“It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” — Bill Gates
Interpretation by Tom Libby: We’ve seen many of these types of quotes in our Interpretation of a Quote series. This should tell us there is a lot to pay attention to regarding the advice here. Failure is not only an option but a must to ensure success. We simply can’t be successful every time we set a goal or challenge ourselves with business plans. It’s the lessons failure brings that truly allows us to learn and forge ahead. The key is to recognize the failure early enough that it doesn’t break you and your spirit. Once recognized, you can take it’s lessons and turn them into the next step or level of your plan. Read More Interpretations: https://www.smarketingconnect.com/quote-interpretations.htm |
“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”– Michael Jordan
Interpretation by Tom Libby: I joke with people all the time, saying that “entrepreneurs are the only people I know that work 80 hours a week to avoid working 40”. If you have dreams of owning your own business, I say go for it…just be prepared to really work and work hard. Following your dream to own your own business can also be so rewarding, definitely adventurous. The best advice I can give here is really simple if possible, just don’t do it alone. I have several partners and without them I think I’d go crazy. Being able to share the workload, bounce ideas off each other, and expand your expertise is immeasurable. Read More Interpretations: https://www.smarketingconnect.com/quote-interpretations.html |
“My biggest motivation? Just to keep challenging myself. I see life almost like one long university education that I never had -- every day I’m learning something new.” -- Richard Branson
Interpretation by Tom Libby: Just one more example of someone that made it regardless of their formal education, or lack thereof. The thing that makes me really think, is the fact that education is simply learning…regardless of where you are or who/what you learn from. As long as you keep learning, you’re moving forward and moving forward is important in business as in life. Learn from books, mentors, peers, literally any way you can. I’m a father of 5 kids and I find myself learning new things from them too. Keep educating yourself and you’ll be successful nonetheless. |
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” — Zig Ziglar, American Author
Interpretation by Tom Libby: A daily motivator is not only vital but it should be pretty easy for you to identify for yourself. Not easy because it’s simple like everyone wants money, fame, championships, etc. Simple because it probably drives you every day without you realizing it and more importantly, I’m guessing it’s way more personal to you. Just as an example my drive…my motivation factor is simply to be helpful. I try everyday to find a way to be helpful to those around me in business and in my personal life. I find the highest level of satisfaction in helping others. That said, I do feel like being in sales is a real easy way to be helpful to customers as well as the company I work for. Good products for business owners/Good revenue for my company! SIMPLE! |
“You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can’t, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don’t give up.”
― Chuck Yeager Interpretation by Tom Libby: In business this could be an indication to pivot. A lot of companies start in one direction just to realize that success will be more forthcoming if they go a different way. It could even mean taking a step back to take two steps forward. There have even been occasions where the pivot just turns into a completely separate division...or even a new company all together. Closing a door to open a new one, so to speak. The most important thing to remember here is to NEVER quit and never stop moving forward. Just make adjustments and if you need to…just pivot. |
“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”
— Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group Interpretation by Tom Libby: This resonates with me quite a bit, and it covers most aspects of life. From a personal perspective this can be valuable when talking about sports, recreational activities, hobbies, etc., considering at the early stages of all of these failures are basically inevitable. Oddly, we already know this and in most cases are prepared to work through the failures. In business however this isn’t always the case. We put so much pressure on ourselves to “get it right” the first time that we forget that failure is part of the growing process. Most times making mistakes gives us insights to where the success is going to come from |
Timing, perseverance, and ten years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success.
BIZ STONE Interpretation by Tom Libby: I’m not really sure if a true “overnight success” actually exists, personally I don’t think I know of any. Although, there are several that look that way. But looks can be deceiving, as you work to build your company under the radar it can be years before you become a household name. Companies spend years perfecting or ensuring their MVP (minimum viable product) works to the point they can sell it. Once you start selling your product/service and people start taking notice, if it really sells well it can look like an overnight success. The years you put in sometimes isn’t noticed. |
The last 10% it takes to launch something takes as much energy as the first 90%.
ROB KALIN Interpretation by Tom Libby: The key really, is to make sure you have the energy to push you over the finish line when you need it. There have been several companies to get 90% there and not have enough left in the tank to make sure they’re successful. Knowing the full capacity and capabilities of your team is vital. Making sure you can count on the same level of energy and commitment toward the end as they give in the beginning can be the difference between succeeding and failing. The last 10% deserves the same intensity and commitment as the first 90%...make sure you have it in you to get it done! |
I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.
STEPHEN COVEY Interpretation by Tom Libby: Easy enough to explain…your decisions are what put you in whatever circumstance you find yourself in, therefore changing your circumstance is as simple as making your next decision. You can’t really be judged by the situation you’re in either, but you can be judged by the decisions that put you there. Make good decisions, stand by them, and learn from them…most importantly, make sure you understand where you are, where you want to be, and the decisions you need to make to continue yourself on a path you can be proud of. |
However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.
STEPHEN HAWKING Interpretation by Tom Libby: Without judgment or comparing who’s had it worse, the reality is that we’ve all been there and come through times that we’d rather not discuss. All that said, you can change your situation. You can take control of yourself and your destiny. Sometimes just “doing something” and making a change is the success. The “you can do it” attitude is all you need at times to help get you out of life’s difficulties and put your mindset on the right path. Sometimes the success is just you moving beyond the hardship and fighting to stay ahead. |
Fortunes are built during the down market and collected in the upmarket.
JASON CALACANIS Interpretation by Tom Libby: This may be really appropriate right now considering the current business environment. With the Covid-19 pandemic hitting the entire world, it seems that all the markets are down. That said, if you can figure it out NOW, with all this going on…you’re probably going to be ok. Of course, not if your whole plan and strategy’s foundation is based on the pandemic itself. But if a true business plan with solid sales and marketing strategies can be built during this time, then the upmarket should be a breeze. Somehow, we tend to see real growth after each of these recession type hits to the economy. |
Always think outside the box and embrace opportunities that appear, wherever they might be.
LAKSHMI MITTAL Interpretation by Tom Libby: Thinking like everyone else and following conventional wisdom has almost never produced massive changes in business, or most other aspects of life for that matter. As we think of how all the greatest innovations have happened, the common denominator seems to be the ability of someone to reach beyond the realm of common thinking. It’s like taking the thought of necessity being the mother of invention to the extreme, but it seems to fit. Brainstorm to the point that what seems unrealistic now seems possible, don’t just think outside the box…”do” outside the box. |
Best startups generally come from somebody needing to scratch an itch.
MICHAEL ARRINGTON Interpretation by Tom Libby: Discovering a need that hasn’t been satisfied by what’s currently available in the market can cause some severe “itching” in the sense of identifying a solution. When that “itch” is had by a large recognizable demographic, there lies an opportunity to develop the remedy…the start of a new product/company to scratch that “itch” and the possibility to earn a living doing so. There is however another version of this…the market already exists but you’re really not satisfied with the current solutions. Then you get to build a better mouse trap, so to speak. The “itch” is scratched by creating the better solution! |
If you define yourself by how you differ from the competition, you’re probably in trouble.
