The is a big difference between having an idea and actually executing it. This is what separates the dreamers from the doers. In strategic planning there is a huge gap between writing goals and really tracking and implementing those goals. It makes no sense to write a goal that you have no intention of following through on. I came across a great article on CNN Money this week on the 12 Greatest Entrepreneurs of our Time. The article is a great inspiration to get you moving your goals to completion. These men changed the face of business forever with their hard work and determination. They are “the founders who turned concepts into companies.” Below is the list of the top 12 entrepreneurs and their advice, but you can also read the article in full here.
1. Steve Jobs
- Company: Apple
- Advice: Say no to focus groups and market research.
2. Bill Gates
- Company: Microsoft
- Advice: Find very smart people and create small teams.
3. Fred Smith
- Company: FedEx
- Advice: Rely on “first-level” managers.
4. Jeff Bezos
- Company: Amazon
- Advice: Take regular mini-retreats.
5. Larry Page and Sergey Brin
- Company: Google
- Advice: Spare no expense on innovation.
6. Howard Schultz
- Company: Starbucks
- Advice: Always challenge the old ways.
7. Mark Zuckerberg
- Company: Facebook
- Advice: Embrace paranoia.
8. John Mackey
- Company: Whole Foods
- Advice: Purpose inspires people.
9. Herb Kelleher
- Company: Southwest Airlines
- Advice: Make your customers No. 1.
10. Narayana Murthy
- Company: Infosys
- Advice: Sacrifice today, cash in tomorrow.
11. Sam Walton
- Company: Wal-Mart Stores
- Advice: Give the people what they want.
12. Muhammad Yunus
- Company: Grameen Bank
- Advice: Small gifts can equal big impacts.
