I don’t know about you but I’m an avid Gilmore Girls fan. Even though it’s been off the air for a quite some time now, I still find myself watching reruns when I can. I remember when the rumors started about the show’s reboot and having mixed emotions. Often times, we hear rumors about a popular show coming back and it turns out to be untrue. This time around, it was true and I couldn’t wait! Every popular show doesn’t need to come back but I was certainly excited that this one was.

Even though I watched Gilmore Girls as a show for entertainment, it wasn’t until much later that I realized the gems it presented in regards to business. Today’s post is mostly business lessons from Lorelai Gilmore but she wasn’t the only character who ran their own business. Gilmore Girls was full of entrepreneurs. From Luke Danes (Luke’s Diner) to Miss Patty’s dance studio and all of the businesses that Kirk and Taylor started. If this isn’t making any sense to you, you may want to revisit the series on Netflix – you won’t regret it.

If you’re a business owner, thinking of becoming one or looking for some inspiration, today’s post is perfect for you.

Lessons on life + business from Gilmore Girls

Work hard & have patience
Lorelai Gilmore started out as a teen mom, working as a housekeeper at an inn. Through lots of hard work and an enormous amount of patience, she eventually ran that inn and went on to fulfill her dream of having her own inn. Hard work pays off.

Choose a business partner who compliments you
Working with a partner can be difficult but if you choose wisely, you could forego a lot of problems in the future. When working with a business partner, make sure that the skills you lack, your partner brings to the table. Sort of like Lorelai and Sookie. Sookie was the creative one who did the menu development and cooking for the inn while Lorelai was the business-minded partner. It equaled out.

Follow your dreams wholeheartedly
Do you remember the episode when Lorelai and Sookie were trying to buy the Dragonfly Inn? They were persistent, energetic and completely sincere in their quest to make this purchase. They asked, begged and pleaded and eventually, it became theirs. If you’re going to go big, go big.

Relationship building matters
Relationships in any business you start is important. From concept to startup, the relationships you build are necessary for the success of your business. I remember an episode of Gilmore Girls when Lorelai was still working at the Independence Inn and they ran out of towels. Because of the relationships she built with vendors, she was able to remedy the situation in a decent amount of time. Imagine if that relationship had been tarnished. Vendors are more likely to work with business owners when you’ve laid the foundation for a lasting relationship.

Coffee is your friend
If you’ve seen just one episode, you know those Gilmore Girls loved their coffee. Coffee was an intricate part of their decision-making process especially when it came to business. I know not everyone loves coffee so, whatever your vice (coffee, tea, green juice), make sure you take some time out to enjoy it.

Remember, starting a business is hard and sometimes it won’t be easy but if you’re patient and work hard, you’ll be rewarded in the end. Take it from Lorelai Gilmore.

Are you excited for the Gilmore Girls reboot?