Comments

• Thanks for sharing this post, Martha. I, too, have been inspired by "Martha Rules" and have been an avid fan ever since the first year of MSL. I agree with Will- a show about business would fill a great need and be wonderfully inspiring.

  Thanks to you and your remarkable team for genuinely bringing beautiful things and ideas into my life, and for truly teaching me, for all these years.

  Sincerely,

  Kimberley Mulla

  Posted by: Kimberley Mulla | December 15th, 2009 at 12:59 am

• How amazing to receive a comment such as this. I think Will hit the nail on the head regarding what you have to offer on the topic of business. Thank you for reposting his comment!

  Posted by: Jennifer White | December 15th, 2009 at 1:40 am

• Dear Martha,
  This is really touchy and very true, I agree with Will! You are a great teacher and an inspiration to us and to many people around the world.
  Thank you and Bless you always.
  Best Wishes,
  Rowaida Flayhan

  Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | December 15th, 2009 at 2:06 am

• I bought this book last year & absolutely love it too! Very inspiring.
  x

  Posted by: Alison | December 15th, 2009 at 4:16 am

• I love this idea. There are so many of us who would like to learn from the best. Martha, you have done it all and found the way to do it with orderliness. Please listen to Will and teach us all how to be more independent, Martha. In fact, it is my considered opinion that such a show would be perfect for sliding into Oprah's soon-to-be-vacant television spot.

  We all love and admire you and you are an amazing teacher. I'll raise my hand in class and everything.

  ~ Yaya
  Yaya's Home

  Posted by: Yaya | December 15th, 2009 at 6:44 am

• Bravo! Martha, you have been my biggest inspiration! Will hit the nail right on the head. I have been a homemaker for 21 years and you have my guide through it all! Thank You!

  Posted by: Claudette | December 15th, 2009 at 8:08 am

• You are a great teacher, you give us the whys and where fors. This is particulary important in this age as a generation and a half now, have been rasied by daycare. Time at home is short and frantic and many parents would just as soon do something themselves than take the time to teach, explain and follow through with the "kids".

  Posted by: Susan | December 15th, 2009 at 9:25 am

• Hi Martha,

  It is so true. I am now in my sixties and I truly understand that "life is about projects"; whether it be in the kitchen, the garden, renovation, family, work outside the home. Having something to plan and look forward to in planning and enjoying the work while on that journey is what makes me happiest.

  Kudos to you dear Martha!

  Susie, Vancouver

  Posted by: Susie | December 15th, 2009 at 11:13 am

• Thank you for sharing this comment, i loved Will's honesty and the process(journey) he has gone through to get to this realization. I was brought up to understand that every thing learned whether in the kitchen or the garden or in the field is a lesson that can be applied anywhere for most anything. what i always learn from you is, that there is time to do it the right way and life is not just short cuts but real moments that come form well laid out plans.

  Posted by: nadia | December 15th, 2009 at 11:46 am

• totally agree! Unpaid internships for say 60 days would be a great idea to work directly with Martha as well. I run two businesses and am modelling my farm enterprise after many of her farm ideas and also have a fast growing book business online as well. Her ideas and consulting would be well worth having for my business ventures!

  Posted by: Joan | December 15th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

• Very good. Thanks for bringing Will's comments to our attention. They are true.

  Posted by: Margie | December 15th, 2009 at 12:17 pm

• ~~
  Great post, Martha.
  ~
  So interesting to think that you put the information our there, and you never know who will benefit from it or in what way it will be valuable to someone. . . .
  ~
  I guess that's what being a teacher is all about, whether it's in a traditional classroom or on a larger media platform.

  Posted by: MMC in San Diego | December 15th, 2009 at 12:28 pm

• I always find it humorous when a member of the opposite sex wakes up and realizes that a WOMAN has great ideas, principals and business model.

  I am the owner of a small business and recently a new vendor asked me to repeat my name and the name of my company - he said "Is the company yours?" When I replied "Yes it is" He said "Good for you". Wonder how many times he's said that to a man?

  Thank you Martha.
  E

  Posted by: Ellen | December 15th, 2009 at 12:39 pm

• I agree! That would be a fabulous show in these uncertain times.

  Posted by: Jenny Kolenda | December 15th, 2009 at 1:00 pm

• As the owner of a small boutique and craft studio I would sell my soul for a Martha business blog. I have followed her since before issue #1 of the magazine and have had a thriving business that evolved into a nice niche in life thanks to her. I try and look at all MSLO puts out at least once a month from a business perspective rather than an avid reader but a blog that straight forward discussed marketing and all aspects of running a business from the expert would be the best.

