51 Small Business Quotes to Help You Thrive
Starting and running a small business can sometimes be overwhelming, but small business quotes can help you get through the tough times. Being a business owner is also one of the most rewarding experiences ever. It's easy to feel discouraged or defeated when facing challenges and setbacks along the way.
The good news is that you're not alone, and plenty of inspiring small business quotes are out there to help you stay motivated and focused. The beauty of being part of a community like this is that you can access a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
From famous entrepreneurs to small business owners, there are plenty of quotes out there that will encourage you to keep pushing forward. Whether you're having a bad day or need a boost of motivation, these words can help you stay focused on your goals and remember why you started in the first place.
So, take a deep breath, read some inspiring quotes, and keep moving forward with confidence!
We've compiled some of our favourite quotes from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders to remind you that anything is possible if you're willing to work hard and never give up.
1. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
This quote reminds us that success and failure are part of the journey and that it's essential to keep moving forward, regardless of the outcome.
2. "It's not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen." - Scott Belsky
In other words, having a great idea is just the beginning; you must take action and execute your vision to bring it to life.
3. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs
Passion is a critical ingredient in the recipe for success. Love what you do, and you'll never work a day in your life.
4. "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Edison
This quote reminds us that failure is a normal part of the process, and every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
5. "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." - Steve Jobs
Do work that makes you proud and that you enjoy. Life is too short to do anything less.
6. "If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again." - William Edward Hickson
This familiar saying is a valuable reminder that perseverance is key in the face of adversity.
7. "There's nothing wrong with staying small. You can do big things with a small team." - Jason Fried
Small businesses are often underestimated, but they have the power to achieve incredible things with the right team and mindset.
8. "The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker
As an entrepreneur, you have the power to shape your own destiny and create your own opportunities.
9. "Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you." - Tony Hsieh
When you're passionate about your vision and focused on creating value for others, success and financial rewards will naturally follow.
10. "The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." - Vidal Sassoon
Success is the result of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. There are no shortcuts.
11. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” - Walt Disney
This quote from Walt Disney emphasizes the importance of taking action in order to achieve success. It's easy to talk about starting a business but it takes hard work and dedication to make it successful. If you want to start a small business, don't wait for the perfect time or opportunity; take action now.
12. “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.” – Jim Rohn
This quote from Jim Rohn encourages entrepreneurs to focus on improving their skills rather than looking for an easy way out. Starting a small business can be difficult and challenging, but if you're willing to put in the effort and work hard, you can achieve success.
13. “It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” – Scott Belsky
This quote reminds us that having an idea is only the first step in creating a successful business; you must also have the drive and determination to turn your idea into reality. Don't let fear or doubt stop you from taking action; instead, use those feelings as motivation to keep pushing forward towards your goals.
14. “The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things…the good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant." - Doctor Who
This quote from Doctor Who encourages entrepreneurs not to get discouraged by setbacks or failures; instead, focus on learning from them so that you can become better prepared for future challenges and opportunities that come your way. Every experience has something valuable that can be learned from it, so use each one as an opportunity for growth and development as an entrepreneur.
15. “If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late." - Reid Hoffman
Reid Hoffman's quote emphasizes the importance of launching quickly in order to gain feedback from customers and iterate on your product or service before your competitors do so first. Don't be afraid of launching something imperfect; instead, use it as an opportunity for learning so that you can improve upon it over time with customer feedback in mind..
16. “Opportunities don't happen, you create them." - Chris Grosser
Chris Grosser's quote reminds us that success doesn't just happen overnight; it requires hard work and dedication for opportunities to arise through our own efforts rather than relying on luck or chance alone. As an entrepreneur, don't be afraid of taking risks or trying new ideas; these could lead to unexpected opportunities if we're willing to put in the effort needed to make them happen ourselves..
17. “Successful entrepreneurs are givers and not takers of positive energy." - Anonymous
This anonymous quote highlights the importance of having a positive attitude when running a business; no matter how difficult times may get, staying positive will help keep morale up amongst employees while also inspiring customers with optimism for what lies ahead.
18. “Don’t let others tell you what you can’t do." – Unknown
It's easy for other people (especially those who haven't taken any risks themselves) to tell us why we shouldn't pursue our dreams or why our ideas won't work out in reality; however, this unknown quote reminds us that we should never let anyone else define our own limitations when it comes down pursuing our own dreams.
19. "You don't learn to walk by following rules... You learn by doing" - Richard Branson
Richard Branson's words remind us that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when starting a small business; sometimes, we need to take risks and try something different rather than following conventional wisdom if we want true success.
20. "A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." - Colin Powell
Colin Powell's words emphasize just how much hard work is involved when starting a small business: nothing worth having comes easily without putting in the effort first! No matter how difficult times may get along your entrepreneurial journey, remember that anything is possible with enough determination and hard work!
