Every entrepreneur is equipped with a toolbox of wisdom and insight that helps them stay motivated during the long days and months they spend building their businesses.
While it may help to smile and hope for the best, it won’t necessarily lead to excellence in your business ventures.
Surrounding yourself with positive messages can be just as important as having access to those hard skills we all need.
With that in mind, what follows is a collection of more than 50 carefully curated quotes for business, spanning advice from the world’s most successful businessmen and women, perfect for anyone looking for some extra inspiration in their business journey.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
“The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new.” – Socrates
Socrates, the father of Western philosophy, once said that the key to change is not battling the past but building a brighter future. His words remind us that if you channel your energy toward growth and progress, you can create a better world.
So, focus on what’s ahead and work together to shape a future you can be proud of.
“Play by the rules, but be ferocious.” – Phil Knight
Phil Knight, the mastermind behind Nike, once said the above. These words of wisdom encourage you to play by conventional standards and tap into our fierce and untamed spirit.
With this balance, you can achieve greatness, just like Nike has done by dominating the athletic apparel industry. So follow the rules, but don’t forget to roar like a lion when the time calls for it.
“If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.” – Reid Hoffman
Are you waiting until your product is perfect before launching it? According to Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, that’s a mistake. He believes that if you’re not at least a little embarrassed by your first version, you’ve waited too long to share it with the world.
So, why not take the plunge and put your product out there? Who knows, it might just be the start of something great.
“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” – Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud, the legendary neurologist who invented psychoanalysis, stated one’s strength would emerge from one’s vulnerabilities. In essence, Freud believes that you can find the courage and resilience to overcome any obstacle by embracing your weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
This quote reminds us that we are all capable of greatness, even in our most vulnerable moments. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of yourself, remember that your weaknesses don’t define you; they can be the foundation for your strength.
“The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” – Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison, the savvy co-founder of General Electric, once said that the true worth of an idea could be found in its application. After all, what good is a brilliant idea if it’s never put into action?
It’s important to come up with innovative concepts and follow through with making them a reality. This is one of the small business quotes that lets you use those imaginative ideas to make a difference.
“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” – Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker, a trailblazer for women in business, believed in taking action instead of waiting for life to happen. She inspired many because she was determined to create opportunities rather than rely on luck or fate.
Her success as the first female self-made millionaire is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and drive to succeed. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and take control of their destinies.
“If you can’t feed a team with two pizzas, it’s too large.” – Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos, the mastermind behind Amazon, once said that if two pizzas can’t satiate a team, it’s too big. In other words, less is often more when it comes to teamwork and collaboration.
Keep it small and focused, and you’ll achieve bigger and better results. Wise words from one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time!
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Eliot
Have you ever felt like you couldn’t reach your fullest potential? T.S. Eliot has articulated it well. Think about it; sometimes, you must take a chance and push yourself beyond your limits to discover your capabilities.
Next time you feel like you’re not reaching your potential, remember Eliot’s wise words and take that risk to see how far you can go.
Read also: 89 Quotes About Success and Growth: From Struggling to Soaring
“Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” – Richard Branson
Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, believes in a powerful approach to employee satisfaction. His process? Train employees with enough expertise so that they can spread their wings and fly away.
At the same time, what’s important is treating them with the utmost respect and care to such an extent that they never dream of leaving. This unique philosophy speaks volumes about Branson’s approach to business and leadership and certainly sets him apart from the crowd.
“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, once added to the small business quotes that your most dissatisfied customers can be your biggest teachers.
As much as we hate negative feedback, it’s often the key to uncovering areas where we can improve and grow. If you encounter an unhappy customer, take the opportunity to ask for feedback and embrace the potential for growth and learning.
“We entrepreneurs are loners, vagabonds, troublemakers. Success is simply a matter of finding and surrounding ourselves with those open-minded and clever souls who can take our insanity and put it to good use.” – Anita Roddick
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It takes a certain type of person – a rebel, a wanderer, a free spirit.
But the key to success lies not in going alone but in finding the right people to collaborate with. These individuals should be innovative, adaptable, and able to channel their unconventional ideas into something great.
“When you find an idea that you just can’t stop thinking about, that’s probably a good one to pursue.” – Josh James
Have you ever found an idea that consumed your every thought? If so, pay attention because that might be the idea worth pursuing. These wise words come from Josh James, Omniture’s CEO, and co-founder.