OMAR HAMOUI Interpretation by Tom Libby: Knowing what separates you from your competition is important, some might say vital. However, defining yourself by these differences can be a bit restrictive. Your message could really be better or more clear if you turn your focus within. Show your audience and your competition what makes you shine, what makes you great, how you solve problems, or how you make life better/easier. Staying hyper focused on yourself could also show your competitor that you’re not afraid or worried about having them in you space. Especially if you’re in a space with an abundance of competition. |
If you just work on stuff that you like and you’re passionate about, you don’t have to have a master plan with how things will play out.
MARK ZUCKERBERG Interpretation by Tom Libby: This is similar to the thought that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. One difference though…this one has to do with the outcome of your business. The fact is you really should have a business plan. You can however make sure that the tasks that you plan for and/or those you don’t delegate to others are the ones that you have a passion for. You can keep pushing the envelope of development or tweaking the product to perfection. Follow your passion as long as it keeps pushing you and your company forward. |
Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
JOSHUA J. MARINE Interpretation by Tom Libby: We face tests daily, in every aspect of life. It’s not just conquering these challenges that give us purpose but how we accomplish these missions can also have significant impact. We tend to be a collection of the choices we make, along with the wins and losses of life. Successes and failures are all part of it, but we often get too wrapped up in our missteps. Finding your purpose can also help determine which challenges are worth overcoming in the first place. True importance, true worth, true meaning comes from knowing your true north and fighting to stay on that course. |
A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.
COLIN POWELL Interpretation by Tom Libby: I think back to when I was a kid making a wish, and it never coming true (ok, almost never). Wishing or hoping magic will make your business improve is like believing in Santa Clause, I suppose. The best “magic” for your business is working with a strong strategy, creating a good plan and effectively implementing that plan. It takes a high level of performance, follow through and control. Well…and a great work ethic. You’d be amazed what problems/issues you can overcome with some good old fashion nose to the grindstone. Yes, that means hard work. Work smarter AND harder to succeed! |
If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run, then walk. And, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Interpretation by Tom Libby: As much as we all want to start a company, get it established, and grow it to millions of dollars in revenue overnight, we should all understand that this is almost never a realistic expectation. There are times that the speed of movement is not the most relevant measurement. The true measurement should be judged based on the direction that we’re heading. Fact is, slow or fast can be overlooked if the company is constantly moving forward. Growth is paramount and can also be looked at from many angles, but make sure that regardless of the angle there is forward momentum. |
You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.
SAM LEVENSON Interpretation by Tom Libby: Observation can be a great teacher if you allow it to. We see ups and downs, failures and successes, wins and loses throughout the business world. We can try to learn all of these lessons on our own or even leverage the collective experience of partners, however, wouldn’t it make way more sense to read a book or two written by those that have been successful before us. Or even watch videos of the most successful people we can find…fact is, some of the most successful business people have also made some of the biggest mistakes. We can learn a thing or two from theirs and not waste time making the same ones ourselves. |
The most dangerous poison is the feeling of achievement. The antidote is to every evening think what can be done better tomorrow.
INGVAR KAMPRAD Interpretation by Tom Libby: The kiss of death for anyone, any company, or any organization is thinking that they have no where to improve. The best athletes, artists, business people, etc. always look at every situation and try to understand where there are areas of improvement. Whether you succeed or fail there are lessons to learn, there is something you can do better, different, or just ensure the consistency is something that works. Perfection is an illusion that is had by people not willing to look deeper. Don’t be fooled by hitting goals set by yourself, that’s not useful. |
Be undeniably good. No marketing effort or social media buzzword can be a substitute for that.
ANTHONY VOLODKIN Interpretation by Tom Libby: Pretty self-explanatory, I’m sure but I’d like to add a few things. If you can achieve the status of “undeniably good” then use it to enhance your marketing efforts. Why even bother using buzzwords if you can truly accomplish this. The real challenge is getting there. If you spend your time talking to your customers and constantly make adjustments to assure them that you are always looking to make their experience better, then you may be able to have them speak for you. Testimonials are an easy way to prove that you’re “undeniable good”. |
I'm convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.
STEVE JOBS Interpretation by Tom Libby: I heard a story once about a gold miner back in the 1800’s. He drilled for gold for 2 years with little luck and decided to sell his mine for just over his total cost of ownership. He didn’t lose money but didn’t realize his dreams either. The new owner drilled for a few months and hit the jack pot. The moral of this story and message from Steve Jobs…you just can’t quit!! You may have to pivot, change methods, create a brand-new market, or any of several business tactics to just keep pushing forward. Even taking one step back to get two steps ahead is better than quitting. But just never give up! |
If you can push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking a risk, really amazing things can happen.
MARISSA MAYER Interpretation by Tom Libby: Once the excitement of starting up your own company fades, fear often sets in. The what if this or that happens kind of thinking can be paralyzing. However if you’re one of the few that can push through this fear and work on the goals you set out for yourself and your company , allowing the ups and downs of entrepreneurship to become your normal…then your sense of business direction can take the shape of hope and enthusiasm. Amazing results only happen if you take the fear of failure out of the equation and decide to be bold and just don’t break down. |
So often people are working hard at the wrong thing. Working on the right thing is probably more important than working hard.
CATERINA FAKE Interpretation by Tom Libby: Making sure your efforts are pointed in the right direction has never been more important. With everything we have to distract us, it’s imperative that the hard work we put into something is the right something. You can make course corrections as you go, of course, but make sure these come fast. The speed at which you make these changes can potentially save or close down your company. Just be sure to have all the facts too, before you decide to make major changes have your next plan prepared and vetted. |
In the end, a vision without the ability to execute it is probably a hallucination.
STEVE CASE Interpretation by Tom Libby: If execution drives the vision, then planning is the key to the engine and passion is the fuel. You need all three pieces to this puzzle…you need the vision, ability, and passion to make sure you have a shot to be successful. You can offset some of this with the right team. As long as you all share the vision and the passion, the ability can fall on one of the team members or you can outsource it, if the resource exists. Also important is planning. Strategic planning is the final piece that makes all of this a real possibility. |
All humans are entrepreneurs not because they should start companies but because the will to create is encoded in human DNA.
REID HOFFMAN Interpretation by Tom Libby: Starting your own company is totally out of the question for some people, for sure. But the idea that you can create something new is greater now than ever before. We have home lives that lend to invention, our bosses are letting us get more and more creative in our jobs to make them easier, better, faster, etc. Our lives have become all about what we can create to make a difference. The fact is though, these creative moments don’t have to be about starting companies. They can simply be about making our lives better, or the lives of our loved ones better. Mine is usually in the kitchen…I love to create new meals. |
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
PETER DRUCKER Interpretation by Tom Libby: Easier said than done, I’m sure…but there is something to be said about being in charge of your own destiny, not waiting around to see what happens. The act of waiting around to see if a prediction comes true is terrifying to me. Just imagine, thinking of an outcome that you want then just letting things happen on their own to see if it comes to fruition. The likelihood of this ending well for you is slim to none. However, if you put yourself in control of the actions needed to make your future happen, you at least have a shot. You can also make course corrections as you go to make sure you have the best outcome. |
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
ANTHONY ROBBINS Interpretation by Tom Libby: That driving force is passion. They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life but even the most loving relationships need to be worked on. What makes it all worth it is the passion you have for that relationship. In the work force, the relationship to be worked on is your vision, dreams, or desires. When the passion you have for these outweighs the dread of performing your daily tasks or goals, then you have unleashed your driving force. If you can unleash it to the fullest, you can achieve any reality you put your mind to. Find your passion, live your reality. |
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
WALT DISNEY Interpretation by Tom Libby: I was talking about something like this recently with one of my children. They have a project that they weren’t sure how to start but had a pretty good idea of how they wanted the finished product to look. This is a clothing project that has a ton of intricacy and the details are vital. As daunting as it seems my advice was pretty much this quote. Just stop thinking about it and get it started…the details can be addressed as you go. More importantly, corrections can be handled on the fly as long as your activity drives you forward. I believe the same rules apply to any business. Stop thinking and start doing! |
If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.
