September 21, 2020
12 Quotes for Business Owners That Feel Like Giving Up
Even though this year has been challenging, it's important as a business owner to remain motivated to grow your business. Sometimes, seeking outside motivation is all you need to persevere and push through difficult times.
In this post, we’ve compiled 12 small business quotes that’ll motivate you as your business navigates the COVID-19 crisis.
Read These 12 Inspiring Quotes for Business Owners:
1. Oprah Winfrey on The Importance of Hard Work
“Don’t worry about being successful but work toward being significant and the success will naturally follow.” – Oprah Winfrey, TV host and entrepreneur What you can learn: You might be frustrated if your business doesn’t become an overnight success. Instead, focus on making significant contributions to your field and community; success will follow!2. Denis Waitley on Why Continued Learning Is Crucial
“Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field.” – Denis Waitley, motivational speaker. What you can learn: To grow your business, you should keep learning about advancements and trends in your field. For example, you can enroll in continuing education classes, read business books and blogs, or join the local chamber of commerce.3. Henry Ford on The Benefits of Failure
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. A business absolutely devoted to service will have only one worry about profits. They will be embarrassingly large.” – Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Co. What you can learn: Many small business owners experience failure. However, if you can learn from your mistakes, you’ll have the ability to make better decisions in the future. Failure is simply a redirection and can teach you how to improve your business going forward.4. Steve Jobs on Perseverance
“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.” – Steve Jobs, former co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple What you can learn: Even the former CEO of one of the largest companies in the world needed to persevere so his company could succeed! Instead of giving up, remember why you started your business. Many businesses are having to persevere due to COVID-19 conditions, and it's possible to make it out on the other side.5. Charles F. Kettering on Why You Should Keep Trying New Things
“Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down.” – Charles F. Kettering, inventor of electric self-starter What you can learn: Sometimes the best thing you can do is to keep innovating. If you don’t continue trying, you’ll never discover the next best idea.6. Richard Branson on Challenging Yourself as an Entrepreneur
“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, founder Virgin Group What you can learn: Branson’s quote proves that as an entrepreneur, you should be a student of life. Research marketing trends, take a business leadership course, or find an experienced mentor who can give you advice. The more that you invest in yourself, the better your business will be.7. Jeff Bezos on Continued Effort
“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 and CEO Amazon What you can learn: Many entrepreneurs fear failure, and that’s okay. However, giving up should never be an option!8. Thomas Edison on Looking at Failure Differently
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb What you can learn: It took Thomas Edison 1,000 tries to invent the light bulb, which became one of the most important inventions in history. So, as a business owner, don’t be discouraged when your ideas aren’t immediately lucrative. It may just take some time to perfect them.9. Ryan Freitas on Why Your Reputation Matters as an Entrepreneur
“Your reputation is more important than your paycheck, and your integrity is worth more than your career.” – Ryan Freitas, co-founder About.me What you can learn: During a difficult time, you shouldn’t compromise on your morals. This will keep opportunities open and ensure that your reputation remains respectable.10. Mary Kay on Living Without Limits
“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” – Mary Kay Ash, Founder Mary Kay Cosmetics What you can learn: Don’t limit your imagination! Mary Kay Ash’s quote proves that dreaming about your business’s potential and making it happen is possible.11. Steve Case On "Can" Instead of "Can't"
“You shouldn’t focus on why you can’t do something, which is what most people do. You should focus on why perhaps you can, and be one of the exceptions.” – Steve Case, co-founder AOL What you can learn: Case recommends that when your business is struggling, focus on what you can do and what you’re good at. Concentrating on your failures won’t lead to success. This is an important reminder for business owners amidst COVID-19.12. Bill Gates on Learning From Unsatisfied Customers
“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates What you can learn: It can be disappointing to hear that your customers aren’t satisfied with your products or services. However, it can also provide you with an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Your customers will respect you for this.Conclusion: Learn from These Motivational Quotes
Now that you’ve read these inspiring quotes, we hope that you're motivated to get back in the game. It may take many iterations to get it right, so don’t quit when times get tough. The most worthwhile business ventures require hard work! Do you have other inspiring quotes that have gotten you through hard times? Share them in the comments section below.
Editor’s Note: This post was updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in September 2020.