10 Quotes That Your Startup Should Live By

Whilst we really do believe in the power of startups, we also know that it’s not an easy road for anyone! So, we thought it was about time that we collated our favourite motivational and inspirational quotes from some of the world’s most successful businessmen and women.

If you’re a startup (or are just looking for some serious business motivation!), have a read of the below. We hope it will act as the inspiration you need to keep working at your incredible idea.

1. “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.” — Richard Branson

To be honest, we’d trust any advice Richard Branson has to offer, but we particularly like this matter-of-fact honesty that startups and entrepreneurs may face failure at some point.It’s how we deal with the failures that matters. Instead of seeing it as the end, put in some research time to assess how you can improve next time.

2. “The only thing worse than starting something and failing…is not starting something.” — Seth Godin

You’ve always got to give it a go, right?

Nothing will ever grow if it’s not started in the first place. So, as scary as it can be, if you’ve got a great idea, start doing something with it today! May we recommend research…?

3. “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” — Bill Gates

We’re all for making the best of a bad situation, and we think this quote from Bill Gates sums it up perfectly.

It’s natural within any startup that things might not run smoothly 100% of the time, and it’s no secret that often we’re more vocal when things are going wrong, than when they’re going right. So, instead of taking it personally or looking at the negatives, listen to what your customers have to say and take it as constructive criticism on where and how you can improve.

4. “The Entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity.” — Peter Drucker

Things are constantly evolving, especially within the remit of technology. This is great news for entrepreneurs and startups as it means there are plenty of opportunities for new business ventures (given that the prior market research has deemed them viable ventures, of course). So never stop being on the lookout for new problems that need solving, and possible solutions which could become successful business.

5. We need to accept that we don’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes — understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” — Arianna Huffington

We think Arianna Huffington sums up perfectly what every startup might sometimes struggle to see; failure is part of success. So don’t be disheartened when it happens. Instead, embrace it and understand that it is an obstacle that so many others like you have been faced with, but most importantly, have overcome.

6. “Give them quality. That’s the best kind of advertising.” — Milton Hershey

Let your products speak for themselves, by putting the time and effort in beforehand — in the form of user and market research — to make sure that what you’re creating is exactly what people want and need. The power of word-of-mouth is amazing!

7. “A ‘startup’ is a company that is confused about: 1. What it’s product is; 2. Who it’s customers are. 3. How to make money”. — Dave McClure

In the early stages of a business, it can be difficult to determine these elements. However, it’s SO important that you do. It means that you’ll have a clear understanding and strategy for progression and will grow from a startup to a large successful company.

8. “The product that wins is the one that bridges customers to the future, not the one that requires a giant leap.” — Aaron Levie

Whilst disruptive technologies are exciting, we maintain that the customer’s user experience must be taken into account to ensure these technologies are accepted. Of course, some brilliant user research will help determine that, too!

9. “Always deliver more than expected.” — Larry Page

You know the old catchphrase “Under-promise, over-deliver”? Well we think Larry Page is thinking along those very same lines here. And a valid point he raises, too. It’s important to remember that your product or service is a reflection of your brand and your brand values should be consistently delivered throughout any version of it.

10. “If everyone loves everything that we’re releasing all the time, we are failing.” — Jen Bekman

Customers won’t love everything, every time. And that’s ok. Continue to revel in the success of the things that do, but don’t be disheartened by the things that don’t. Instead, look for areas that could be improved or changed by conducting ongoing research.