STEVE JOBS Interpretation by Tom Libby: Just make sure the vision is strong enough to carry you through the tough times. Just about every entrepreneur I know will tell you that they’ve had thoughts about packing it in. Only those with the strongest senses of purpose, the most committed to the goals, or those that held the highest faith in their convictions were able to battle through. You need to more than just care, you have to have the complete package…you need to possess the perfect convergence of passion, ability, and desire. Only with all three will you be able to allow the vision to pull you through these hard times. |
The more I want to get something done the less I call it work.
RICHARD BACH Interpretation by Tom Libby: This seems like the same idea as; “If you love what you do, you’ll ever work a day in your life.” But I think it goes beyond this. The desire to achieve goals, your ambition to succeed, or your drive to go above the norm can all fall into this category too, it’s not just about your work. If you want something and have the drive to accomplish what you’re out to, it’ll never seem like work. It’ll just be another goal accomplished or a checked off task. In either case, you might not view any of it as work if you just keep your desire stronger than the thought of work. |
You know you are on the road to success if you would do your job, and not be paid for it.
OPRAH WINFREY Interpretation by Tom Libby: I’m not sure if I’m the only one who’s done this, but I ran through an exercise with all of my children at one point or another and it kind of follows this quotes. Ask yourself what you would do for work if money was never an issue. If no one got paid for anything and all of life's necessities were provided to you, but you had to perform a job to participate. What would that job be? When you answer this honestly you could potentially give yourself direction in life when it comes to profession. It doesn’t always work perfectly, but you can find out if you’re more geared toward manual labor, medical, or some others. |
Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.
HENRY DAVID THOREAU Interpretation by Tom Libby: A big part of success is pushing forward, planning, executing, redefining, repositioning, pivoting, challenging the status quo, managing your team, and everything else that matters when building or running a company. The fact is, doing all these things effectively takes up so much time and effort that it becomes hard to go looking for success itself. However, if you manage to do these things well, success is highly likely. So, stop looking around for success and make your own by keeping busy and pushing yourself to be the best you can. |
If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.
REID HOFFMAN Interpretation by Tom Libby: We tend to think something needs to be perfect to launch it. This is only true if we expect it to never be changed again but when building things like websites, mobile apps, platforms, etc. there are always changes to be made. That said, launch it, get feedback from your customers whether its good or bad and make adjustments accordingly. The great thing about this process is that the embarrassment is short lived as long as you continue to show improvements. The only time you have a real problem is in remaining stagnant. Don’t wait…release, evaluate and listen, then react and adjust. |
If people like you, they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you, they’ll do business with you.
ZIG ZIGLAR Interpretation by Tom Libby: True, building trust is likely the most important part of the relationship but just a reminder, this statement can only be true if they know you first. Get to know your prospects. The rapport building phase of a business relationship is not too early to start building trust. I think of trust similar to a bank account, the more you make deposits into your “trust account”, the more likely you are to have what you need in the bank to move your business forward when the time comes to make a withdrawal. Build trust the same way you build wealth…earn it, bank it, and invest it. |
What we fear of doing most is usually what we most need to do.
RALPH WALDO EMERSON Interpretation by Tom Libby: Can you say prospecting? Unless your primary role is sales and you dedicate a portion of your day to prospecting, you probably don’t like prospecting. Now “fear” may be a little strong, but the notion still applies to most small businesses. The fact still remains though, this is one of the most vital tasks we need to do to maintain a good sales pipeline. Good sales pipelines are the top priority in every small business to ensure their survival. You have to find a way to eliminate that fear of prospecting in order to grow your business and thrive in a competitive world. The first step is recognizing the need! |
You have to believe in yourself when no one else does — that makes you a winner right there.
VENUS WILLIAMS Interpretation by Tom Libby: Having a support system, friends and family that have faith in you to succeed is amazing but in order to truly excel you must have a certain level of confidence in yourself. This conviction can carry you a long way and even help you “fake it til you make it” to a degree. I’m not implying to be misleading or lie by any means but with the right amount of belief in yourself you can be convincing enough to make sales, form partnerships, or move your needle forward in many other ways. This belief has to be in yourself, your product/service, and your ability to perform beyond the expected results. |
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
WINSTON CHURCHILL Interpretation by Tom Libby: Good or bad, whichever the outcome you have to make sure you still grow. Failure teaches us what to fix and where to focus our efforts in order to change the results. Accomplishments give us the confidence to step up the challenges that we face next. Either way, neither is the end of the road. What separates good from great is seeing that the end of one road is usually the beginning of the next and we should expect ourselves to be more prepared for it regardless of how we got there. Be bold, push yourself forward, and make sure you see the next road. |
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
THOMAS EDISON Interpretation by Tom Libby: There seems to be many quotes like this, and we’ve made several comments about them. It appears we need to be constantly reminded that work is necessary. We can never wait for the miracle, to be handed opportunities, or the overnight success. The only thing we can count on with any certainty is working hard and creating our own luck. You need to face the challenges of the daily grind, look work right in the face and be determined to beat it. Opportunities will come to those who choose to work hard and never give up the fight to be successful. |
The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.
HENRY FORD Interpretation by Tom Libby: I’ve trained many sales professionals using a similar approach. The fact is, it’s not just about sales or business. This pertains to life in general. If in your misgivings, failures, or missteps you can reflect and find information hat allows you to make yourself better…then it’s not a true mistake, it’s a learning opportunity. There are so many chances to learn form your errors that it becomes silly to think that we shouldn’t be reflecting on those errors to improve our thoughts, relationships, and dare I say…sales closing ratios. Make mistakes to reflect on and keep learning! |
Ideas are commodity. Execution of them is not.
MICHAEL DELL Interpretation by Tom Libby: I’ve heard that everyone has ideas and you only have to look inward to see the next billion dollar one. However, sit through one brainstorming session and you’ll know that billion-dollar ideas are really hard to come by, in fact even just real good ones are like unicorns. That being said, the best ideas die hard if you can’t act on them, even more so if you try to go it alone. The execution of ideas is the hardest part and you can make it easier on yourself by doing what you do best and finding others to help out with the rest. Find co-founders, partners, or outsource the pieces that you can’t do yourself. |
Don’t count the days, make the days count.
