What is it that keeps you going on a day-to-day basis as you work your business? What do you focus on when the going gets tough? What is it that gives what you do a purpose? And finally what motivates you when you need that extra shot of energy?
In doing research for this column I sought out advice by reading up on the lives of some famous leaders and entrepreneurs. What I found was that all of them had at least one quote that helped them stay focused, helped reignite creativity and provide inspiration to keep them and their business on track.
Somewhere someone pointed out that quotes serve as a quick reminder that we are not alone in our endeavours, that others have travelled a similar road, and that anything and everything is possible.
Here’s a selection of quotes that seemed to be the most popular. Perhaps one of them might be just what you need today to provide that spark to get the job done.
“A goal properly set is halfway reached.” Abraham Lincoln.
“If you work just for the money you’ll never make it but if you love what you are doing success will be yours.” Ray Kroc, President McDonalds
“The absolute fundamental aim is to make money out of satisfying customers.” John Egan, British industrialist
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive nor the most intelligent but the one most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin.
“I’ve never felt like I was in the cookie business. I’ve always been in a feel good feeling business. My job is to sell joy, happiness and an experience.” Debbi Fields, Founder Mrs. Field’s Bakeries.
“Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” Mary Kay Ash, Founder Mary Kay Cosmetics.
“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” Ancient Japanese saying.
“Sell people what they want … not what you think they need.” Author Unknown
“Remember the six most expensive words in business are … we’ve always done it that way.” Catherine DeVrye, author and past winner of the Australian Executive Woman of the Year.
“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” Vidal Sassoon.
“Inspiration exists but it must find you working.” Pablo Picasso.
“You miss 100 per cent of the shots you never take.” Wayne Gretzky.
“If you don’t have a competitive advantage, don’t compete.” Jack Welch, former Chairman & CEO General Electric.
“A business has to be involving, it has to be fun and it has to exercise your creative instincts.” Richard Branson.
“You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West.
And finally a quote from Alice Foote MacDougal, an incredibly successful businesswoman, beverage merchant and proprietor of five successful coffee houses in New York City, “You get what you want by giving other people what they want.” Alice passed away in 1945.
Got a favourite quote that helps keep you grounded and focused on your business? Send me an email and I’ll run a selection of them in an upcoming column.
Joe Smith is a communications consultant and an accomplished fine artist. He can be reached via email at joesmith@shaw.ca