What 'Project Runway' Can Teach You About Business Rule No. 1: Entrepreneurs who pursue their own passion can't lose sight of what makes a business successful. Two 'Project Runway All Stars' recently made this key-business flub.

By Carol Tice

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Is Your Business All About YouEntrepreneurs often start a business so they can work at what they love. But here's the rub: Business success usually comes from a focus on pleasing the customer, not pursuing your own bliss.

Two talented fashion designers learned this lesson the hard way on Lifetime network's new season of Project Runway All Stars. Here's what happened:

First, an assignment to design a cocktail dress for the Muppets' Miss Piggy to use promoting her new movie went awry for Mila Hermanovski. She designed a mod, 1960s-themed black-and-white dress, because, as she says: "That's my aesthetic."

The problem? Miss Piggy is more of a colorful personality. Also, runway gowns usually use eye-catching hues rather than black or white. Color works better in fashion magazine layouts, so a colorful dress gets the star more press.

Hermanovski was true to her aesthetic...but she failed to meet her client's needs. The gown was what she wanted to do, not what would work best for Miss Piggy. In the end, she remained in the competition, but just barely.

Apparently her fellow competitor Anthony Williams wasn't paying attention to his client either, as he had a similar flub in last week's episode. The assignment was to make a fashion-forward look using at least 50 percent of the clothing the designers purchased off New Yorkers they saw on the street. Williams put together a kicky ensemble, but only a small fraction of the fabric came from his man-on-the-street donors.

In the view of the judges -- also the designers' customer, in this case -- he failed to fulfill the commission. So despite his popularity with viewers, he was out.

It was a little surprising to see two designers in quick succession make this basic flub, taking their focus off the customer. After all, this is the All Stars show. All of these designers know their stuff and were previous Project Runway contestants.

But when they followed their own ideas instead of staying focused on what the customer wants, they were shown the door. It's always a tricky line to walk, as customers often come to you because they like your style. Even so, if you don't listen carefully to what those customers want, you can end up with no sale.

How does your business balance your passion with pleasing customers? Leave a comment and tell us your approach.

Carol Tice

Owner of Make a Living Writing

Longtime Seattle business writer Carol Tice has written for Entrepreneur, Forbes, Delta Sky and many more. She writes the award-winning Make a Living Writing blog. Her new ebook for Oberlo is Crowdfunding for Entrepreneurs.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Leadership

Employers: The Burden of Going Back Into The Office Is Not as Bad as You Think — It's Worse.

Leaders falsely perceive employee wellbeing to be already high and believe the burden of going to the office will be not that bad in this broader context. This disconnect between perception and reality is what I call the "Wellbeing Paradox."

Leadership

How to Master Decision-Making in a World Full of Options

Use these seven practical strategies to make more effective business choices.

Business News

Opening a New McDonald's Franchise Will Be More Expensive in 2024

Starting January 1, franchise royalty fees will rise from 4% to 5% for new locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Leadership

This Leadership Style Is Redefining Success in the Modern Business World

Adopting this leadership style takes continuous growth but leads to remarkable success, both financially and qualitatively, enriching our world.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2023

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2023.

Money & Finance

What Are The Safest Investment Options for Earning a Good Return Over Time? A Financial Expert Explains.

In times of financial uncertainty, these options can provide a safe and reliable way to invest your money.