  Posted by: Barbara M | December 15th, 2009 at 1:12 pm

• Ok so here I am being completely redundant. Yes, Martha, you have inspired me in through so many projects, I would never have thought I could do on my own. Even as I tackle a tough project, I think to myself.....Martha could and would do this and do it well.
  I now have this saying to my kids when they question something I have done or am about to do, I say.....well this is my "Martha I CAN do it attitude" Thank you Martha

  Posted by: Ann | December 15th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

• Hi Martha, I too read your book after starting my own business. It was inspiring, and full of common sense advice. I hope you will publish or do a show on entrepreneurship in the future.

  Posted by: Rachel | December 15th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

• 
  Martha, wouldn't you agree that Will has an excellent thought?
  Many more people could benefit from your savvy business brain. And it would be such an interesting show because you would attract top-notch guests such as Fortune 500 CEO's.
  You probably have dreams of retirement someday but hopefully not for a long while. There is so much more success to be had!
  Thank you, Will!
  p.s. I enjoyed Martha Rules, too!

  Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | December 15th, 2009 at 1:42 pm

• I agree wholeheartedly! I think a business blog and/or monthly two hour show (after all, you are incredibly busy!) on entrepreneurship and business in general would be amazing. Being able to learn business tips from you especially in these challenging times might just be one of the kick starts that people need to help get the economy rolling again.

  Tying in with your Twitter feedback request the other day, you could make this a rich, interactive media project including interviews, videos, business workshop lessons, etc. You could offer advertiser funded content as well as reasonably priced payable downloadable content.

  I really hope you are considering adding this to the 'Martha Mix.'

  Posted by: Sonya W. | December 15th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

• I, too, am a big believer in this book. When I feel I am losing sight of my goals I reread a chapter and regain my focus.

  Thank you Martha!

  Posted by: David Eads | December 15th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

• Martha,
  I have a story quite similar to Will’s…I became a full time grad student in Economics this year, and spending mornings at home for the first time ever, I have become hooked on your show. I admire greatly the breadth of information you feature, and how among the cooking and home-keeping tips you include segments on topics such as the preservation of historic homes, the future of the health care system, and the state of the stock market. I attended a taping on November 3, and you were gracious enough to call on me in the audience and answer my question about your views on the outlook for geriatric health economics in the coming years. Jim Cramer was your guest that day, and I was struck by how many audience questions there were for him on the subject of the economy. There was a clear appetite in your audience for information on this subject. This inspired me to do a craft for you – an analysis of how market downturns and recoveries have coincided with stocks for certain food companies. I have recipes to go along with this too…do you ever accept ideas for show segments?

  Posted by: Audrey | December 15th, 2009 at 8:43 pm

• Hi,Martha I hope you stay in business for a long time. you have thought me to make better choices in my life. for example i eat better i try eating organic as much as possible.you are a insperation to young and old.I hope and i wish to meet you in person someday.I watch your show and look forward to learning new things .i believe a person learns something new every day lessons in life just keep coming. keep up the good work martha.

  Posted by: Ivette sabella | December 15th, 2009 at 9:43 pm

• Martha:

  I whole heartedly echo Will's sentiments. I have been an entrepreneur since the age of 29. For the past seven years of this journey, you have, and continue to be a source of inspiration. When The Martha Rules was published I purchased it within the first two weeks of release. Now it is a part of my frequently referenced entrepreneurial resources. For quite some time I have been hoping for another book or a program, as suggested by Will, in which you could provide additional insight into your business acumen for the betterment of ours. I do hope that you consider the suggestions offered in various people's comments. Your business savvy is so appreciated in my household, that my husband and I became shareholders in your company many years ago. I like you, am embracing technology. Therefore I am pursuing, as an entrepreneur, another new exciting business in this field. Despite any decision you may make about publishing another book or pursuing another program, I know you will be "with" me every step of the way.

  Thank you.