MUHAMMAD ALI Interpretation by Tom Libby: The reality here is that it doesn’t matter if you’re talking about your work life or your personal life, the rule still applies. Making the most of every day is the difference maker between failure and success. Just being busy for a certain number of days or years never guarantees success, but making every day a productive one, pushing toward a goal and hitting those goals makes a bigger impact than just the shear number of days you work on them. There may be something to be said about longevity, but not always. Every day has the potential to be the day you declare success. |
Listen, smile, agree, and then do whatever you were gonna do anyway.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR Interpretation by Tom Libby: Just bear in mind that no one is right 100% of the time, you have to be willing to listen and react to those that might know more than you. That being said, if by chance you know for a fact that you’re right or what you’re about to do is really what’s best for your company…then go for it. But I still urge you to make sure you take the time to make those around you feel like you really care about their opinion. Even more so, you should make sure you make them feel like they are valued and their opinions matter, even if you don’t put them into practice or use them in your plans. |
Chase the vision, not the money, the money will end up following you.
TONY HSIEH Interpretation by Tom Libby: I feel this one is pretty self-explanatory, however the real difficulty comes in the form of knowing or having that true vision. The vision that makes it easy to go to work or easy to work on your company. The vision of a founder that has the strength to not only motivate themselves but to keep a team engaged and motivated to reach for the same goals is truly powerful. So create that vision first and make sure it’s strong enough to motivate others to follow you and the vision. Then chase away and watch the money follow. |
You don’t need to have a 100-person company to develop that idea.
LARRY PAGE Interpretation by Tom Libby: Facebook started with 5, Twitter with 4, Apple with 3, Google with 2, and Amazon with only one. The reality is all you need are hard-working individuals with the unwillingness to fail, combined with an idea that solves a real problem or take a solution and makes it better, faster, or more cost effective. As simple as this seems, the most common reason for failure according to Igor Belagorudsky, (President @ FastCTO & Co-founder and President @ KwipShare) a Boston Angel investor, is dissention among the founding team. So, although you only need a small team to get started and have success, make sure you’re all on the same page for the long run. |
The fastest way to change yourself is to hang out with people who are already the way you want to be.
REID HOFFMAN Interpretation by Tom Libby: This could be kind of difficult to accomplish if your goals are to be like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, they may not be in the market for new friends or business associates. However, there are a lot of experts in their respective fields that are always looking to help. You might find an ally in a local expert that has a sizable following on social media or an influencer to the upper management of major companies. Learning from them could propel your business forward from multiple directions. The easiest part is the learning, the hardest is putting yourself out there to find the right connections. But you have to try! |
The question I ask myself almost every day is, ‘Am I doing the most important thing I could be doing?
MARK ZUCKERBERG Interpretation by Tom Libby: I have a saying that usually frustrates the older generation that grew up hearing “why put off till tomorrow what you can do today” mine is a bit different but reminds me of this Zuckerberg quote; “why do today what you can put off until tomorrow”. Which at the core they both tell me to make sure I do only the most important things today, if it isn’t that important then do something else. Until you run out of top-level items, then and only then should you move on to things that matter less. The so called “to do” list can wait. Make sure you always focus on the things that matter most. |
If you can’t feed a team with two pizzas, it’s too large.
JEFF BEZOS Interpretation by Tom Libby: I’ve always liked the idea of small teams, except when I played football then I’m good with big teams. You kinda need them there, but in business I’ve always thought this quote from Jeff Bezos was perfect. With smaller teams you can be agile with decision making, you can be focused with less distractions, you can share the secret sauce with less vulnerability, you can become a close-knit family striving for the same results. With really big teams all of these are just simply more complicated and not nearly as manageable. |
Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.
RICHARD BRANSON Interpretation by Tom Libby: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again…right? I definitely think so! The idea that if you fail the first or second time you try to start a company or project, you should quit or stop trying seems silly considering we’ve all been children and told to keep at something we’ve tried to do. Why would this be any different? Study the mistakes you make and make sure you fix them on the next attempt. Make sure your team is right and move forward. Lastly, make sure you have a strong advisory board that can help point you in the right direction. |
Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.
RALPH WALDO EMERSON Interpretation by Tom Libby: Here we have another great quote that tells us that desire, drive and a great work ethic will put us in position to win. The prize can be anything, sports, business, or life goals. Most importantly, you can’t just sit around and hope things happen for you. You have to take things into your own hands. You have to go after your goals and dreams. You have to work really hard to make them happen and not let anything stand in your way. |
Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential.
JOHN MAXWELL Interpretation by Tom Libby: It seems this theme exists in many forms and phrases, throughout many industries and sports, and has been said in one form or another by people in all walks of life. The fact that it does gives it an insane amount of credibility. In all of their differences the lessons it teaches are the same. Your tenacity, willingness to never quit, or never letting your competition out work you, will never fail you. The only other thing I’d add to this is that who dictates your success or failure is YOU. Only you can determine if your efforts were worth the time you spend on your endeavor. |
If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.
HENRY FORD Interpretation by Tom Libby: As a general population we tend to want to stay with what we know because new things tend to make us nervous. However, once that new thing has proven its worth the sky’s the limit. We see this a lot in software when we talk about adoption rates, or in fashion with what trends, or even in automobiles with the increased adoption of electric cars. Once we influence the mass’s we can be true innovators. Like Ford with his cars not waiting for people to be asking for them, he created something that the mass’s decided they needed more than horses. |
What do you need to start a business? Three simple things: know your product better than anyone, know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed.
DAVE THOMAS Interpretation by Tom Libby: So, in other words…marketing, market research, and the need to push yourself to be the top dog in your respective industry. However, just having these three things is only half the equation. You also need great planning, based on your research and exceptional execution, based on understanding the needs of your target market. After all that, you should think about starting a company. Oh ya, and don’t forget about the possibility of bringing on a partner with complementary skills…then you might have a shot at success. I’m not being pessimistic, just realistic…it’s hard but NOT impossible. |
No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.
REID HOFFMAN Interpretation by Tom Libby: Think of this as a “The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts” which was first coined by the philosopher Aristotle. In business, you just can’t be an expert at everything. Even with the greatest of ideas or the best plans, you simply can’t control everything but with the help of a team that have a varying degree of expertise the whole becomes greater than they can be by themselves. Learning to lean on those around you can be hard but it truly is a strength. |
All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.
MICHAEL JOHN BOBAK Interpretation by Tom Libby: This is especially true if you plan to be an innovator, breaking the mold of the ordinary, or even if you plan to revolutionize an industry that is in dire need of it. Although it can mean just taking a new approach to a very well-established industry. In either case, pushing to make progress can make or break a company. Being brave enough to keep moving forward, stepping outside your comfort zone can be exciting, scary, and liberating all in one. Most importantly, never make decisions based on staying comfortable or maintaining the status quo! |
Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.
HENRY DAVID THOREAU Interpretation by Tom Libby: Push forward, never give up, be tenacious, stay the course, or so many other cliché sayings that we hear from people come to my mind when I see this quote. The difference for me with this one is that it starts with the success as the destination rather than the goal. We all know that we need to work hard and push ourselves but this quote from Thoreau tells us that success is the inevitable result, so I say…continue on! Just don’t waste your time searching out the proof of your accomplishments, you’ll know it when it happens! |
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
STEVE JOBS Interpretation by Tom Libby: They also say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. The major factor here is to truly find something you can earn a living with while loving it. You can find plenty of hobbies, activities, or interests to love but how many of these can really be used to earn a living? The real talent is being able to blend these worlds. If you’re able to accomplish this endeavor, you’ll truly never feel like your working and what you’re capable of accomplishing increases exponentially. We should all strive for this utopia in the workplace. |
The most dangerous poison is the feeling of achievement. The antidote is to every evening think what can be done better tomorrow.