21. “A small business is like a family. You must nurture it and love it, or else you will lose it.” – Unknown
Small businesses are the backbone of many communities, providing jobs and services that help to foster economic growth and development. As such, small businesses require special care and attention to thrive. This means dedicating time and resources to running the business efficiently and taking care of employees and customers. It also means having a passionate commitment to the business's success, as without this dedication, it is unlikely that the business will survive in the long run.
22. “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." – Michelangelo
Entrepreneurs should always strive for excellence rather than settle for mediocrity when running a small business. Setting ambitious goals can help motivate employees to work harder towards achieving them while also inspiring customers with innovative products or services that exceed their expectations. Taking risks can also open up growth opportunities that would otherwise not be available if one settles for less than they are capable of achieving.
23. “No matter how small your business may be today, always remember that you have the potential to make it great tomorrow." – Unknown
Small businesses often have limited resources compared to larger corporations, making it difficult for them to compete on an equal footing in marketing or product development efforts. However, with dedication and focus on customer service excellence combined with innovative thinking, small businesses can still achieve great things over time by slowly building up trust among their customer base through word-of-mouth referrals or other forms of marketing initiatives such as social media campaigns, etc..
24."If you don't drive your business you will be driven out of business" – BC Forbes
Running a successful small business requires strong leadership skills from its owner/operator to ensure its continued success despite inevitable challenges, such as changing market conditions, economic downturns, etc. Leaders need to take control of their own destiny by staying informed about industry trends and making decisions based on data-driven insights rather than relying solely on gut instinct alone, which could lead them astray if not managed properly over time.
25. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” - Walt Disney
This quote is a great reminder that sometimes the only way to move forward with an idea or project is to take action. Talking about it won't make it happen, but taking small steps each day will help bring your dream of running a successful business closer to reality.
26. “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.” – Richard Branson
This quote from one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs reminds us that failure is part of the learning process when starting a business. While certain guidelines should be followed, it's important not to let fear of failure stop you from taking risks and trying new things to reach your goals.
27. “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
Einstein's words remind us that mistakes are inevitable when starting any venture, but they should also be seen as opportunities for growth and development rather than something negative or shameful. Learning from our mistakes can help us become more resilient entrepreneurs with greater insight into how our businesses work best for us and our customers.
28. "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." - Henry Ford
This quote emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks to achieve business success. It's easy to stay within our comfort zones, but if we want our businesses to grow, we must be willing to try new approaches and explore different opportunities that may lead us down paths we hadn't previously considered exploring before now!
29. "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain
Twain's words remind us that no matter how small or insignificant an action may seem at first glance, taking some action towards reaching our goals is essential for making progress in business and life in general! Taking even just one small step each day towards achieving our dreams can make all the difference in helping us reach them sooner rather than later!
30. "The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln
This famous quote speaks volumes about how powerful we can be when we set out with a clear vision for what we want our businesses (and lives) to look like in the future! By setting specific goals and taking consistent action toward achieving them, we can create an amazing future for ourselves!
31. "Opportunity does not knock; it presents itself when you beat down the door" - Kyle Chandler
Chandler's words are a great reminder that sometimes success requires going above and beyond what's expected of us, for opportunities come knocking on our doorsteps! We must be willing to put ourselves out there if we want others (customers included!) To take notice of our unique value proposition!
32. "Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning" - Bill Gates
Gates' words remind us how important customer feedback can be for improving our businesses! Listening closely (and responding appropriately!). Customer complaints can provide invaluable insights into areas where improvements need to be made so that their overall experience with us becomes more enjoyable next time around!
33. "Successful entrepreneurs see problems as possibilities" - Unknown
This inspiring quote encourages us all not to view problems as roadblocks but instead as opportunities for growth! Seeing challenges through an optimistic lens allows us to think outside the box so that creative solutions can emerge, ultimately leading to greater success in business!
34. “The way to succeed in business is to make it a pleasure, not a drudgery.” – Henry Ford
Henry Ford's quote speaks to the importance of making running a small business enjoyable. Being passionate and enthusiastic about what you do makes the work more fulfilling and rewarding. It also helps motivate you to keep striving for success despite tough times.
35. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." – Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky's famous quote applies perfectly here - sometimes we have doubts or reservations about our ability or potential but we shouldn't let those stop us from trying new things or taking risks if we want our businesses to grow and succeed! We should strive towards taking calculated risks whenever possible in order to maximize our chances of achieving our goals!
36. "Successful entrepreneurs know how to manage their time effectively." – Anonymous
Time management is another key component for any entrepreneur looking for long-term success - effectively allocating resources (time included) towards activities that will yield maximum results is essential for businesses (especially startups)to grow sustainably over time!
37. “If you don’t value your time, neither will others. Stop giving away your time and talents--start charging for it.” - Kim Garst
This quote from social media expert Kim Garst speaks to the importance of valuing oneself as well as one's time and talents as a small business owner or entrepreneur. It highlights that if one does not value their own time, then it is unlikely that others will either, which means that they may not be willing to pay for your services or products if they do not see them as valuable enough.