  Danielle

  Posted by: Danielle Shelton-Walczak | December 15th, 2009 at 10:56 pm

• Hi Martha, How awesome that Will has finally discovered all that you do and is learning and being inspired by your daily activities. I think it is great that he has become another of your dedicated followers and he should learn even more as time goes by just like all of the rest of us have for years. Good luck, Will, with what ever you do and once again, thank you dear Martha for all that you do for all of us. Another great show today! Loved everything that was done for the Blair House by your super crew! Your 'Martha's Table' on Sirius radio on Monday was fantastic! Jan

  Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 15th, 2009 at 11:30 pm

• This post was terrific. The Martha Rules was a great read while in my early stages of self employment. A media outlet on this topic of business would be extremely inspiring. Martha, you would further motivate the business leaders of tomorrow. Your former guest, Donny Deutsch, whom also interviewed you on his show The Big Idea, was a most compelling interview. Listening to you share the story your idea and developing a brand was impactful. I'll be appreciative if this yields a new branch on your strong rooted tree.

  Posted by: Jim Bright | December 16th, 2009 at 12:19 am

• Yep, he is right! That is a great idea. More people than ever are walking away from the corporate world, whether their choice or not, to start their own businesses and work for themselves. I am one of them. Most of us may never become Martha Stewart Corporation size, or even want to, but great business ideas and advice on any level--big or small--can certainly be used. Even the smallest nugget of wisdom from someone like you who has been there and back, numerous times, would be....a good thing. = )

  Posted by: Morgan | December 16th, 2009 at 12:32 pm

• Firstly, how did I not know about this book?! As you know, you have been a great inspiration to me in my art career. Your kind words have been an encouragement and I have looked to you as a model of entrepreneurship as I work toward my goal of full-time creative. I hope to someday share my work with you in person, or with your readers. Please keep me in mind - it could be my big break!

  Posted by: Rachael Rossman | December 16th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

• I think I really need to get that book! You inspire me in so many ways. I started my own home-based baking and canning business last year and it's doing quite well. I work a full time job and have a farm, so I can't give my business my all. I eventually would like to do it full time, but I can't afford it right now. I watch your shows, read your blogs, and read your website for inspiration. Thanks!

  Posted by: Brandy in VA | December 16th, 2009 at 6:01 pm

• I agree with Will. I was much more interested in your old show and now this blog than your current show. I think people are amazed at your industriousness and good ideas and the biggest question is how do you manage your time, choose priorities, find good people to help, etc. It's the how-to, a peak into an amazing way of life that's so fascinating. The current show seems more about celebrities and there's already too much of that out there - it's not your comparative advantage.

  Posted by: Annette | December 16th, 2009 at 8:57 pm

• What more can be said. He said it all!!

  Posted by: Sharon Fox | December 16th, 2009 at 9:19 pm

• BRING BACK "THE APPRENTICE: MARTHA STEWART"!!!!!

  Posted by: Norbie | December 16th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

• I love Will's suggestion of a show that would focus on developing leadership. I am an Administrator of a large health related facility & I found a lot of useful information in the "Rules" book even though I don't own my own business. In fact I keep a quote from the book on my desk which reads " People Matter, Invest to get perfection & You have to take risks."
  So how about it, Martha - Leadership 101?

  Posted by: Laurie C Carpenter | December 17th, 2009 at 12:13 am

• I might also add that Martha, you are a hard worker. Good ideas are one thing, but actually rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done is the most important part. I admire you for that. I truly admire your work ethic. A strong work ethic seems to be lost on this newer generation.

  And, I might also add that you do it all (even the bad stuff) with class and dignity. The cream always rises to the top.

  I have admired you since Entertaining came out and you have inspired me ever since. Thanks.

  Posted by: Janice Nelson | December 17th, 2009 at 9:00 am

• I own 'The Martha Rules,' and also enjoyed it very much. Thank you Martha!

  Posted by: Erica | December 17th, 2009 at 10:58 am

• What a wonderful comment! I am a huge fan of yours and your book and I agree that you should have a show or a blog about entrepreneurs. You would do an amazing job at this. I'm a buddy entrepreneur and would love to hear more from you on a show or blog, or if you would contact me directly that would be fantastic also. LOL

  Posted by: Jacque Pierro | December 17th, 2009 at 11:31 am

• Off topic - re: Martha Show from today -

  While making eggnog you suggested that pregnant women should stay away from raw eggs. I would hope they would stay away from the pint of whiskey!

  Thank you for a good laugh this morning, and for all your wonderful ideas!