INGVAR KAMPRAD Interpretation by Tom Libby: This seems to be similar to the advice, never become too complacent. If you stop…stop striving to get better, stop trying to build more, stop becoming the best in your industry…then someone else will accomplish this goal. You cannot poison your mind into thinking that you’re done. You can always improve your service, your product, or yourself. The direction of your improvement is irrelevant, the most important fact is that you’re moving and bettering yourself or your company. You can plan or reflect as often as needed and to varying degrees, but you should be thinking of this daily at minimum. |
It ain't over 'til it's over.
YOGI BERRA Interpretation by Tom Libby: I know we all have ups and downs as entrepreneurs but at times the downs can seem like they’re putting us out of business. This quote reminds us that as long as you have something, you have everything. This something can manifest itself as desire, drive, determination, a full pipeline of potential clients, or even long-term clients that can keep you afloat while reloading. It can even be just the right attitude to continue on. Most importantly, you keep pushing, keep going, keep moving forward until there is literally no other option. Then and only then do you determine that it’s over and you need to close your business! |
If you are afraid of failure you don’t deserve to be successful!
CHARLES BARKLEY Interpretation by Tom Libby: We’ve all heard the words “without failure, there can be no success” or “failure is part of the success process” or many others in that realm. But to hear that you don’t deserve to succeed is new to me. I totally agree that you can’t fear failure and that fear can paralyze you, but to not deserve success based on this…maybe/maybe not! My thoughts here are just simply, take the word out of the equation all together. Replace failure with “learning step” or “reduction of options”, anything that keeps you from giving up. Push through the heartache of the thought of failure and keep moving forward, hard work is always a success story! |
The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.
BOBBY KNIGHT Interpretation by Tom Libby: In business, sometimes we forget that just bulling through something or just attacking a problem without first taking time to review and plan our course can be hugely detrimental. Anyone can react to a problem but not all reactions are created equal. The best of the best take time to prepare themselves for what’s to come. This can take many forms. It may be in the form of marketing research before launching a new product/service or it can be reading and understanding new laws prior to announcing a new employee handbook. Whatever the problem is, the solution will entail preparing to win if you want to be successful. |
Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.
JERRY RICE Interpretation by Tom Libby: In sports this is practicing more, lifting extra weights, or maybe watching film on your competition. In business it can be many things too. The “do what others won’t” could be more detailed market research, setting aside specific times to prospect, or learning the newest sales tactics. Not every salesperson or business owner does all the work necessary to succeed. There are times that they feel prospects will just line up to buy. The fact remains, we must continue to out work our competition, in any way we can in order to achieve what they “can’t”. |
The man who has no imagination has no wings.
MUHAMMAD ALI Interpretation by Tom Libby: To begin with, I’m a huge boxing fan along with my daughter…yup, my daughter! We love watching boxing together. Ok, back to the quote. We’re often told to “think outside the box”, “throw caution to the wind”, or simply to “use our imagination” when trying to resolve issues or come up with solutions to our problems. The idea here is that in order to rise above the fray or to propel yourself forward you need to have ingenuity, resourcefulness, even a vision of yourself flying through it. Without our mind feeling free to create with inventiveness, we’ll be forever grounded and not feel the freedom. come up with solutions to our problems. The idea here is that in order to rise above the fray or to propel yourself forward you need to have ingenuity, resourcefulness, even a vision of yourself flying through it. Without our mind feeling free to create with inventiveness, we’ll be forever grounded and not feel the freedom. |
There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either IN or you’re OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between.
PAT RILEY Interpretation by Tom Libby: Pretty bold statement if you’re thinking of it in business terms, even more so in entrepreneurial terms. To say that you need to be all in is an understatement. You need to “get there” of course, but once you’ve determined that business ownership is for you, you need to make committing to that business a top priority. Make no mistake…there will be errors made, sleepless nights, terrifying decisions to make…but a firm commitment to the success to your business will help you fight through it all. Just make sure you skip the vacillating back and forth about being an entrepreneur, and own that decision first! |
If people like you, they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you, they’ll do business with you.
ZIG ZIGLAR Interpretation by Tom Libby: I feel like this is really directed toward sales people or business owners that sell their products/services themselves. Sometimes it takes someone to like you to even get an audience with them. Once they give you the benefit of their time, it’s up to you to earn their trust. Trust is the most fundamental, really the foundation of every sales transaction. You could have the #1 service or product but without trust, you may never get a sale. Likeability is easy to achieve but trust is difficult to earn, and it must be earned. There is no easy way…or way around this deciding factor! |
If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.
STEVE JOBS Interpretation by Tom Libby: We often mistake companies that seem to come out of nowhere and are hugely successful as overnight success stories or even the latest product launch of popular companies can be misconstrued as overnight successes. What we seem to overlook is what these successful situations have gone through to get the attention they deserve. Some people forget that Apple started in 1976, Microsoft in 1975, even a bit more recently companies like Facebook in 2004, or Uber in 2009…all of which were minimally successful for a while then BAM! We see them on the world stage seemingly overnight, but not all the work they took to get there. |
I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure--It is: Try to please everybody.
HERBERT BAYARD SWOPE Interpretation by Tom Libby: In the world of business I think of this in a sense of marketing. In marketing the most successful campaigns are those that are hyper focused and unwilling to target an audience that is too wide. “Pleasing everybody” isn’t an option. As a matter of fact…quite the opposite. Success or failure is based on the merits of the marketing strategy or the effectiveness of implementing the plan, as long as the target is correct and NOT too broad based. Keep the idea of pleasing everybody to family dynamics and out of business. |
Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.
BILL GATES Interpretation by Tom Libby: I’ve heard form several people that if you’re not learning, you’re dying. That’s true in business too. If you’re business isn’t learning from your successes and failures alike, then your business is dying. The failures, or unhappy customers can be the most vital to learn from because they tell you what not to do again. Not making the same mistakes over and over is like being psychic. Imagine waking up knowing what not to do…it can be just as powerful as knowing what to do. |
It’s more effective to do something valuable than to hope a logo or name will say it for you.
JASON COHEN Interpretation by Tom Libby: I agree but I also don’t discount the importance of a logo that says something about your company or brand. That being said, adding value to anyone, anything, or any environment is beyond what even the best logo can give you…validity! This is another example of the fact that actions speak louder than words (or logos). Build a company that people view as worthy of their time, effort, and money and you will have created a successful endeavor! |
If you don’t give up on something you truly believe in, you will find a way.
ROY T BENNETT Interpretation by Tom Libby: This seems pretty straight forward but I would like to add a few things that enhance the thought process. Finding a way can be difficult when you’re low on personal funds or if you’re short on time. Help can come in the strangest forms. Keep on the lookout for those unlikely places or faces that make it a bit less daunting. Family, friends, a mentor, or even another company can show you a path that you weren’t originally considering. Keep pushing, never quit, and keep an open mind. |
There is always room at the top.
