Whether you love or hate her, you’d have to admit that, Beyoncé is about her business. She works hard, plays hard and gives 100% into any project which bears her name. That drive and work ethic was most recently shown in her latest stunt that shook the internet.

At 12 midnight on Friday 13th, Beyoncé released her 4th album, self entitled Beyoncé. But this wasn’t just another release. There wasn’t any warning, months of promotion or any mention of this album being created.

On the night of the 100th show for her Mrs. Carter Tour, Beyoncé celebrated by blindsiding the music world (and millions of stans) by dropping her most personal, edgy and raw body of work yet. A visual album- this release has total of 14 songs a 17 music videos all ready for download exclusively thru iTunes. At the time of this post over 1 million downloads had been made and has become the fasted selling album on iTunes.

With collaborations with Timbaland, Frank Ocean and Drake – Beyoncé was able to keep this project tight under wraps, while not missing a beat. So lets take a minute to explore how she accomplished this feat so that we can earn how to implement these tactics in our own lives, projects and businesses.

1. Shhhhh, show me.

Beyoncé rarely talks. It’s something that most fans love and hate about her, however have learned to respect the fact that she cherishes her privacy. So it’s no wonder that she was able keep this project under wraps. If Bey can  keep a secret and force her inner circle to do the same, surely you can too.

Takeaway: There’s no need to broadcast your every move. Make plans and trust only your core support system with the details. It not only keeps everyone guessing, but allows you to cultivate a plan with being clouded by other people’s opinions. Work hard in silence and let your success make the noise.

2. Hard work, beats talent.

Some may question her talent, but none will doubt how hard she works. While currently on a world tour for the Mrs. Carter album, some how Beyoncé has had time to perform, play with Blu Ivy, spent time with Jay and record a new album. Has the dust even settled on the Mrs. Carter album?

Takeaway: Work hard and do what the next person won’t do, in order to succeed. People who continue to learn, grow and improve their craft will always prevail over even the most talented individual.

3. Create a support system.

It’s clear that Beyoncé has a inner circle of friends, family and employees that are loyal. The CIA and Homeland Security should definitely take notes. From the assistant who runs to get Blu Ivy’s diapers to producers on the album, no one has mentioned a word about this project. Somewhere between a iron-clad confidentiality agreement and pure respect, Beyoncé has done what others have had a hard time doing – building a support system that values loyalty over anything else.

Takeaway: You don’t need a huge support system to help you stay focused and work towards your goals. You only need a few core people who have your best interest at heart and that aren’t afraid to tell you .

4. No Days Off.

When does Beyoncé have time to rest? From the time Destiny’s Child Hit the scene with  Beyonce has been moving full steam ahead. I can’t remember a time when she wasn’t touring, acting or working on a new album. While we sleep, she works. It’s a testament to her work ethic. Beyoncé knows the minute she takes a break, it allows room for the next up and coming star to take her top spot.

Takeaway: Work hard. Everyday. All day. You need a break? Sure, take one. But don’t rest too long otherwise it will give someone else an opportunity to take your spot. Remember, we are replaceable. So make your days count.

5. Set the bar high.

Quality over quantity. Period. Nothing Beyoncé puts her name on is half-assed or mediocre. This is not by accident. From her time in Destiny’s Child, thru her solo career, Beyoncé’s image has been meticulously calculated and cultivated. She only participated in quality projects that help broaden her reach and build her brand.

Takeaway: Don’t stretch yourself thin by taking on too much at once. Really think about the projects you are working on and how they contribute to your ultimate goal. If they aren’t quality projects that add to your current portfolio, then ditch them – quick.

6. Build a tribe.

Marketing and branding professionals call them tribes, the rest of us call them stans (or super fans). Without a doubt Beyoncé stans have the stigma of being the most treacherous group of fans online. They hang on Beyonce’s every word, repost every photo, know every song, go to each concert and have been known to sit on Twitter waiting to , drag or read anyone that dares to go against King Bey.

Takeaway: The internet has changed the game in regards to marketing a product or service. Today you need to build and grow an audience. describes them as a . A tribe is any group of people, large or small, who are connected to one another, a leader, and an idea. Build a tribe around your product, service or idea and you’ll never have to spend a dime on advertising again.

7. Show love to your supporters.

According to Beyoncé, this was an early Christmas present for her fans and it did not disappoint. Rumors are flying about the reasons why Sony didn’t give this project and promotion, but at this point it doesn’t matter. Based on reactions from around the web Beyoncé fans love the new direction of the album and feel this is her best work yet.

Takeaway: Always consider your audience. Making money is great, but showing appreciation the the fans that have been supporting you since day one is priceless.

Bonus: Create an urgency with exclusivity.

Beyoncé, said eff you Google Play! The latest album was exclusively available for download through iTunes. That’s right, if you’re an Android user you have two options, download the the computer version of iTunes to buy the album or just wait. That best way to get people to buy something, is to make them feel like their missing out. Limited releases of anything cause sense of hysteria and will have consumers spending their paycheck to buy stuff they don’t need and can’t afford.

Takeaway: To build a buzz around your product or blog, consider offering insider deals or time limits in order to increase urgency to buy. Think about Black Friday. The reason why people run to the stores, stand in long lines and fight complete strangers is because they feel they are missing out if they don’t make a purchase.

So hat did you think of Beyoncé’s album? Will you implement any of the tips?