Don’t let those nagging thoughts go to waste, chase after them and see where they take you. Who knows, it could be the beginning of something amazing.
“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” – Henry Ford
Picture this: You’re working tirelessly on a project in your workshop, and no one is watching. No one is there to keep you in check or praise you for your efforts.
But, you know what? Just like Henry Ford once said, doing it right is what sets you apart. It’s what makes you a true master of your craft.
Quality is not just doing things for approval or reward; it’s about always taking pride in your work and striving for excellence.
“There’s nothing wrong with staying small. You can do big things with a small team.” – Jason Fried
It’s not about the size of your team but what you can accomplish together. Don’t underestimate the power of a small but dedicated group of individuals who are passionate about achieving their goals.
Instead of focusing on expanding your team, focus on maximizing the potential of the team you have. Remember, big things can be accomplished with even the smallest of teams.
“Happy employees lead to happy customers, which leads to more profits.” – Vaughn Aust
Boosting employee morale is the secret recipe to making customers grin from ear to ear, and this recipe ain’t just sweet; it’s also lucrative.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
Walt Disney, the innovative co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, once revealed the key to starting any venture: action.
His timeless advice urged aspiring entrepreneurs to stop talking and start doing, showing that success only comes to those who take action.
Let Walt Disney’s wise words inspire you to take the first steps toward your goals today.
Read also: 50+ Inspiring Small Business Quotes: Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Fire!
“The fastest way to change yourself is to hang out with people who are already the way you want to be.” – Reid Hoffman
Rubbing shoulders with people who possess the traits you seek could be the secret to a rapid transformation.
According to Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, the quickest way to revamp yourself is to surround yourself abundantly with individuals who possess the characteristics you aspire towards.
Seek them out, learn from them, and soon experience metamorphosis’s magic.
“Money is like gasoline during a road trip. You don’t want to run out of gas on your trip, but you’re not doing a tour of gas stations.” – Tim O’Reilly
Have you ever considered money like a car’s gasoline during a road trip? You certainly don’t want to run out of gas and be stranded on the side of the road, but you also don’t want to make your whole trip about refueling.
Tim O’Reilly’s small business quotes hit the nail with this comparison. It’s all about finding a balance and using money wisely as a tool for your journey.
“Always deliver more than expected.” – Larry Page
Larry Page, the brilliant mind behind Google, believes in a philosophy that can change how you think about work forever.
He suggests that to stand out and succeed; you should always deliver more than expected. Going the extra mile shows dedication and can lead to groundbreaking ideas and innovation.
“It’s very easy to be different but very difficult to be better.” – Jonathan Ive
Anyone can be different, but achieving excellence is a formidable task. As we look around our world, it’s easy to see this statement’s truth.
After all, it’s easy to be different and stand out from the crowd. However, being exceptional requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to doing things better than anyone else.
If you’re trying to figure out how to succeed, remember these small business quotes from one of the most successful people.
“Many companies get trapped by the paradox of hitting numbers ‘now’ versus improving sales for future quarters or years ahead.” – Tiffani Bova
It’s a classic conundrum that countless businesses face: do you focus on achieving impressive figures in the present, or do you concentrate on long-term sales growth and success?
Tiffani Bova, a trailblazing voice in the world of growth and innovation at Salesforce, recognizes this paradox all too well. She knows that it’s not always an easy decision to make – but it can have a big impact on your company’s future.
“Repetition makes reputation and reputation makes customers.” – Elizabeth Arden
You can win customers’ loyalty and establish yourself as a trusted brand with dedicated effort and persistence.
Trust us, Elizabeth Arden’s words hold even in this day and age.
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau
This quote for business implies that those who stay busy and focused on their own pursuits are more likely to achieve their goals and attain success without necessarily seeking it.
The key to success is not to obsess over it but instead to focus on meaningful tasks while staying true to oneself.
Read also: 50+ Motivational Quotes to Ignite Your Inner Drive
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” — John Quincy Adams
Unlocking the potential in others requires nothing more than inspiration – a spark that ignites their desire to dream, learn, do, and become more.
These are the hallmarks of a leader, as noted by John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States.
So, what will you do to inspire those around you? Will you be the catalyst for greatness in others?
“If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.” — Dhirubhai Ambani
Why settle for building someone else’s dream when you can create your own?