DANIEL WEBSTER Interpretation by Tom Libby: This one brings two thoughts to my mind. The first is to train people up. If you get to the top of your respective field and have the chance to train people to be the best too, you should always take this opportunity. The rewards of helping or mentoring the next generation is indescribable. The second is in respect to competitive company situations. When markets deliver billions of dollars in revenue or profit, being one of the top two or three companies can be all you need to define success, you can share the wealth. |
High expectations are the key to everything.
SAM WALTON Interpretation by Tom Libby: I was told as a young kid something that makes me think of this quote…“If you shoot for the stars and miss, you can still hit the moon”. I think both of these have a lot of meaning to entrepreneurs especially. Think big, dream big, and reach for the highest point you can imagine, because your imagination is the only thing keeping you here on earth. Expect big things and if you don’t hit the mark, at least you can rise above the rest of the people that think being grounded is the best they have. |
Sometimes the best way to make money is when most people say you are wrong and nuts.
CARL ICAHN Interpretation by Tom Libby: Fighting against the current can seem nuts or futile but there are times when making the choice to be an innovator can be extremely lucrative. Besides, who decides what’s “nuts” and what isn’t? Maybe Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerburg. If these guys are nuts, then count me in. Raging against the machine can be nuts but can also make you a ton of money. |
Risk more than others think is safe. Dream more than others think is practical.
HOWARD SCHULTZ Interpretation by Tom Libby: This is a “go big or go home” kind of quote…you have got to make big gestures, take big risks, make big decisions in order to get the attention of the rest of the business world. To dream big is an understatement, the grandest thoughts tend to make the most of situations that seem doubtful. Transforming dreams into goals is the only way to make certain that you’re able to overcome risk and what others think of as practical. |
If you can push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking a risk, really amazing things can happen.
MARISSA MAYER Interpretation by Tom Libby: Great things come at a price and that price can be your fear. Overcoming the odds isn’t easy and that uneasy feeling can prevent you from believing in yourself. But when it happens, when you overcome everything that holds you back, the potential success you have can be greatness in the making. Take risks, overcome fear and control your own destiny! |
Don't let the fear of losing be greater than the excitement of winning.
ROBERT KIYOSAKI Interpretation by Tom Libby: There are times where fear can be a great motivator, but starting a company isn’t one of them. I’ll admit, a little fear can be ok…but the real motivation should come in the form of wins. Closing your first customer, hitting a milestone in sales, gaining a patent, protecting IP, or several other forms of “the win” should be a much higher form of motivation for you and your team. With these wins comes success, and all the greatness that comes with it! |
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
THOMAS EDISON Interpretation by Tom Libby: We’ve seen this in every facet of life, not just in business. There are countless examples of the almost great that gets finished by someone else but the way to avoid being the next victim of the “almost” is to never give up on yourself. You can close a business, quit on an idea for invention, make a choice to move on from a lost cause but never give up on the most important thing in the equation…YOU. Keep moving yourself forward. Keep picking yourself up. Your success depends on it! |
The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
VIDAL SASSOON Interpretation by Tom Libby: This is the most-simple truth I’ve read in a very long time. It seems recently in the “I want it now” or the “instant gratification” era, we forget that nothing comes without (or before) hard work. With hard work, comes opportunities. The great news is that those that keep pushing forward or raising the bar of what hard work is, or how we define hard work…the sky’s the limit. Let people keep expecting something for nothing, you’ll pass them by on your way to success. |
Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.
CONRAD HILTON Interpretation by Tom Libby: This seems to be a theme of successful people and has several versions, from all walks of life. The message seems to be universal, that It’s ok to make mistakes, as long as you keep moving, making adjustments to be successful, but never quitting on yourself. Your ability to have a short failure memory is directly linked to your success, don’t linger on the mistakes you make and really focus on making the proper adjustments, act on them, and keep on going. Things will eventually work themselves out and success will follow your actions. |
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
ALBERT SCHWEITZER Interpretation by Tom Libby: Just remember that happiness is a holistic approach to life, not just work and not just to success. If you’re miserable at home, it effects work and if you’re miserable at work it effects home. If you truly want to be successful make sure that you understand that your happiness makes a difference to everything you do. If you find what truly makes you happy, it will drift into all facets of your life…Holistic! |
Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Interpretation by Tom Libby: A quote from centuries ago makes me think of our subscription mentality of today. I worry about the $150/month here and $300/month there that companies incur without thinking through the implications. There may be times that utilizing a one-time cost mentality is far better for the stability of your company, but we tend to lean to a consistent monthly cost rather than an investment. I also worry that this mentality will seep into the areas of training and HR, but we shall see! |
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
THOMAS EDISON Interpretation by Tom Libby: If this is true then our greatest strength lies in persistence. Keeping your faith in you and your team or your company is the best way to face adversity. The very simple thought that stuff happens, and we’re just expected to move on from the very thing that gets us up in the morning is craziness. Ambition, persistence, and faith can push us forward regardless of the challenges we face. |
Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.
WAYNE DYER Interpretation by Tom Libby: Simply put…you control you and you shouldn’t allow anyone or anything to interrupt your choice to control you. There is something to be said about being able to control your emotions, your thoughts, and your reactions but you can. Not only can you do this, but you can master it and when you do there will be nothing that can stop you. Nothing will keep you down and your mind will be open to driving success your way. |
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
ANAIS NIN Interpretation by Tom Libby: This tells me to be gutsy, be bold, don’t let the trials and tribulations of life dictate how you manage situations. To be courageous, to take a leap of faith in yourself can bring your life to new heights. Keep your life on the expanding side and keep moving forward. Push yourself, be ready for all that comes with being courageous and drive yourself to be the best that you can be. |
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Mark Twain Interpretation by Tom Libby: Brainstorming, planning, discussing strategies, and gathering the best talent are all great things to have on the forefront of your mind when starting a new business or starting a new direction for your company. However, action is how things get done and at times going forward while fixing the issues that come up, or course corrections as you go, can have a bigger impact. Especially if you need speed to market more than perfection. |
Be undeniably good. No marketing effort or social media buzzword can be a substitute for that.
ANTHONY VOLODKIN, Founder of Hype Machine Interpretation by Tom Libby: This is relatively clear but let’s be honest, most people need to be told in more than one way that in business you need to be awesome! Great marketing, PR, social media, or even a great sales team are no match for true greatness. No one should ever be rewarded for mediocrity, we as consumers should demand the best from businesses and when spending hard earned money, we should expect it. |
A goal is a dream with a deadline.
NAPOLEAN HILL Interpretation by Tom Libby: Dreams can stay dreams of course and we’re always talking about fairytale endings and such. But if you expect to accomplish those dreams then you need to turn them into goals. Breakdown these dreams to attainable goals and give them and end date, a deadline to completion. Fairytales can come true if you convert them into goals, and all goals have timelines. Dream big, break them down, and set the deadline to success. |
Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.
NORMAN RALPH AUGUSTINE Interpretation by Tom Libby: Like effort beating talent, motivation too wins the day over just purely being talented. Knowing why you work through the things you do and continued value for those reasons can be more important than any talent you have. It’s like the grand mother lifting a car to save a child, so to speak (motivated to save the child). I’ve seen people that have very little talent in an area of business be successful in that area simply due to motivating themselves to learn, if it saves time, money, it’s a better way, or faster…whatever the motivation, make it work for you in your business. |
Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.
