The 45 best business and success quotes

spectacular wisdom and advice from successful entrepreneurs

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The path of entrepreneurship is not easy, but the great thing is that many people have walked it before you.

The path of entrepreneurship is not easy, but the great thing is that many people have walked it before you.

So why start from scratch when you can learn from the best of the best. We asked our partners and business colleagues from around the world to share their inspirational success quotes from life and business with us.

The best thing about this article? They not only share their favorite success quotes about business and life, but also their personal stories and life wisdom.

Read on to find out what drove these entrepreneurs through fear of failure and hard times.

Success Quotes – Building a business

There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who see things happen, and those who wonder what happened. – Mary Kay Ash

We can decide every day to take responsibility for our actions. It’s up to each individual.

I want to help make good things happen.
This is often not easy in the cosmetics business because it is flooded with glossy packaging and not too unproblematic ingredients.
However, there are great alternatives. I tackle this in my beauty salon.

Isabella Paradiso – Founder of Hautnah Remseck

Everything comes to those who can wait, but only what is left by those who have fought for their happiness with great courage. – Abraham Lincoln

Of course something comes to those who wait. But is this enough in the end? The quote explains this quite nicely and leads one to consider whether the leftovers from others are really enough for me.

Krystian Madej – Mentoring Group Offenbach

Success quotes for entrepreneurs – Procrastination

There is no such thing as too early. – No famous person has yet claimed this quote.

Many founders still think their idea is too early to present it to the masses. Uncertainties about product-market fit and critical mass are probably the most typical reasons.

I would therefore recommend all founders to go to market early, iterate quickly and focus on the customers. You can then react more quickly to potential problems and receive valuable feedback at an early stage in order to improve the product and identify and reflect on potential weaknesses.

Hans Knöchel – Co-Founder and CEO of Lambus

Never try, never know.

I tell my team that all the time. So often we have ideas but are afraid to tackle them. The fear of failure holds us back.

However, I would rather know what doesn’t work than regret it and wonder what if.

If I hadn’t tried to combine charity work with our capitalist system(caritalism), many people would still be cutting down trees instead of planting them.

Chris Kaiser – Founder and CEO of Click A Tree

I didn’t have to become perfect because I learned on my journey that perfection is the enemy of progress. – Janelle Monae

This quote has inspired me to stop waiting to be perfect and just do what I really want to do.

I have failed many times since I made the decision to start my own online business, but with each failure I have learned something new and incredible. I’m no longer afraid to fail and I don’t chase perfection – I embrace both my failures and my successes wholeheartedly.

Sudhir Khatwani, founder and editor of The Money Mongers

Anyway, let’s do it – Sir Richard Branson

Early on when I started my business, especially blogging, a lot of naysayers told me I wasn’t doing the right thing.

But in response, I decided to focus on my passion and concentrate on my own journey and growth. And I haven’t regretted it to this day.

Rohan Kadam – Editor of Biking KnowHow

Everything I’ve ever done started small. – Jeff Bezos

This quote confirms (since it was made by the owner of such a huge company) that every little positive effort we make is important.

And this could extend to all areas of life besides business, whether it’s eating something healthy, doing a little exercise or sharing a smile with someone who needs it.

Bracha Goetz (with her grandchildren) – Author at Bracha’s Books

The fact that you signed up for this course at all is a very bad sign. – Jerry Seinfeld

In other words, is there something you dream about? Stop thinking and start doing.

Experience is the best teacher.

Darren Litt – Co-Founder of Hiya

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You’re already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. – Steve Jobs

Some people may roll their eyes at quotes from Steve Jobs, but there’s a reason you see so many of them – he was a visionary.

To an outsider, my latest mission may seem like a tall order for a solo founder like myself, but my thinking is perfectly captured by this quote from Steve Jobs.

Cameron Bogatez – Founder of Rocket

Success Quotes about Business – Solidarity

Only those who burn themselves can light a fire in others. – Aurelius Augustine

I spent a long time trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a living. Many topics appeal to me, but none of them burn in me like environmental protection!