Remember, if you don’t pursue your passions and ambitions, you’ll work tirelessly to help someone else achieve theirs.
Don’t let that happen. Take charge of your life and start building the life you want to live.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” — Anaïs Nin
Have you ever felt stuck, like you’re not living up to your full potential? Well, there’s a quote by Anais Nin that captures this feeling perfectly.
This means that sometimes it’s scarier to stay the same and not change, even if it’s uncomfortable. But once we break out of our shells and let ourselves grow, the rewards are worth it.
Take that leap of faith, and watch yourself bloom.
“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” – Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook
Have you ever considered the possibilities if you weren’t held back by fear? Just imagine the exciting paths you could take and the new experiences you could have.
Sheryl Sandberg, the brilliant COO of Facebook, challenges us to break free from our fears and step out of our comfort zones.
It’s time to unleash your true potential and see where your courage can take you.
“There’s no shortage of remarkable ideas; what’s missing is the will to execute them.” – Seth Godin
Let’s face it; we’re surrounded by incredible ideas every day. But what really sets apart the game changers? Execution.
As Seth Godin puts it, the drive and determination to see things through are often missing. Grab that idea by the horns and make it a reality.
“Make every detail perfect and limit the number of details to perfect.” – Jack Dorsey
Attention, perfectionists! Striving for perfection is key, but remember – quality trumps quantity.
Make each detail impeccable instead of overwhelming yourself with a million little things. Trust that it’ll pay off in the end.
Read also: 58 Thought Provoking Business Growth Quotes
“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser
The world is full of possibilities, but it takes action to turn them into reality. You can create your opportunities and make your dreams come true.
Don’t wait for opportunities to fall into your lap – be proactive and seize them yourself. You can achieve anything you set your mind to with determination and hard work.
“To be successful, you must act big, think big, and talk big.” – Aristotle Onassis
If you want to conquer the world, Aristotle Onassis has some words of wisdom for you: act big, think big, and talk big.
This Greek billionaire shipping magnate firmly believed that success comes to those who boldly pursue their ambitions.
So, don’t be afraid to dream big, take risks, and make your mark on the world.
Because, as Onassis knew all too well, fortune favors the bold.
“You don’t build a business, you build the people, then people build the business.” – Zig Ziglar
Success is not just about building a business but also about building the individuals who make it happen. The people bring life and energy to your vision, drive your mission forward, and embody your company’s values.
As you invest in your team and cultivate a culture of growth, you’ll find that your business naturally thrives along with it.
“Chase the vision, not the money, the money will end up following you.” – Tony Hsieh
Don’t be blinded by the shiny allure of money. Instead, set your sights on a grand vision and watch as the funds flow in effortlessly. Let your passion fuel your pursuits, and the rewards will come naturally.
Keep chasing that dream, and let the riches be a happy side effect of your hard work and dedication.
“Do what you love, and success will follow. Passion is the fuel behind a successful career.” – Meg Whitman
Follow your heart, and success will be your loyal follower. It’s your passion that ignites the flame of a flourishing career.
If you follow your heart’s desire and cultivate your passions, success will surely come your way.
“The biggest mistake a small business can make is to think like a small business.” – Aruna Bhayana
Small businesses often make a crucial error: thinking small. Rather than dreaming big and taking bold steps, many small businesses stop themselves before they even begin.
However, this mindset can be fatal. To succeed, businesses must think like giants, envisioning success far beyond their current size. Only then can they truly grow and thrive in a competitive market.
Read also: Winning with Amazon Influencers: Tips for Finding the Best
“I don’t know the word ‘quit.’ Either I never did, or I have abolished it.” – Susan Butcher
Butcher was a determined and relentless competitor who refused to give up in the face of hardship.
Her dedication to pushing through adversity inspired many, and her legacy continues to inspire those who refuse to be defeated by life’s challenges.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
It’s time to stop chit-chatting and begin taking action! This quote encapsulates the importance of diving into tasks full-throttle.
Don’t waste any more time overthinking, analyzing, or discussing the project – jump right in.
You’ll build momentum, confidence, and the satisfaction of making progress by getting started. Remember, actions speak louder than words.
“You have to work on the business first before it works for you.” – Idowu Koyenikan
The key to success is not just working hard but working strategically. It’s not enough to simply put in the time and effort – you need to focus on building a strong foundation for your business.