  Posted by: Katy | December 17th, 2009 at 12:58 pm

• Martha,
  I am going to go buy your book this week. I enjoy watching your show on the occations that I get. Your sucess story is what I enjoy the most. How you got your start and what you have built. Building a business through helping people learn new things that make life better. Crafts, cooking, decorating, you name it. I just learned of that fact that your paint line will be at the Home Depot soon. I have ideas I would like to share with you. Would love to learn how to make contact. Best of luck, Tom

  Posted by: Tom Sweeney | December 17th, 2009 at 10:04 pm

• Martha,

  Thank you very much for the well-wishes, they were very much appreciated.

  In a small book I read recently called '"Literary Cafes of Paris" the author Noel Fitch points out in the beginning that Henry James believed the French have excelled in the 'art of living'. That idea 'excelling at the art of living' is very much what I see you as promoting in a place where it is desperately needed, here in the United States. Each of the few times I have traveled to France, whether it be Paris or Provence, I have returned with a commitment to attempt to introduce into my day-to-day life the civilized artful approach to life embraced by the French. Once back in the real world, that of dealing with normal business pressures combined with just the general maintenance required by living, like buying and preparing food and managing an apartment, it often is easy to lose sight of that firm commitment I made upon returning home from the trip. You seem to be living, and certainly are promoting, the kind of life that I work very hard daily to achieve. As I am fully aware that never will everything be perfect, it is the classic case of the journey being more important and meaningful than the actual destination. I appreciate the lifestyle you are promoting and I am completely impressed by the business you have built by taking a great idea, working dilgently to develop and execute it and then marketing it, brilliantly.

  I feel one of the most important things you have done is to introduce to America an exciting and inviting New York City - your show is no doubt a huge contributor to the healthy tourism industry here. David Letterman's show intro claims New York to be the "greatest city in the world" and they are right. I like that your show paints a very positive and accurate picture of the city to people in the rest of the country. New York is awesome and I love that you are out there each day delivering that message. I feel fortunate to live just a few steps from Central Park, which to me is the most beautiful place in the world - although I am probably going to still buy my mushrooms from Whole Foods rather than foraging the park for them!

  Thanks again for the well-wishes and,

  all the best to you,

  Will

  Posted by: Will | December 17th, 2009 at 10:47 pm

• Simply stated.... "ditto"

  Posted by: Becky HK | December 19th, 2009 at 1:21 am

• Hi Martha,
  We are great fans and have a "Marthaized" home.
  Christmas will be a special Martha one for my wife thanks to your website. I gave Martha Rules to my sons-in-laws. It can't hurt. After Christmas we are going to see South Pacific at Lincoln Center. I recall your recommendation of restaurants in that area. Any suggestions are welcomed
  Merry Christmas!

  Posted by: Barry Minkin | December 19th, 2009 at 3:54 pm

• .

  Martha,
  .
  I proposed a business idea in sync with the discussion above to Dawna Stone while we were in communication over promotions within my industry.
  .
  She, your APPRENTICE winner, was on the publishing road of her book, WINNING NICE, and the time and funds were not right for this hearty enterprise.
  .
  I'll issue it along to the right person and perhaps you will see it. It's a money maker and teaching wizard that would certainly skim the cream from THE APPRENTICE'S goblet!

  .

  Posted by: andyjspencer.blogspot | December 21st, 2009 at 3:25 pm

• Totally agree! I think a TV show or another book based on Martha's unique business model would be a hit. I was a HUGE fan of Martha's Apprentice as I got an inside peek at MSLO.

  Posted by: Glen | December 21st, 2009 at 7:49 pm

• Hi Martha

  I agree with Will. This is a wonderful idea. As a young aspiring entrepreneur I am constantly searching for information about how to start and run a business and Martha Rules has been keeping me company for a few weeks. Love it! I know there's more we can learn from you so a show such as Will has suggested will be great.

  I also love your show. Could you please bring it to the UK? In the meantime, it would be wonderful if you could blog about what books are on your bookshelf.

  Posted by: Jumi | December 23rd, 2009 at 3:35 pm

• I'll echo the comments already posted here, and say that 'the Martha Rules' is on my short list of recommended reading for women entrepreneurs and independent retailers whom I consult with. I'm giving away a copy of your book on my blog this month!

  I think Will's idea for a business blog is excellent - come on, Miss Martha, can't you fit one more thing on your already overflowing plate?! ;0) You are an excellent example of 'success on a woman's terms' - thank you!

  Debi Ward Kennedy
  Retail Designer, Writer, Speaker
  Seattle, Wa.

  Posted by: Debi Ward Kennedy | February 2nd, 2010 at 1:49 am

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