Business success isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about bringing it to life.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next venture or maybe need a motivational boost to share with your team, here are ten quotes from the world’s most successful entrepreneurs on building a thriving business.
1. Hire well
“The people you surround yourself with are the people that will shape your future.”
– Steve Jobs
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs believed success is a collective effort. The people on your team will determine your business’s trajectory. Invest in finding and nurturing a team that shares your vision and has the skills to execute it.
2. Perception is everything
“Truly brilliant marketing happens when you take something most people think of as a weakness and reposition it so people think of it as a strength.”
– Reed Hastings
Reed Hastings, the co-founder and CEO of Netflix, is a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionised the entertainment industry. Since co-founding Netflix in 1997, Hastings has led the company to become a global streaming giant.
3. Never fear to fail
“Failure is a stepping stone to success.”
– Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, knows failure is part of the journey. Mistakes are your best teacher. Remember, success can only happen if don’t give up.
4. Take the leap
“The only real failure is not trying. Stay true to your mission.”
– Whitney Wolfe Herd
Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd emphasises perseverance. Staying committed to your mission, even when facing obstacles, is critical to long-term success.
5. Aim for the stars
“Set crazy big goals, and make them happen.”
– Melanie Perkins
Canva co-founder Melanie Perkins encourages entrepreneurs to think big and push boundaries. Never settle for the status quo—aim high and pursue seemingly impossible goals.
6. Follow the rule of 3
“We’ve had three big ideas at Amazon that we’ve stuck with for 18 years, and they’re the reason we’re successful: Put the customer first. Invent. And be patient.”
– Jeff Bezos
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos built one of the world’s most successful companies by focusing on three core priorities. By sticking to these for nearly two decades, Amazon proved that sustainable success requires a long-term commitment.
7. Embrace slow time
“The power of 1% gains. These marginal gains are collectively much more than marginal; they are the invisible things that compound over time.”
– Steven Bartlett
Entrepreneur Steven Bartlett believes in constant, incremental improvement. Even seeking just 1% gains in everything from saving time to learning a new skill can achieve significant progress over time.
8. Ask questions
“Who has dealt with this problem well? And what can we learn from them?”
– Bill Gates
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates tackles every problem by asking who has successfully dealt with a similar issue. Studying others’ successes and failures provides valuable lessons and saves you from reinventing the wheel.
9. Enjoy the ride
“Fun is one of the most important—and underrated—ingredients in any successful venture.”
– Richard Branson
Virgin Group’s Richard Branson believes enjoyment is crucial for success. He’s right. Research shows happy employees are more engaged and productive.
10. Experiment to innovate
“Unless you are breaking stuff, you are not moving fast enough.”
– Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg built his empire on the principle of rapid iteration. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—moving fast often means things will break, but that’s a sign of innovation.
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