6 More Quotes From Successful Businessmen

Most successful businessmen base their decisions on the information
available to them, their own knowledge, experience, and the advice of
others. There's a lot to be learned from mentors, trusted colleagues
and strong partners -- from both their successes and errors. One can
also take lessons from the words of others, even without ever meeting
them.

In my previous article, I looked at five quotes from successful businessmen. Here are six more that may help you as you climb the corporate ladder.



1. "Do something. Either lead, follow or get out of the way."

- Ted Turner (1938 - )

Founder, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Turner Communications was a small business in the early '70s when Ted
Turner decided to create a 24-hour news channel, CNN, and
revolutionized television in the process. It was an intimidating
enterprise, but Turner stuck to his vision and hired the right people
to make it happen. The lesson we can take from this quote is to
understand your role in any given business setting or situation. Take
action. Do what you have to do to make the company move forward.
Recognize that someone else might have the particular talents to lead a
project and you may need to stay on the sidelines to let them work.

How to apply it:

Identify your talents and business strengths and have enough confidence
in them to not feel threatened by not always being "out in front." If
you are not comfortable talking to reporters, follow the advice of your
PR experts or step aside to let them handle the media. You may need to
be aware of the issues, but do you really need to sit in on all the
union negotiations? Make the best contribution you can to your
company's success, without being an impediment.

2. "The secret of success is to get up early, work late and strike oil."

- J.D. Rockefeller (1839 - 1937)

Founder, Standard Oil
After beginning his career as a bookkeeper, John Davison Rockefeller
formed Standard Oil in 1870. He had soon gained control of almost all
the oil production in America. We cannot all expect to strike oil, but
to Rockefeller, that was his goal and his measurement of success, one
that he worked hard for. His discovery of oil was no fluke; it could
only come about as the result of the first two steps in this maxim.

How to apply it:

Whatever your trade is, stick to it and work hard at it. Do what needs
to be done. Put in a good effort every day and, whatever you do in your
workday, do it well. If your role is to produce the employees' shift
schedule, make sure it is done on time and accurately. Always try to
improve on the shift schedule, increasing employee productivity and
satisfaction. This will bring positive attention to you as a creative,
dedicated innovator, and could lead to your equivalent of striking oil.

3. "In this business, by the time you realize you're in trouble,
it's too late to save yourself. Unless you're running scared all the
time, you're gone."

- Bill Gates (1955 - )

Chairman & Chief Software Architect, Microsoft Corporation
Bill Gates took a calculated risk in leaving Harvard University in his
junior year to devote his time to his fledgling company, Microsoft. In
this quote, Gates is telling us to never rest on our laurels. Strive
for ongoing product improvement and service quality. Always remain
aware of potential problems and be open to change. In the software
business or any other industry, you need to monitor the competition and
continually improve.

How to apply it:

If you specialize in income tax preparation, stay informed about any
changes in legislation and remain in contact with your customers
throughout the year. Monitor your competition closely and ensure that
your product and service offers better benefits to your clients. Be
flexible, anticipate possible problems and plan corrective action and
product enhancements. In any business, change is essential to survival
and success.

4. "If you can run one business well, you can run any business well."

- Sir Richard Branson (1950 - )

CEO, Virgin Group, Ltd.
This British entrepreneur fought through dyslexia and school struggles
to create a corporation, which now comprises over 200 companies
worldwide. He also starred in his own reality show, The Rebel
Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best . Branson's lesson in this
quote is that the same basic principles apply in any type of company.
Quality products, perceived value, customer service, employee
recognition, and fiscal responsibility are all cherished universally,
and apply to any business, large or small.

How to apply it:

For example, if you run a successful public relations firm, you might
branch out to create a subsidiary that produces trade shows, then
another that publishes a magazine. By creating companies that work in
relation to yours, the possibilities are endless.

5. "Sell practical, tested merchandise at a reasonable profit, treat
your customers like human beings -- and they will always come back."

- Leon L. Bean (1872 - 1967)

President, L.L. Bean, Inc.
Leon Leonwood Bean started a one-man store in 1917. The company now
employs over 9,300 people and its annual sales exceed $1.2 billion US.
The founder of L.L. Bean outdoor gear and clothing company believed in
quality products and customer care. Bean knew that customers wanted to
be acknowledged and appreciated, and, through his catalog shopping,
strived for excellence in service. His satisfied customers kept coming
back and, more importantly, told all their friends.

How to apply it:

Always make sure that your customer service staff is providing the
standard of service you (and your customers) expect. Read the incoming
letters and e-mail from customers. Call back an irate client to get a
better appreciation for how they view your company. If you provide
exceptional service to your customers, success will follow.

6. "Leaders must always put their people before themselves. If you do that, your business will take care of itself."

- Sam Walton (1918 - 1992)

President and CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Sam Walton spent the first part of his career operating a small chain
of variety stores in Arkansas and Kansas. At the age of 44, he opened
the first Wal-Mart store, revolutionizing the retail industry by
cutting cost margins and instituting a policy of everyday low prices.
One of Sam Walton's basic beliefs was that employees deserved to be
treated with respect and dignity. The lesson in this quotation is the
importance of employee recognition in building loyalty. If you treat
your team members with respect, courtesy and appreciation, they will
display the same concern and attention in dealing with your customers.

How to apply it:

Suppose that during a snowstorm, you need your staff to report to work
because you have customers to serve and quotas to meet. Employees who
feel valued and who are thanked regularly (and sincerely) for their
contribution to the success of the company will make that effort.
Well-treated employees will become your allies when things go wrong and
will help you achieve your sales, service and profit goals.


These leaders had vision. They set their goals and pursued them with
confidence. They learned from their mistakes, surrounded themselves
with talented people and took calculated risks. We can always learn
from others' experiences. Keep these quotes in the back of your mind
and let the lessons of these successful businessmen help you succeed in
your own career.


Resources:

www.quotationreference.com

www.houseofquotes.com