Business is changing at the fastest rate we have ever experienced. Business is characterised and celebrated now with terms like disruption, digital technology, influencers and relevance. Change is a constant, but the key to business success often remains the same.
Every successful coach has a range of quotes they pull out when their clients need to focus on a specific need. This selection of quotes resonates with me and my clients. I hope you take value with you.
“The best way to predict your future is to create it”
? Peter F. Drucker
If nothing changes, nothing changes right. If you want a successful business or future, then take this quote on board. If you’re waiting for other people, stop. If you’re waiting for your big break, stop. If you’re waiting full stop, stop. If you wanting a successful future, the work you do today creates it.
“I insist on a lot of time being spent, almost every day, to just sit and think. That is very uncommon in American business. I read and think. So I do more reading and thinking, and make less impulse decisions than most people in business. I do it because I like this kind of life.” ? Warren Buffett
Today it all seems to be about the hustle and the grind. Buffet shares one of the secrets of his success, the opportunity to sit and think daily. When we stop and think, it allows us to reflect and review our progress. It brings the chance to re-define what you do and believe and helps provide inspiration for new opportunities. Take the step today, to find time to just sit and think.
“There’s no luck in business. There’s only drive, determination, and more drive.”? Sophie Kinsella
I love this one. Sophie Kinsella just nails it. If you want business success, the qualities of drive and determination are important. No-one drives your business, except for you. If you want your business to happen, you must make it happen. Drive, determination, persistence. Commit to your business, if you can’t, no-one else will.
“If you hire people just because they can do a job, they’ll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they’ll work for you with blood and sweat and tears.”? Simon Sinek
Recruiting people into our business is one of our more challenging tasks as business leaders. But as Simon Sinek says, hiring people that believe what you believe helps you create your passionate ambassador, not just a staff member. Are you hiring right?
“Great leaders create the team they want, from the team they have” – Tony Curl
Leaders develop their team members. When we invest in our team we create dividends in multiple ways, some we can measure as productivity and effectiveness is enhanced, but many we cannot measure. Our influence as a leader stays with people throughout their career, and while we reap the rewards while they work with us, they take that influence with them as they advance.
“Fearlessness is not the absence of fear. It’s the mastery of fear. It’s about getting up one more time than we fall down.”? Arianna Huffington
Fear holds many back, whether it’s the creative not willing to share their work publicly, or the new business owner, scared of networking and cold calling. Everyone has fears, the successful people learn to master them. But don’t worry if you are concerned that you might not be able to master them. There are loads of options that you could chose from.
“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves it s amazing what they can accomplish.”? Sam Walton
Engagement in the workforce remains an ongoing challenge in business of all sizes. Engaged teams are made up of people who are committed to the business success and have the belief and mindset to make that happen. When people are recognised and encouraged, they can do amazing things.
“I don’t know where we should take this company, but I do know that if I start with the right people, ask them the right questions, and engage them in vigorous debate, we will find a way to make this company great.”? James C. Collins
Sounds simple when it comes from an acknowledged business guru, doesn’t it, yet for many it is very difficult. We have to find the right people, we have to ask the right questions, we have to challenge their thoughts and ours with vigorous debate and continue that process. Surrounding yourself with people who simply say yes to you, is a sure fire way to failure.
“A business absolutely devoted to service will have only one worry about profits. They will be embarrassingly large.”? Henry Ford
The customer is king, aim for the highest standards and deliver them consistently. Customer service takes on many forms, user experience, client delivery to name just two. But the fundamentals remain. Deliver the service experience for your customer and stay relevant to the shifting market and you can cannot help but win.
“There is no perfect fit when you’re looking for the next big thing to do. You have to take opportunities and make an opportunity fit for you, rather than the other way around. The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.”? Sheryl Sandberg
There are plenty of opportunities out there, which one works for you? Which one can you make work for you?
While everything changes, the basics remain. Business success comes down to your mindset for success and to your dedicated actions in building your success.
File these quotes away for your reference when you need them.