That’s why I turn my passion into a profession and bring
Environmental protection in our schools!

If you want to inspire others, you first have to be inspired yourself.

Nicole Pawollek – founder of Umweltschutz macht Schule

Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We should lift each other up. Make sure you are very brave: be strong, extremely kind and above all humble. – Serena Williams

I started my small business and experienced so much female power right from the start! Thanks to the support of other female founders, I was always encouraged to stay on the ball and never had the fear of being alone. I like to be inspired by the success of other women and support others wherever I can!

Lilly – Founder of Lalovliy

Life wisdom and success quotes about resilience

You can’t build up strength without resistance. – No famous person has yet claimed this quote.

This quote is similar to lifting weights in the gym with the struggles of life and business. In both cases, it is the resistance that helps you build strength.

As an entrepreneur, it’s important to remember that challenges are normal throughout the life of your business and that with dedication, the lows can turn into highs.

Lindsey Wander – Founder of WorldWise Tutoring

Our greatest glory lies not in never falling, but in getting up every time we fall. – Confucius

What inspires me as an entrepreneur is to never let myself stop dreaming.

This quote had a huge impact on my motivation and perseverance to get better every day despite all the hardships. It helps me to keep my eye on the prize and to keep standing after a fall.

Jacob J. Sapochnick – Immigration Attorney + Social Media Influencer

I am convinced that about half of what distinguishes successful entrepreneurs from unsuccessful entrepreneurs is pure perseverance. – Steve Jobs

I am firmly convinced that all business ideas are very good and that it is the implementation that makes the difference.

During the execution, you may realize that things are more difficult than they sounded. This is where enthusiasm and stamina begin to wane. Ultimately, people who continue with their efforts succeed.

Saurabh Jindal – Founder of Talk Travel

If you don’t have a competitive advantage – you don’t compete. – Jack Welch

For me, this quote is brutally honest. A unique selling point, a willingness to innovate and competitive advantages are not an option. Rather, it is a prerequisite if you want to be successful.

It can make the difference between blending in with the crowd and being one step ahead. So ask yourself what your competitive advantage is before you take the plunge. This is the first question I ask myself and my team when changes occur, and it inspires me time and time again.

Paul Sherman – CMO of Olive

You never know what situation your friends are in. – Share these success quotes with your entrepreneur friends:

Success quotes for entrepreneurs – Mindset

If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping when there’s a mosquito in the room. – Dalai Lama

Since our foundation in 2020, we have operated according to the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to be happy and discover the world. But in order to make this possible in the future, it is clear that a rethink is needed in our society.

Our fashion label therefore tries to produce and market fair clothing for adventurers and world explorers as sustainably as possible. Even if this path is difficult and sometimes seems hopeless, it is actually not easy to sleep when there is a mosquito in the room.

Jonas – Founder of Rubeo Clothing

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. – Mahatma Ghandi

Early on in my career, I learned how important it is to ask for what I want. And don’t be afraid to say no.

This advice served me well when I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. I have asked so many people through my network and my extended network for advice and guidance. Being a first time entrepreneur is one of the most difficult professional challenges I’ve taken on, but asking for help along the way has been invaluable, leading to several “yes” answers.

Jaclyn Strauss – Founder of My Macro Memoir

If everyone thinks the same, then no one thinks. – Benjamin Franklin

This quote reminds me how important it is to stand out and go your own way. So many people are afraid to take risks: Perhaps they are afraid of failing, or their family, friends and colleagues would hesitate to do the same.

However, your unique thinking and willingness to experience uncertainty is exactly what makes you unique and exactly the attribute that can lead to success in life and in business.

Brian Turner – CTO of ConvertBinary

Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

My best friend’s father, who is my mentor, always told me this. This quote has made me stop comparing my success with that of my colleagues. It has given me the mindset to keep moving forward, knowing that my time will come.