Because without a solid structure in place, all your hard work will be for naught. Think of it like building a house – if you don’t have a strong foundation, the walls will crumble, and the roof will collapse.
“Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” – Peter F. Drucker
Success is not just about luck. Establishing a prosperous business takes a brave individual and a bold decision. Think about all the successful companies you know, from global corporations to your favorite local coffee shop.
They didn’t just happen overnight. They result from someone’s grit and courage to take a leap of faith and work hard to make it happen.
“If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will.” – Bob Hooey
Your customers are precious gems that you should never take for granted. One wise man once said that if you don’t look after the needs and desires of your loyal customers, your competitor will happily swoop in and take them away from you.
After all, your customers are the ones who keep your business afloat, so treasure and cherish them like the true gems that they are.
“Great customer service is a critical competitive advantage for a business.” – Steve Benson
Excellent customer service isn’t just a nice-to-have for businesses – it’s a game-changer.
In fact, it could be the difference between thriving and just surviving.
Investing in top-notch customer service has the potential to set your company apart from your competitors, creating a loyal customer base that will sing your praises to anyone who will listen.
👉Get inspired by our collection of insightful customer relationship management quotes – explore our collection now! 💡
“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Engage in work worth doing and receive the greatest prize life offers. Find a job you’re passionate about, throw yourself into it, and reap the rewards of knowing you’ve given it your all.
“There’s nothing wrong with staying small. You can do big things with a small team.” –Jason Fried
Small but mighty. That’s the lesson we can glean from this quote for business by Jason Fried.
It’s all about breaking free from the notion that size matters. You don’t have to be a big company to make waves in the industry.
Sometimes, a small team can create the biggest impact. It’s about finding the right people who share your vision and goals.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln
When faced with a daunting task, Abraham Lincoln once said this quote for business. This means that preparation and planning are crucial for success.
Rather than rushing in blindly, taking the time to strategize and equip oneself with the necessary tools can lead to a more efficient and effective outcome.
“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rodgers
One of the best quotes for business, this reminder from Will Rodgers tells us that simply having a plan or knowing what direction we want to go in isn’t enough.
We also have to take action and move forward to avoid getting left behind. It’s important to stay motivated and keep pushing ourselves toward our goals.
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis
This common quote for business suggests that difficulties in life can mold regular individuals into something truly exceptional. It implies that our challenges can bring out latent talents we never knew we had and forge an extraordinary path for us.
It’s a reminder that some of the most remarkable success stories are born out of adversity.
“Chase the vision, not the money. The money will end up following you.” – Tony Hsieh
Why focus on the money when you can focus on the bigger picture? Success is not just about chasing dollars – it’s about chasing your vision. The money will naturally follow when you put your passion and purpose at the forefront.
Don’t let financial gain be your main motivation; let your dreams and aspirations guide you to success. The rewards of pursuing your true calling are far greater than any amount of money.
“Don’t try to be original, just try to be good.” – Paul Rand
Embrace your creativity and aim for excellence rather than originality, this seasoned artist says.
In other words, don’t stress about being the first person to come up with an idea, but focus on perfecting it to the best of your abilities.
With enough dedication and skill, your unique spin on a familiar concept may even become the new norm.
“Make a customer, not a sale.” – Katherine Barchetti
Building meaningful relationships with customers is key to a successful business, and one way to do that is by prioritizing their experience over simply making a sale.
Focusing on creating a positive and personalized experience for each customer can lead to greater loyalty and, ultimately, more sustainable success.
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein
Have you ever stopped to consider the potential of your imagination? According to the wise quotes for business from Albert Einstein, it holds the key to unlocking a multitude of opportunities and possibilities.
Think about all the incredible ideas and innovations that have been brought to life through the power of imagination. From literature and art to technology and science, it’s truly astounding how our imagination can shape the future.
So, the next time you find yourself daydreaming, remember that you might be glimpsing into the amazing things to come.
Read also: Customer Experience Quotes To Inspire Your Team on CX
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, incorporating inspirational and motivational quotes for business into your business plan can spark the creativity that reignites the passion in your work.
Whether it’s to keep yourself motivated or to share an uplifting message with colleagues, these quotes are great reminders that success can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
Take the time to find out which quotes for business fuel your ambition so that no obstacle can stand in the way of achieving your goals!