TONY ROBBINS Interpretation by Tom Libby: I like this to be quite literal. A goal without writing it down is just a dream. A dream is invisible, it exists only in the mind. In order to make this dream visible, you write it down. In writing it down you took the first step in goal setting. Now write down as many dreams as you can and start vetting them out to see which ones can be realistic and attained. Attainable doesn’t mean easy, you may have to work hard…real hard. But achieving goals is the fastest way to being successful. |
The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution.
BERTRAND RUSSELL Interpretation by Tom Libby: This brings me to think of grade school when teachers tell you that the simplest answer is usually the right one…Occam's razor so to speak but in a reverse format. Think of a simple explanation of a problem being the easiest to solve. I know not all problems can be that simple but even big problems broken down into pieces can be solved one step at a time. Take the time to look at problems from a different prospective as well, sometimes we make things more complicated than necessary. |
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
STEVE JOBS Interpretation by Tom Libby: This is true in people as well as businesses. But in business you can have a successful business in both cases, being in a saturated market can also prove profitable as long as you can capitalize on true needs. However, true leadership…true innovation is a magnet for success. I think everyone, in every situation should try to innovate and lead! Find your true purpose and you can find a way to innovate. |
It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results.
WARREN BUFFETT Interpretation by Tom Libby: Sometimes extraordinary results simply come from doing the small things consistently right! Maintaining a strict and consistent adherence to the most important things in your business can give you not only extraordinary results but also very predictable ones. |
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT Interpretation by Tom Libby: I use this one in regard to life in general often, but in business it means a great deal too. Whether you’re the expert or the student the reality is that your opinion holds value, your presence in a meeting means you’ve earned the right to be there. You have value regardless of the people around you. You and only you control how you feel, so don’t allow anyone to dictate how you view yourself, or allow how others view you determine your state on mind! |
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
HENRY FORD Interpretation by Tom Libby: I think Henry Ford is absolutely correct. Planning, promising, and talking to people have never helped anyone better their reputation. For the most part only by DOING can help you build your reputation. Especially doing what you say you’ll do, be where you said you’ll be, and keep every promise you can unless absolutely necessary to break. Keep your word, your reputation, the most important thing to you can be your reputation…protect it, use it wisely, and never take it for granted! |
Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.
GEORGE ADDAIR Interpretation by Tom Libby: Although this seems pretty easy…face your fears or be fearful of nothing and great things will happen, or at least things that you want to happen will. The challenge with this is fear itself, there’s a reason we hesitate to take a jump to “go it alone” in business or take risks that put our way of life in jeopardy. You have to first believe in yourself, believe in your boldness then face the fears but most importantly, fear is better faced with the support of loved ones and mentors. |
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
WILLIAM JAMES Interpretation by Tom Libby: Deep thought on this makes it great. It makes me think about all the people around me that tell me their lives are impacted by me (good or bad). It confirms that I have the ability to control these actions, so in turn, I control the difference I make in others’ lives. You should really take this one to heart and act to make a positive difference, not just leave it to interpretation! |
The best way to sell yourself to others is first to sell the others to yourself.
NAPOLEON HILL Interpretation by Tom Libby: I love the fact that this came from the past. I have mentioned to several colleagues lately that the more things change the more things stay the same. This quote to me means you need to know your customers and know them well. Make sure they’re the right fit for what you sell before you try to sell them…sounds like an “Ideal Client Profile” to me. This coming from a man that wrote his legacy book in 1937 (Think and Grow Rich) and is still one of the top 10 self-help books. |
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
THOMAS PAINE Interpretation by Tom Libby: It seems this could be directed at anyone trying to lose weight…losing 10 pounds v. losing 100 pounds deserves quite the difference in exhilaration. My thoughts in business though are similar in nature, it seems people are usually looking for the easiest way to complete or accomplish tasks, but the reality is the harder you work to succeed the more rewarding it is in the end, the more celebrating you deserve to enjoy. |
Nobody likes to be sold to, but everybody likes to buy.
DR. JAMES EARL TAYLOR Interpretation by Tom Libby: I like this one in a sense because its totally transferable to life situations. It’s like saying nobody wants to be talked into anything but everyone likes to join in on the best ideas. In sales this is a great thing to keep in the back of your mind, simply make the prospect feel like the buying process is their idea. |
Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts.
WINSTON CHURCHILL Interpretation by Tom Libby: As much as it seems very clear to the meaning of this one, there is something to be said about reinforcing the obvious. Of course, failing at a business venture isn’t fatal, you’ll live through it but having the courage to try to go out on your own is definitely more than half the battle. Also, being successful can be a moving target not a finality…keep pushing yourself to higher goals. |
Whenever an individual or a business decides that success has been attained, progress stops.
THOMAS J WATSON JR. Interpretation by Tom Libby: This I like, I feel like we too often stop goal setting once the first goal is achieved. You should always look for ways to raise the bar…not just for yourself, but for you employees, your company, or even your family. Keep rising to the occasions that are presented to you and you’ll successful regardless. |
Sales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesman, not the attitude of the prospect.
WILLIAM CLEMENT STONE Interpretation by Tom Libby: Let’s face it, all of us have this thought that the prospect/customer’s attitude is adversarial simply due to our expectation of objections. This might be further from the truth than you think, our attitude about the objections can be positive…if they have objections then they have concerns, if they have concerns then they are considering your product/service. If you have a positive outlook and attitude in answering these, you’re one step closer to closing the deal. Stay positive and your prospect will follow your lead. |
Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
THOMAS JEFFERSON Interpretation by Tom Libby: I usually drive older people nuts with this one…mostly because of the concept of prioritizing your tasks. I take issue with only one word in this quote – “Never”. I say, “why do today what you can put off til tomorrow”. Simply said, do the most important things today, things that move your business forward. The rest can wait if necessary! Prioritize your time and spend it accordingly, but don’t be worried about pushing off menial tasks until another day or time. |
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT Interpretation by Tom Libby: Two words come to mind here…Goals & Faith! In business and in life this quote can be interpreted as, set your goals high with no regard to limitations and have faith in yourself that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Never doubt your ability to achieve the goals you set and set goals to overcome limitations. |
The same wind blows on us all. What matters is not the blowing of the wind but the set of the sail.
JIM ROHN Interpretation by Tom Libby: Life offers opportunities to all…maybe not all the same opportunities, true, but valuable ones nonetheless. If you are ready and willing to sail with the opportunities presented to you then the sky’s the limit, but make sure your facing the right direction. Set your sails, or expectations high and you’ll be grateful you were sailing in the first place. |
I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.
STEPHEN COVEY Interpretation by Tom Libby: Thinking that the circumstances that you’re in define you is scary, but the thought that you made decisions that put you in those circumstances is reality. Your decisions become your identity and can be looked at as the roadmap to your personality or the answers to your life’s puzzle. Be mindful of your decisions…they define you and dictate your circumstances. |
Great things are done by a series of small things done together.
