Inspiration doesn’t always come when you nee it so it’s OK to borrow others’ from time to time. Even more, in the business world, where things can easily go south without notice, it’s great to have access to the wisdom of those more experienced than you.
This is why I put together a list with eight most inspiring quotes from people owning a business. In creating this top, I didn’t consider the size of the business or its success, but the wisdom and level of inspiration the quote has produced over the years.
So, let’s get inspired!
#1: Henry Ford
Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.
The founder of the Ford Motor Company and developer of the assembly line, Henry Ford is known in history as being a business magnate and captain of industry. While it’s true he isn’t the sole inventor of the automobile or the assembly line, he employed his curiosity and managed to create the first affordable car.
Before he got to business, the car was an expensive curiosity and his work completely change the world. So, he thought he could leave the world a better place, and he did – proving his quote right!
#2: Richard Branson
A big business starts small.
When one of the biggest businessmen in the world today tells you that everything starts small, you should believe him.
Today, he is the founder of the Virgin Group, which is now known to control over 400 companies all over the world! However, his business career didn’t start on an upward trend, and he had to go through several failed ventures before he got a win.
#3: Dee Hock
Failure is not to be feared. It is from failure that most growth comes.
We are all afraid of failure, but according to the founder and former CEO of the Visa credit card association, failure is nothing more than a chance to learn and grow. So, don’t let life’s blows put you down!
#4: Beth Comstock
Know thyself. Know the customer. Innovate.
As the former vice chair of General Electric and the owner of her own business, Beth Comstock has a lot of experience in sales and marketing. Through her quote, she simply states what most beginner entrepreneurs seem to forget: that marketing needs to be focused on the customer.
Whether you’re doing an online campaign or a big media tour (if you’re not familiar with the concept, see this article on satellite tour), you must not forget who the customer is!
#5: Thomas Edison
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
While he didn’t invent the lightbulb, Thomas Edison was the one who had the stroke of genius to use the existing inventions and create the beginning of a new era. He may not have invented it, but he spent a lot of time perfecting it, learning from failure.
#6: Colin Powell
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
For all those people who still believe in the so-called ‘overnight success’ and ‘easy money’ – there is no such thing. Only your grit and willingness to properly prepare for a life of success will get you there.
#7: Jim Rohn
If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse
There is no better way to exemplify this quote than by looking at our history over the centuries. There was a time when we thought flying impossible and now a plane is as common as a stick on the ground.
#8: Herbert Bayard Swope
I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure–It is: Try to please everybody.
For my last quote, I chose one that was an eye opener the first time I read it. Basically, if you want to find your way in life, you must assume the responsibility of your success and failure. No one can tell you what to do and you shouldn’t allow anyone to influence your judgment!