Keeon Yazdani – CMO of Elevate Delta 8

What I can control exists within me. It is how I react to difficulties that is my strength. – Overheard in a yoga studio

As a nomadic entrepreneur traveling around the world, I am lucky enough to get to know different cultures, people and societies. The different perspectives of different people really showed that life and business are all about your own perspective on challenges.

We cannot control external factors, being powerful actually means having control over our own inner emotions and reactions to situations.

Rax Suen – Founder of Nomads Unveiled

The grass is always greener where you water it.

This quote from my father has stayed with me because I have stopped looking at those who are further ahead of me. I started thinking about how I could create value in my life.

I’ve learned to tackle problems and hold myself accountable for the things that have happened in my life instead of putting it down to dumb luck.

Austin Fain – CEO of Perfect Steel Solutions

Everything you ever wanted is on the other side of fear. – George Addair

For over 15 years I suffered from terrible anxiety attacks and had a terrible lifelong fear of flying. I was even afraid to dream, because what I wanted meant that I had to face my fears. Even that scared me.

Facing my fears and minimizing them was the best thing I ever did! I no longer suffer from anxiety attacks and no longer have a fear of flying. In fact, I have now traveled the world!

Melissa Smith – Founder of Association of Virtual Assistants

Opportunities do not arise – you create them. – Chris Grosser

This quote has changed my life. I kept waiting for the ideal circumstances or a unique opportunity. When this didn’t happen, I was incredibly disappointed.

Then a fellow entrepreneur shared this quote with me and it jolted me away from such a passive attitude. I realized that I needed to be much more proactive and look for opportunities instead of just waiting for them to happen.

Nick Chernets – CEO of Data for SEO

Inspirational success quotes – The most important things in life

Appreciation is one of the most beautiful forms of recognition. – Ernst Ferstl

Barbara Pröbstl Member of Werdenfelserei Management shares her favorite success quotes with Click A Tree

The term “appreciative leadership” was praised as the be-all and end-all of corporate management at the time. At that time, I thought it was extremely excessive to spend so much time on this “soft fact” and not mainly on the “hard facts” such as controlling figures, contract design and profit.

In everyday working life today, the most important thing is to treat employees with respect, often best conveyed through small things, conversations or benefits.

Barbara Pröbstl – Member of the management of Werdenfelserei

Hope is a beautiful memory of the future. – Gabriel Marcel

I see myself as a critical optimist about the future. Of course, the world is not yet perfect, but it is much better than its reputation. And if you always assume the worst, you block your own view of possible solutions and therefore improvements. That’s why I would like to see more optimism when thinking about tomorrow.

A new courage that the future can be even better. This will enable us humans to solve many of the outstanding problems by tackling them cooperatively and, above all, constructively. This is not about blind confidence or hope, but a moderate, rational or rather critical optimism about the future. For the sake of simplicity, you could also call it possibilism. Because the future is a creative space and we are the designers – if only we want to be.

Daniel Anthes – CEO of Knärzje

Ordinary people only think of spending time; but the wise think of saving it. – John Maxwell

It’s easy to spend time on the most urgent things, but most of these things aren’t really important.

Ask yourself what is important and concentrate on that. Then take a step back and look at the big picture. What are you working on? Will it help you achieve your goals? If you are busy and still focus on the essentials, then you have found your rhythm as an entrepreneur.

Joshua Haley – Founder of Moving Astute

Don’t worry about being successful, but work on being significant and success will naturally follow. – Oprah Winfrey

I remember when I had a job interview for a prestigious company and the interviewer asked me how I saw myself in 10 years’ time, to which I replied: “Successful”. He grinned at me and recited the line from Oprah Winfrey that has stayed with me to this day.

Jesse Thé – President & CEO of Tauria

Transparency is the key to great partnerships – in life and in business.

I have learned this in my career with great CEOs and through my personal relationships. The older I get, the more I realize that it’s the only way to go through life.

