Business mindset – it’s that elusive way of thinking that’s hard to put your finger on.
It’s one part resilience, one part bravery and one part sheer determination, and the ability to see opportunity where others do not.
But in the day-to-day trenches of business operations, it can be challenging to see the wood for the trees and to maintain the entrepreneurial perspective that saw you step into business in the first place.
With that in mind here are my top 10 business quotes and how they help you maintain your focus on your business.
Big dreams
“If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar
This quote speaks to one essential element of business: it’s not about the dreams and aspirations of the business owner, but rather the service or products they offer to their customer.
When you put the customer at the heart of everything you do, including great service, quality products at the right price point and marketing that illustrates what’s in it for your client, success is almost always guaranteed.
Planning
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Benjamin Franklin
Never a truer word has been spoken. Without establishing your destination, creating an action plan and charting your course in business, you are a ship adrift at sea.
Mindset
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” Henry Ford
Henry Ford is of course considered one of the brightest minds in business history, partly because of his ability to challenge the norm.
This timeless business mindset quote is all about thinking outside the box and seizing opportunity where others do not.
Delegation
“Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere as long as the policy you’ve decided upon is being carried out.” Ronald Reagan
It’s funny how business and politics often overlap, but the reality is both are about service to others.
Just as it is important to have experts in your corner in politics, the same applies in business. You need a team around you who allow you to be the best you can be, and you need to release the reins and delegate to allow your business to grow.
Sales
“A sale is not something you pursue, it’s what happens to you while you are immersed in serving your customer.” Source unknown.
This quote underscores the importance of knowing your business why in order to create and keep a customer.
It illustrates the reality that sales is not selling at all, but instead involves creating a service and product that meets an inherent need.
Resilience
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean
If the past two years have taught us anything it’s to accept what we cannot change and instead adapt to the situation we find ourselves in.
The challenge might alter, but the resolution behind it remains the same; we need to adapt when required.
Empowerment
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Peter Drucker
This empowering quote is at the heart of entrepreneurism and the growth mindset. It’s about finding opportunity and forging our own destiny, with planning, perseverance and resilience.
Customer service
“A satisfied customer is one who will continue to buy from you, seldom shop around, refer other customers and in general be a superstar advocate for your business.” Gregory Ciotti
Again, this is a business mindset quote that positions the customer at the centre of business, but also speaks to the importance of customer service and loyalty.
It indicates how critical it is to serve your customer well, understand their needs, and that when you go above and beyond to meet those needs, your business instils their loyalty.
Marketing
“The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself.” Peter Drucker
Marketing might be essential to business, but its impact will always revolve around the value your product or service provides to the customer.
When you create a product or service that truly meets your ideal client’s needs, the marketing of that product almost takes care of itself.
Preparation
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” Alan Lakein
No matter what the economic conditions are or the state of the market, planning allows your business to navigate challenge and change, while seizing opportunity.
And that’s where your business plan is imperative.
The final word
Having the right mindset in business helps keep you on track, allowing you to create business strategies that fulfil both your ambition as a successful business owner and the goals you have in your personal life as well.
When you tend to that mindset and maintain it, it provides a powerful development tool that helps you define your business goals and sets you apart from the competition.