38. “You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." – Zig Ziglar
This inspirational quote from motivational speaker Zig Ziglar speaks directly to small business owners who may feel overwhelmed by the task ahead of them when starting their business or venture. It encourages them by emphasizing that although greatness may seem far off at first, taking those first steps toward success is essential for greatness to be achieved down the line eventually.
39. "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." - Warren Buffett
This quote from billionaire investor Warren Buffett is an important reminder for all small business owners about how quickly their reputations can be ruined if they fail to uphold high standards or consistently provide quality services or products over time. It emphasizes how important it is for small business owners to maintain a good reputation so as not to damage their chances of future success and growth within their industry or market space.
40. "Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will." - Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. This quote speaks to the importance of having the freedom and flexibility to take risks and make decisions that can lead to financial success. Small businesses often have more freedom than larger companies when making decisions, which can give them an advantage when it comes to making money.
41. "Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver." - Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand was a Russian-American writer and philosopher whose works are still widely read today. This quote emphasizes that while money can be a powerful tool, it cannot replace hard work or creativity when achieving success. Small business owners must put in hard work and dedication if they want their business to succeed financially over time.
42. "You don't have to be great at something because everyone else isn't either." - Gary Vaynerchuk
Entrepreneurship often involves taking risks, but it's important not to get too caught up in comparing yourself to others who seem more successful. This quote by Gary Vaynerchuk reminds us that while there may always be someone more talented or experienced than ourselves, we all have unique skill sets that bring value to our businesses.
43. "A goal without a plan is just a wish." – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Having well-defined goals is essential for achieving success as an entrepreneur, but having a plan to execute those goals is just as important. This quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry reminds us that simply wishing for success isn't enough; we need to devise strategies which will help us reach our goals efficiently and effectively.
44. "Successful entrepreneurs know that every setback contains within itself the seeds of future successes." – Robert Kiyosaki
No matter how much planning goes into starting a business, setbacks are inevitable along the road toward success. This quote by Robert Kiyosaki encourages entrepreneurs to view these setbacks positively, recognizing that each one presents unique opportunities that can eventually lead to greater success.
45. “If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan." - Jim Rohn
This quote from Jim Rohn emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision when starting a business or embarking on any other kind of venture. It reminds entrepreneurs that if they don't have a plan for how they want their lives or businesses to look, they will likely end up following someone else's path instead of creating their own unique journey toward success.
46. “If you don’t build your dream someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.” - Dhirubhai Ambani
This quote from Indian entrepreneur Dhirubhai Ambani speaks to the importance of pursuing our own dreams rather than helping someone else achieve theirs. As a small business owner, we must stay focused on our own vision to ensure our own success rather than getting sidetracked by helping others achieve their goals.
47. “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." - David Brinkley
This quote from American journalist David Brinkley speaks volumes about the resilience required for success as a small business owner. It emphasizes that we must be able to learn from our mistakes and use them as stepping stones towards achieving our goals, no matter how difficult or challenging they may seem at first glance.
48. "The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity." – Amelia Earhart
This empowering quote from aviator Amelia Earhart speaks volumes about the courage required for success as a small business owner. It suggests that once we make up our minds about something, all we need is determination in order to stick with it until we reach our goal. This applies perfectly when starting a new venture, where taking action can often feel intimidating but is ultimately essential for long-term success.
49. "Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them." – Jack Canfield
This motivating quote from author Jack Canfield reminds us of how important it is to maintain an optimistic outlook even when times are tough or things don’t go according to plan. As a small business owner, staying focused on what we want out of life instead of dwelling on what could go wrong will help us stay motivated even during challenging times.
50. "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough" – Og Mandino
This powerful quote from author Og Mandino speaks directly to those looking for inspiration when starting their own businesses. It reminds us that no matter how often we fail if our determination remains strong, failure will never overtake us. With this mindset, any goal can be achieved no matter how daunting it may seem at first glance.
51. "The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment" – Anthony Robbins
This encouraging quote from motivational speaker Anthony Robbins serves as a reminder that anything can be achieved if we use our creativity combined with hard work and dedication. As small business owners, this means having faith in ourselves and believing in our ability to create something great despite any obstacles or challenges.
As a small business owner, some days can feel like you're fighting an uphill battle. That's why we turn to inspirational quotes to give us that extra boost of motivation. There's something about a well-crafted quote that can pick you up and make you feel like anything is possible.
Whether it's a quote about the power of resilience or a reminder never to give up, these little nuggets of wisdom can help us stay determined on even the toughest days. And when the going gets particularly tough, there's nothing like a small business quote to remind us that we're not alone in our struggles and that other entrepreneurs have faced similar challenges and come out on top.
So, the next time you're feeling down, turn to a small business quote and let it give you the strength to keep fighting for your dreams.
The bottom line is that starting and running a small business can be a challenging but rewarding journey. It's essential to stay motivated, focused and inspired along the way. These 51 inspiring small business quotes serve as a reminder that anyone can achieve greatness if they're willing to work hard and never give up. Remember that success is a process; every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep chasing your vision, and the rest will follow.
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