VINCENT VAN GOGH Interpretation by Tom Libby: Like thinking of each brush stroke of a painter as an individual act only to be combined to create great works of art. So too can small business acts be thought of as working toward a common target, once completed creates a great company, product, or service offering. If we can string along enough small wins, we can make a big impact! |
Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
JOHN R. WOODEN Interpretation by Tom Libby: There are a few ways to look at this one too…I tend to think in the sense of business so to me this is in direct relation to what you’re the expert at, or what you’re good at within your company. So, do those things and find partners that compliment your skills, so you can allow them to handle the things you cannot do, therefore never allowing those things to slow down your company or your progress. |
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
ALBERT EINSTEIN Interpretation by Tom Libby: Sounds simple enough, right? I do think we tend to overthink this one though, thinking that we constantly need “out of the box” thinking or long drawn out problem solving processes, or even bringing in outside help. This may all be true in some cases, but at times all it takes is looking at the problem with fresh eyes. Our own eyes can need a break, take it…if you need additional help after this, then look to others or create your own “out of the box” thinking. |
Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.
JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER Interpretation by Tom Libby: I feel this one is can be one of two things…1. Don’t let fear prevent you from shooting for great things or never let fear dictate how you see your success. Or, 2. Never settle for being just good when you can be great or never let good be the best you have based on the fear of letting go of what you know to grab the unknown, it might just be greatness. |
I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.
FLORENCE NIGHTENGALE Interpretation by Tom Libby: I like this one a lot! If you’re not in the habit of giving excuses for your own shortcomings, then you should never except them as reasons for failure. Your success can be measured by learning opportunities and these don’t deserve excuses but do deserve explanations and plans to rectify the issues. No excuses of any kind plus learning from your mistakes equals success! |
Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.
WINSTON CHURCHILL Interpretation by Tom Libby: We all know or have heard that in order to succeed we “need” to fail, but to understand the internal struggle that failure puts on you and rather than give up, keep pushing forward is that of a real success story. Staying positive in the adversity of failure is a success all by itself, so drive on…and keep you head held high that each failure is one step closer to success! |
Your competition is everything else your prospect could conceivably spend their money on.
DON COOPER Interpretation by Tom Libby: It’s easy to view your competition as companies that provide the exact same product or service you do. However, realizing that people prioritize corporate money as a whole and that prioritization is the competition, not just one thing, can be priceless. Learn how and why your prospect spends and you’ll unlock the key of how to sell to them. |
You cannot tailor-make the situations in life, but you can tailor-make the attitudes to fit those situations.
ZIG ZIGLAR Interpretation by Tom Libby: You have no control over what happens in life…or very little. You only have control over one thing – YOU! Your actions, your attitude, your philosophy! Which means although you can’t control what comes at you in life, you can control how you handle it. How you deal with it! How it affects you and your interactions with people. |
You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.
HARVEY S. FIRESTONE Interpretation by Tom Libby: I think this one is simple too…When you give to others and give them the best of what you have to offer, then they in return will give you the best they have. I found this to be incredibly true in leadership roles. I have never asked a subordinate to do anything unless I’ve done it, or would be willing to do it with them, or would do it in their absence. It goes a tremendously long way when your employees know this. |
If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.
JIM ROHN Interpretation by Tom Libby: I think this one needs a precursor…meaning, make sure you really want something before you start, because if you truly aren’t sure to begin with, you may find yourself making excuses as to why you can’t complete the task. If you are sure and I mean really certain that you want something, then you’ll make it happen, even pushing through setbacks and temporary failures. |
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!
AUDREY HEPBURN Interpretation by Tom Libby: Although seemingly self-explanatory I do think this has some deeper meaning. I think of this as having to do more with internal struggles than external factors when dealing with motivation or being positive. The thought of thinking “I’m Possible” tells me that we should be putting much more stock in ourselves and have a deep belief in what we can accomplish as long as we stay positive and motivated. |
Shoulda, coulda, and woulda won’t get it done. In attacking adversity, only a positive attitude, alertness, and regrouping to basics can launch a comeback.
PAT RILEY Interpretation by Tom Libby: Learning from your mistakes can be powerful but dwelling on them can be downright crippling. Reflect for a short time and then regroup, starting with the basics. Make sure you know and understand the basic functions of what you’re trying to accomplish, stay alert for changes to adapt to, and stay positive in the methods in which you decide to attack the challenge. |
Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.
NAPOLEON HILL Interpretation by Tom Libby: In other words; don’t rush through your decision-making process – make sure you’re sure, never give up because no successful person would quit on themselves, work hard because overnight success takes a long time and a lot of effort. Do all this and you come up with a sure fire formula for success. |
I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT Interpretation by Tom Libby: This one seems to be self-explanatory too. But the piece that stands out to me is “devotion”. I think we should give this a bit more credence in the success formula. Dedicated to a cause, or problem needed to be solve, or plight of a people, all of these seem to fizzle when adversity hits the plan. Stay devoted to what you originally found important and you’ll see success. |
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
WINSTON CHURCHILL Interpretation by Tom Libby: Here’s one for the problem solvers. Optimists seem to tackle very problem they face with the expectation that they can solve it, regardless of the level of difficulty. Pessimists seem to view every problem as in insurmountable task that will never be overcome. According to Henry Ford…they’re both right. Choose to face every challenge with a positive attitude and be the optimist. |
One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.
LUCILLE BALL Interpretation by Tom Libby: Never give up! Seems simple but it can get daunting after failing several times. Making sure you never stop moving, even if it means moving in a lateral direction can open views of opportunities that you didn’t know were available. Stay positive and keep finding a way to self-improve. This constant movement and being positive will eventually lead to you having faith in you! |
Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.
MICHAEL JORDAN Interpretation by Tom Libby: Don’t get caught up in wanting and wishing. Put your destiny in your own hands and work hard for what you want to accomplish. Make your own path and you won’t be waiting around for something good to happen, you’ll make happen. |
Success is falling nine times and getting up ten.
JON BON JOVI Interpretation by Tom Libby: I think we’ve seen this one in several forms…another is; “it doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, what matters is how many times you get up” (I believe this was Vince Lombardi). The never give up attitude comes back to mind but it seems to imply that no matter what you do, you will fall…just make sure you keep getting back up, the tenth time might be the one you are hoping for. |
Ninety-nine percent of all failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses.
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER Interpretation by Tom Libby: First things first…what an amazing man, I’d suggest if you ever have a chance to read his bio you’ll be impressed too. Now we have all heard that to succeed we will fail and failure is part of the growth process. The difference here is you absolutely need to view failures as learning opportunities and avenues in which to move in the right direction. If excuses are given as a defense for these failures then we will never succeed, we’ll be looking for the next way out. |
The secret to success is… is no secret. It’s called work your Ass off and find a way to add more value to people’s lives than anyone else does!
ANTHONY ROBBINS Interpretation by Tom Libby: I love this quote because it’s so self-explanatory. However, I’d like to add that making sure your work ethic (“work your ass off”) is faced in the right direction is critical, and make sure you know what value the people around you are looking for you to add. It may be different to friends, family, co-workers, or clients and your value grows to each of them if you give them what they need from you. |
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
ARISTOTLE Interpretation by Tom Libby: This reminds me of my grandfather saying anything worth doing is worth doing right…the first time. I know he didn’t coin it, but he used it all the time. If we consistently create excellent habits then excellence will follow with very little extra effort. Habits are not one-time events they are a series of events that turn into your persona, make sure you choose the right habits to propel yourself forward. |
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