‘Jersey Shore’ star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi may be better known as a bar-hopping, trash-talking, hair-poofing, over-exposed “Guidette” who enjoys vacationing on the Jersey shore, but she’s also a savvy and well-paid businesswoman.

Polizzi, 23,  took time out from spin-off show preparations with her ‘Jersey Shore’ castmate and best friend, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, to give her advice on how best to capitalize on newfound celebrity.

She told CNN Money in a recent interview that the keys to making it bigger after you’ve made it big are to make the most of opportunities that come your way, to not let negativity affect your vision, to craft your signature style, to use social media to get feedback and to expand your brand.

“I originally thought the show might last one season and then I’d go back to school. I’m trying to take advantage of what’s going on in my career by offering fans some of the products that I love and use myself,” she said.

She also said all the products in her line are items she wears herself and that she’s involved in the design process. Because she’s got a lot of herself invested in what she sells, she likes to get feedback from her fans, to keep them happy. “I like to connect with fans on Facebook and Twitter and also meet them in person at my book signings and product launches.”

She knows people say “harsh” things, but she doesn’t let it bother her. “If anything, it gives me more enthusiasm and pushes me to do better in my career so I can prove them wrong,” said Polizzi.

This seems to be just the beginning for the Snooki brand. Polizzi said, “I’d eventually like to include denim, sportswear, beauty products and to even open a retail store.”

Not only does Snooki earn about $20,000 for each personal appearance she makes, but, beyond that, her first book ‘A Shore Thing’ made The New York Times bestseller list in January, and she’s got another book due out in May. She’s also got a custom line of Snooki slippers and sunglasses on the market and this month she’ll launch a style guide, her own perfume, a line of indoor tanning products and a line of mobile apps and games.

Say what you will about how she got there, but it’s obvious that this savvy businesswoman intends to make the most of her fame and find major brand success while doing it.

[CNN]

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