Matt Lally – Founder of TheGiftYak

Essentialism (…) is about investing your time and energy as best you can to make our highest contribution by doing only what is essential. – Greg McKeown

When I started my business, like many others, I was tempted to try and do as many things as possible myself.

I have now learned to take a step back and delegate the “trivial” tasks to other, often more appropriate people, while putting more time and effort into the “important” ones that really make a difference to drive my business forward in the long run.

Tim Sutton – Founder of CoffeeGeek TV

One day your life will pass before your very eyes. Make sure it’s worth seeing. – Gerard Way

My grandfather, who was a successful small businessman, always told us this and it got me to where I am today.

Lucas Travis, CEO of Inboard Skate

Do any of these success quotes remind you of a female entrepreneur? Share it with them.

Motivational success quotes for entrepreneurs – Uniqueness

The average gives the world its existence, the extraordinary its value. – Oscar Wilde.

I have found that anything that is not standard is remembered by people. Everything that stands out from the market and perhaps also started with a vision has made history. My personal drive to place this differentiation criterion on the market and to combine it with my personality.

Stephanie Kubik – Managing Director of SK Hotels and Venues

You were born an original, don’t die a copy.

I believe that every entrepreneur should live by this quote in one way or another, as it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to do what everyone else is doing.

Especially when everything is so public and shared on social media – but it’s important to take a step back sometimes and think, “Is this in line and relevant to my brand?” And if the answer is no, find a creative and more strategic alternative that meets your individual needs.

Sílvia Pinho – Social Media Manager & Online Educator

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. -Herman Melville.

We want to show who we are, how we behave and what we have to say. However, it is important to remember that it is a mistake to sacrifice yourself in order to please others.

But from my point of view, you should stick to it if your convictions are right. It’s not a good idea to change yourself to impress people in life, whether it’s at work, with your life partner or even with a stranger.

Paul Ryan – Founder of Abstract Roofing & Construction

It’s fun to do the impossible. – Walt Disney

I had a difficult start like most entrepreneurs and my stress levels were lethally high.

Then I realized that instead of resigning from something that seems too difficult, I can make it a fun challenge to act like a mad scientist in my head trying to rule the world with all this crazy laughter *muhaha*.

It reduced my stress by simply thinking differently about obstacles during projects.

Dima Suponau – Co-Founder of Number for Live

You may also be interested in: 39 Best Tree Quotes about Life and Business (so far in English)

Success quotes for entrepreneurs – changes

Package the same idea differently and the result can be truly spectacular. – Dr. Raman K Attri

When I was 6 months old, I contracted polio and could no longer walk. Although I walked with the help of walking aids, I just lacked speed.

I used my immobility as leverage to sit for hours and immerse myself in the world of learning. And that has brought me to where I am today.

The same mantra applies in business or any other aspect of life. If an idea fails, package it differently and the results can be incredible.

Dr. Raman K Attri – Author and Founder of KLA Corporation

Business opportunities are like buses, there is always another one coming. – Richard Branson

The possibilities are endless, especially in the economy there are many potential ideas that we can use. It is a never-ending innovation in the economy.

Adrian Oliver – Founder of Home Grown Roof

If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten. – Tony Robbins.

This quote from Tony Robbins resonated with me and drives me to try new things, take a leap and expand my efforts. You should never sit still, otherwise the things that haunt you will catch up with you and eventually pass you by. Keep moving, keep pushing and aim higher in life and business.

Yeelen Knegtering – CEO and Co-Founder of Klippa

Today is the opportunity to build the tomorrow you want. – Ken Poirot

We all have dreams and at some point we have doubts and fear. When I heard this, however, I was moved and encouraged despite the difficulties, especially at the beginning of my work. These words give me courage and allow me to take the first step again and again when I want a different tomorrow for my business and my life.

Lynda Le – Nail designer and founder of Polish Perfect

The most powerful force for change lies within you. The key to change is to find them, strengthen them and act accordingly. – Dr. Allan Zuffoff

Reading this quote made me realize something. I was at a time when I really felt the need for things to change.

