Anyone who has read my blogs knows I love to include quotations where relevant. I find that often someone else has said something better than I could. Writers Write suggests additional reasons for using quotes: they add credibility and can be humorous to lighten a mood. Even more, many quotes display wisdom. Well, now with so many problems nationally and internationally, it’s a tough time for small business owners, so inspirational quotations may lift the spirits and help us see things more clearly.
Inspirational Quotations for Start-ups
It’s tough for start-ups. According to one source 10% of start-ups fail within a year. But you never know until you try. After all, 90% survive past their first year.
“Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.” ~ Tony Hsieh, Zappo CEO
“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, Co-Founder of Apple
“I knew that if I failed I wouldn’t regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.” ~ Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon
“The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing.” ~ Walt Disney, Founder of The Walt Disney Company
Inspirational Quotations for Employees
Employees are your company’s greatest assets. Today, finding and keeping good employees is a main concern for many small businesses, with 43% of owners reporting job openings in October 2023 according to NFIB. What can small business owners do?
“To win in the marketplace you must first win in the workplace.” ~ Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup
“Make your team feel respected, empowered and genuinely excited about the company’s mission.” ~ Tim Westergen, founder of Pandora
“Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.” ~ Stephen R. Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your clients.” ~ Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group
Inspirational Quotations for Customers and Sales
Customers, clients, and patients are the lifeline of business. They are the parties that generate the revenue. Without them, there is no business. They may also help owners understand what is needed in the marketplace to be more competitive and highly successful.
“Always deliver more than expected.” ~ Larry Page, co-founder of Google
“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” ~ Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft
“One can get anything if he is willing to help enough others get what they want.” Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker
Inspirational Quotations for Handling Finances
The love of money may be the root of all evil, but the failure to pay attention to what’s happening with a company’s money can spell doom. Owners need to know their numbers, handle debt wisely, and minimize taxes to the extent possible.
“Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is king.” ~ Author unknown
“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
“To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.” ~ George Washington
“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.” ~ Albert Einstein
Inspirational Quotations for Packing It In
Some business owners never plan to retire, but the option to leave is desirable for others. Planning can ensure that a business owner effectively monetizes his or her efforts while ensuring that the company can continue.
“The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.” ~ Vince Lombardi
“In between goals is a thing called life, that has to be lived and enjoyed.” ~ Sid Caesar, entertainer
“Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials – much to live on and much to live for.” ~ Author Unknown
Final Thought
As you can tell, I love quotations. They inspire me and often cheer me up. I have several hardcovered books listing quotations, although I find most of them online. My all-time favorite quotation that is taped to my monitor:
“An investment in learning pays the best interest.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
