We get advice coming at us constantly from every direction.
But unless your neighbor Bill, nosy Aunt Susan, or friend Jack either has a bigger business than you do, has guided others to build what you’re building, or is in your target market, their opinions don’t get to count.
We’d be paralyzed trying to follow ALL the advice because it all disagrees and pulls us in a thousand different directions.
If you’re in business, how about some advice from successful business people?
This video features business advice from Sheldon Adelson, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Charlie Munger, Donald Trump, Warren Buffet, Jim Pattison, Charles Koch and Sunil Mittal.
If you can’t see the video, click here to watch it on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r18WHQX2VWM
So much was simple but we forget… change the status quo, focus on your top line, speed, learning to hire the right people… it’s easy to dismiss some of those as just ideas until you realize it’s what has WORKED for these billionaries to get where they are.
What was your favorite piece of advice?
Image Credit: kbuntu/StockFresh
Martha Giffen says
So true! I tell my clients to look where a person’s feet are going to see if they are truly “follow-worthy.” Don’t look at what their mouth is saying. It doesn’t always tell the truth! These leaders don’t have to say a word. Their feet are leading them to success. We should follow :)
Michelle Shaeffer says
That’s a great way to put it Martha, I’ll have to remember that one! Watch the feet…
Marian says
This makes a lot of sense to me! Great blog! Very helpful!
Michelle Shaeffer says
Thanks, Marian, I appreciate the kind words. :)
Sherry says
Good advice to remember. Change the status quo, use common sense and focus on the top line. When you run a small business, sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the small day-to-day things. It’s good to be reminded to focus on the strategies and fundamental goals of your business.
Michelle Shaeffer says
It is a good reminder. I’ve found the same challenge, Sherry. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day operations and forget how important it is to focus on that bigger picture.
Beth says
I really enjoyed the video and got a few great messages to start off my work week…
Michelle Shaeffer says
Inspiring advice is always a great way to start the week. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Beth. :)
Diana Jillian says
I don’t really have any advice. I would say to just be consistent and it will pay off. That means keep the same page and not wander everywhere like I do. ;)
Michelle Shaeffer says
Consistency works. It can be tough. I know I’ve learned I need my coach and business friends to help me stay accountable and avoid that “shiny object” syndrome. :)
Barbara Saunders says
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever read: advice is inherently limited – even when it comes from very successful people. What made one person successful may have worked for them because of personal attributes (good AND bad) that you don’t share and may have worked in a particular time and circumstance that no longer applies. Even if what worked for them would work for you, what they believe worked for them, what they’ll tell you sincerely if you ask for advice, may in fact not be what actually made them successful.
Michelle Shaeffer says
It’s definitely worth understanding a person’s strengths and talents when looking at their perspective and advice. Great point, Barbara.
Helenee says
All of this advice is valid.
What is particularly true is that you have to offer quality and relevance — to deliver what (you) would not hesitate to buy, should you be in your targeted customer’s position.
And, of course, take care of your top line.
:)
Michelle Shaeffer says
The “top line” one stuck out to me, too, because we hear so much about the “bottom line” in business. It’s reassuring to me to see people who care more about the top line succeed.
Brock Blohm says
Great video. Many great minds.
Honesty, integrity, passion, and energy will get you a long way.
Thanks for sharing :)
Michelle Shaeffer says
Those three things are crucial, aren’t they? Passion can take us a long ways but honesty and integrity will help us succeed long term.
Darby Rae says
Your second paragraph made me laugh out loud. “… unless your neighbor Bill, nosy Aunt Susan, or friend Jack either has a bigger business than you do, has guided others to build what you’re building, or is in your target market, their opinions don’t get to count.” Those three categories say it all!
My favorite in the video was Warren Buffet– (1) Run your business like it is the only one your family will have for the next 100 years. In short, I hear him saying be unconditionally commitment to success. (2) Measure by the mode of increase (or decrease) of competitive advantage over time. Business owners tend to use $$$ as the #1 yard stick of success. There are so many other moving parts.
Great points by both you and Warren.
Leanne Chesser says
My favorite piece of advice from the video is to change the status quo. The one that I think is the most essential is to be good with people. And the one that made me laugh out loud is to take in more money than you spend. Thanks for sharing this video, Michelle!
Cristian Balau says
My favorite piece of advice? Don’t stay in bed, unless you can make money in bed!
I know it sounds a little cold but its one of my favorite quotes of all time, great motivator.