This quote made me realize that I only had to trust myself to make change happen.

Michelle Davies – Co-Founder & Editor-In-Chief of The Best Ever Guide To Life

Be the change you want to see. – Mahatma Ghandi

This has helped me during my time as a volunteer at the law school to help those in need and provide the necessary legal assistance. I saw people who desperately needed justice and barely hoped to find a way to get it.

Alejandro Uriarte – Personal Injury Attorney

Motivational success quotes for entrepreneurs – About failure

I have not failed. I’ve only found 10,000 ways that don’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison

As an independent insurance broker, I tried many different marketing techniques that didn’t get me anywhere. Every time I fail, I try to take the positives from it and move on to the next attempt.

The point is – don’t give up, follow your passion and you will eventually achieve your goals!

Brian So – Founder of Brian So Insurance

The real test is not to avoid making a mistake, because you won’t succeed. It depends on whether you let it harden you or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you persevere. – Barack Obama

When I saw this quote, I realized that it’s okay to make mistakes and even fail; it’s about how you respond to failure and persevere through it all.

We often failed and made mistakes that only made us stronger in the end.

Lindsey Allard – CEO and Co-Founder of PlaybookUX

Many failures in the life of a person who didn’t know how close they were to success when they gave up. – Thomas Edison

I came across this quote when I was struggling with my first company and almost wanted to throw in the towel.

These words gave me the strength to persevere through the hard times until I was successful with my business. Today I keep this quote above my desk while I work.

Brad Touesnard – Founder & CEO of SpinupWP

Inspirational Success Quotes – Short

Find our compilation of short success quotes here.

If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.

My father, who was told he would never walk because of polio, taught himself to walk and even built up a very successful freight business.

He always said to me: “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me”. These words have helped me build my own business and brand, and although I have employees, I will never forget that at the end of the day, how well I and my business do is always up to me.

Shaun Taylor – Owner of Moriti Private Safaris

Everything you ever wanted is on the other side of fear. – George Addair

Only those who burn themselves can light a fire in others. –
Aurelius Augustine

Everything I’ve ever done started small. – Jeff Bezos

Business opportunities are like buses, there is always another one coming. – Richard Branson

Anyway, let’s do it – Sir Richard Branson

Our greatest glory lies not in never falling, but in getting up every time we fall. – Confucius

If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping when there’s a mosquito in the room. – Dalai Lama

It’s fun to do the impossible. – Walt Disney

The most effective way to do this is to do it. – Amelia Earhart

I have not failed. I’ve only found 10,000 ways that don’t work. -e Thomas A. Edison

Appreciation is one of the most beautiful forms of recognition. – Ernst Ferstl

If everyone thinks the same, then no one thinks. – Benjamin Franklin

Be the change you want to see. – Mahatma Ghandi

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. – Mahatma Ghandi

Opportunities do not arise – you create them. – Chris Grosser

If plan “A” fails – remember that you still have 25 letters left. – Chris Guillebeau

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. – Herman Melville

Today is the opportunity to build the tomorrow you want. – Ken Poirot

If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten. – Tony Robbins

Do what you can with what you have, where you are. – Theodore Roosevelt

If you don’t have a competitive advantage – you’re not competing – Jack Welch

Famous Steve Jobs quotes, sayings and wisdom

You’re just here for the famous Steve Jobs success quotes? Here you go:

I am convinced that about half of what distinguishes successful entrepreneurs from unsuccessful entrepreneurs is pure perseverance.

If you look closely, most of the overnight successes took a long time.

Everything around you that you call life was created by people who were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it.

is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You’re already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

We are all in the same boat

Everything you see around you was once an idea. A little seed in someone’s head.

We all have them from time to time: ideas about what could make the world a better and simpler place.

But only a few people sow their seeds in the ground and nurture them until they grow into a beautiful tree – we call these people entrepreneurs.

Share this success quote with your entrepreneur friends, you never know who needs a change of perspective today