and the dynamics of combined efforts for success.

5. Collective resources equal larger wins. Celebs have been known to support one another’s ventures in droves, whether it’s Nicki Minaj dining with celebrity friends at her manager’s restaurant, or Kanye West’s full VIP section of the who’s who of Hollywood and music. Pop powerhouse Lady Gaga gave bestie Tamar Braxton a stellar co-sign, leading millions of her fans to go out and pick up Braxton’s best-selling album. When there’s a philanthropic opportunity, many stars like Russell Simmons, Diddy and Oprah can count on industry friends to lend a hand—and more than a coin—to make it a mega success.

Friendship can be an unconditional gift, but oftentimes, as you advance in your boss moves, you’ll find that your whole circle is grinding right alongside, if not ahead of you. So why not consider the benefits and how those besties can be an asset to your professional advancement?

Morale to this story: Be great. Connect with greater. Get the greatest. Period.

What do you think of the seemingly new link between the Kardashians and hip-hop’s royalty? Power moves or suspect? #Soundoff and follow me on Twitter @JPHazelwood.


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