10 of the Best Inspirational Business Quotes

We all need a little inspiration. Whether we’re studying for that next exam, at a career crossroads in life, or just need a little mental push to remember what it is we’re trying to achieve in life. We need that motivation required to keep going, and to realise our dreams – after all, they’re the blueprint of our future.

Need some of that motivational inducement? Take a look at our pick of inspirational business quotations…

“Do the best that you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better.”

Famously uttered by Maya Angelou, the famous American author whose autobiography ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ brought her international acclaim. In business, you never stop learning. You constantly have to strive to do the best that you can, and always look for new ways to improve yourself, thereby increasing your potential and ultimately growing your business.

“Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.”

Leonardo da Vinci clearly loved his many occupations. Geologist, anatomist, engineer, inventor, mathematician, et al. (Didn’t he paint too?) Whether it’s striving for a university degree, heading your own business, or a 9 to 5 number as rank and file, then simply love what you’re doing. To be happy with your day-to-day life equals fulfilment in your working life. So, do what you love, and love what you do.

“I like thinking big, if you’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big”

Ah, Donald Trump. Bigger and better is the only way to go. He may have been brought to the brink of personal bankruptcy – but he bounced right back, and today is reputed to be worth a fairly acceptable, and pretty cool $4 billion. So, why not? Think big.

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”

Measuring success in business, and personal success as a business person, can reveal more about the person than the business and the books. A will of steel can shoulder many difficulties, especially in the infancy of a successful business. Be strong, stay fast, believe in your product and yourself. Who said it? Vince Lombardi, NFL player, coach, executive and legend.

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”

A short and snappy quote to remember, if ever there was one. Canadian Wayne Gretzty hit the target with those words. Take that chance, rely on that hunch, give it your best shot. He may have been talking sport, but apply these words to your business and you may win that game too.

“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger, then people will appreciate your leadership.”

Nice words well put from the late, great South African leader, Nelson Mandela. He’s talking about politics, of course, but the same sentiment can clearly be carried over into the office or workplace. Lead with courage, and gain appreciation, admiration and respect: three essential personality traits that make business better for everyone.

“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

Hairdresser to the coiffured rich and famous, Vidal Sassoon CBE was also successful as a businessman and philanthropist. A life of luxury and success all down to a pair of scissors and a geometric bob! But no matter how you approach it, hard work – armed with scissors, pen or whatever instrument is your forté – is the true road to success.

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

Henry Ford. Wasn’t he right? In education or business, you can choose to either wear out, or rust out. Keep the cogs well-oiled and continue to learn and embrace new knowledge.

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”

So we all get it wrong sometimes. But, a grievance, a quibble, or complaint can be used as a yardstick for getting things right the next time, for improvement. Then you’re developing, upgrading, making progress. Who said it? Bill Gates.

“Life is getting up an hour early to live an hour more!”

And remember, tomorrow when you have to set that alarm early to go to work, or write that essay, don’t groan when it rings. According to this Guardian article, it’s the secret weapon of many a top CEO!

Inspired by our pick of inspirational business quotes? Enrol in one of our online business studies courses.