In her early twenties, Barbara Corcoran was working as a waitress when she met a man named Ramone Simone. They began a romantic relationship. In 1973, he lent her $1,000 to start a real-estate venture in New York City, forming the company “Corcoran-Simone.” He held a majority stake, and she had 49%.
For seven years, Barbara and Simone shared both a business and a romance. Then, with a single devastating blow, Simone ended it all. He announced he was leaving her to marry her secretary, shattering their partnership and their relationship in one stroke.
He also told Barbara that she would never succeed without him.
What would you have done if you were Barbara?
Most people would have crumbled under such a personal and professional blow. But not Barbara.
Rather than giving in to despair, Barbara used the rejection as motivation. “I knew the best revenge would be massive success,” she later said. She walked away, dropped his name, and started her firm, The Corcoran Group. That decision would change the trajectory of her life.
Rejection can be a springboard. Instead of seeing betrayal as the end, Barbara turned it into a reason to work harder and aim higher.
She lacked a formal business background. She did not have deep pockets. What she possessed was grit, determination and an unshakable belief in herself. Her self-confidence kept her moving forward when resources, validation and support were limited.
Barbara grew up in a working-class family and had held more than 20 jobs before launching her career in real estate. She did not pretend to know everything — she learned on the go. She studied her competitors, learned from her mistakes and outworked nearly everyone around her.
Barbara also became a master storyteller and marketer. Barbara created “The Corcoran Report,” a market snapshot that positioned her as a thought leader in the real estate industry. She knew how to get noticed — and how to build trust with clients.
Barbara believed in the power of taking calculated risks. She trusted that her work ethic and street smarts would carry her through — and they did.
Over time, The Corcoran Group grew into one of the most respected real estate firms in New York City. In 2001, she sold it for $66 million.
Build your confidence
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- Reflecting on and writing about past experiences can help you recognize patterns in how you respond to setbacks and rejection.
- What gives you courage and confidence? Interview some of your admired leaders and mentors to learn about what fuels their courage and confidence.
- List your three most significant accomplishments. What do they reveal about your greatest strengths?
- Strive to make self-belief the foundation of all your convictions.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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