These amazingly talented male and female entrepreneurs share their most valuable advice for achieving success. There seems to be a pattern of looking past your failures and pursuing your goals with relentless persistence to reach success.

Read on for some invaluable advice on how you can be successful in your business and in life.

Words Of Advice By Successful Entrepreneurs

Sara Blakely (Founder Of Spanx)

“When I was growing up, my dad would encourage my brother and I to fail. We would be sitting at the dinner table and he would ask, ‘So what did you guys fail at this week?’ If we didn’t have something to contribute, he would be disappointed. When I did fail at something, he’d high-five me. What I didn’t realize at the time was that he was completely reframing my definition of failure at a young age. To me, failure means not trying; failure isn’t the outcome. If I have to look at myself in the mirror and say, ‘I didn’t try that because I was scared,’ that is failure.” – Sara Blakely –  Founder of Spanx

Gurbaksh Chahal (Author & Serial Entrepreneur)

“People tend to think that in order to start a new business they have to come up with something new and dazzling, but that’s a myth – and it’s often propagated by venture capitalists. Find something you love and do it better than everyone else.” – Gurbaksh Chahal – Serial Entrepreneur, Net Worth $200 Million

Jeff Weiner (CEO of LinkedIn)

“As a child, I can’t recall a day that went by without my dad telling me I could do anything I set my mind to. He said it so often, I stopped hearing it. Along with lines like “eat your vegetables, I just assumed it was one of those bromides that parents repeated endlessly to their kids.
It wasn’t until decades later that I fully appreciated the importance of those words and the impact they had on me.” – Jeff Weiner – CEO of LinkedIn

Kevin Rose (Founder of Digg, Pownce & Milk)

“Go build it. If you really believe in something, you should just build it. If you love it, it won’t feel like work. It’s okay to drop out of college if you have an awesome idea.” – Kevin Rose – Founder of Digg, Pownce & Milk

Caterina Fake (Founder of Flickr & Hunch)

“Entrepreneurs need to start building today. The Internet has amazing powers of distribution. You can test your ideas. You can see if it works, if it doesn’t work, whether it’s fun, and whether you’re sufficiently motivated. People who go into entrepreneurship to get rich aren’t going to be happy. It’s the building of things that makes you happy. You have to enjoy the process whether you succeed or fail.” – Caterina Fake – Founder of Flickr & Hunch

Evan Williams (Founder of Blogger & Twitter)

“Surround yourself with great people, try hard things, say no to distractions and remember to care for yourself. Failure of your company is not failure in life. Failure in your relationships is.” – Evan Williams – Founder of Blogger & Twitter

Richard Branson (CEO of Virgin)

“My mother always taught me never to look back in regret but to move on to the next thing. The amount of time people waste dwelling on failures rather than putting that energy into another project, always amazes me. I have fun running ALL the Virgin businesses — so a setback is never a bad experience, just a learning curve.” – Richard Branson – CEO of Virgin

Eric Schmidt (Executive Chairman Of Google)

“Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to invitations to a new country, say yes to meet new friends, say yes to learn something new. Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job, and your spouse, and even your kids.” – Eric Schmidt – Executive Chairman Of Google

Elon Musk (Founder Of PayPal, Tesla Motors & SpaceX)

“I always knew that there was a chance of failure in all my endeavors. But I felt that they were important enough that I had to try, even if I thought the probability of success was less than 50%. Try to get together a group of people to do something useful. This may seem like an obvious thing, but often people will organize into a company that doesn’t produce anything useful.” – Elon Musk – Founder Of PayPal, Tesla Motors & SpaceX

Guy Kawasaki (Venture Capitalist & Best Selling Author)

“There is only hard work and luck, which are really two sides of the same coin. The search for a secret sauce is a futile waste of time. Create something, sell it, make it better, sell it some more and then create something that obsoletes what you used to make.” – Guy Kawasaki – Venture Capitalist & Best Selling Author

Mark Cuban (Shark Tank Investor & Owner of the Dallas Mavericks)

“One thing we can all control is effort. Put in the time to become an expert in whatever you’re doing. It will give you an advantage because most people don’t do this. The beauty of success, whether it’s finding the girl of your dreams, the right job or financial success, is that it doesn’t matter how many times you have failed, you only have to be right once.” And, “then everyone can tell you how lucky you are.” – Mark Cuban - Billionaire Investor & Owner of the Dallas Mavericks

Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook)

“I don’t believe we have a professional self from Mondays through Fridays and a real self for the rest of the time. That kind of division probably never worked, but in today’s world … it makes even less sense. I’ve cried at work … I talk about my hopes and fears and ask people about theirs. I try to be myself–honest about my strengths and weaknesses.” – Sheryl Sandberg – COO of Facebook

Chad Hurley (Co-Founder Of YouTube)

“As you start building the product, don’t assume that you know all the answers. Surround yourself with great people. You need people you can trust to do their job and sometimes the product or idea can die if someone is too controlling. Be prepared to adapt. Also, being lean and mean helps you build something more efficient. You may have initial thoughts or ideas on how something will work but you need to observe how you and the community are using it. Don’t be afraid to change direction mid course.” - Chad Hurley – Co-Founder Of YouTube

J.K. Rowling (Author of the Harry Potter Series)

“So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realized, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling – Author of the Harry Potter series

Matt Barrie (CEO of Freelancer.com)

“Too many capable people limit their options because they think they don’t have enough experience or feel that they need to work their way up the corporate ladder by visiting every single rung on the way up. Too many people tell me that their dream is to leave their boring cog in the machine day job and start their own business, but they couldn’t possibly think of doing that because they’ve never had experience running one – well that’s a bit chicken and egg! Carpe diem! The time is now! Time and tide waits for no man. No one is going to hand you your future on a plate.” – Matt Barrie – CEO of Freelancer.com

Jordan Belfort (Best Selling Author & Motivational Speaker)

“In business you should always offer value first and then get the money afterwards. The mistake I made was that I focused so much on the creation of money without going out there and giving value first. Monetizing value is easy; it’s a matter of building that value first.” – Jordan Belfort – Best Selling Author & Motivational Speaker

 Daymond John (Founder of FUBU Clothing and Shark Tank Investor)

“Try to make all the mistakes with your own money and on a small level so that when you are responsible for a partner’s money or assets you’ve learned and you don’t make bigger mistakes. Try to go as far as you can without anybody else’s help first.” – Daymond John – Founder of FUBU Clothing and Shark Tank Investor

Arianna Huffington (Founder Of The Huffington Post)

“My mother told me failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone to success. You’re going to fail, probably many times. But that’s okay — in fact, it’s essential. Very often, the difference between success and failure is simply perseverance. If we become so dependent on things always being a success, then we’re in a very vulnerable position — because we’re not in control of how the world is going to receive something.” – Arianna Huffington – Founder Of The Huffington Post

Ben Huh (CEO & Founder of Cheezburger)

“You need to put the fear of risk aside. Startups need leaders who are willing to persevere through the hard times. Failure is an option, and a real risk. Failure and risk are something entrepreneurs should understand well, and learn to manage. Don’t have a fear of talking about your failures. Don’t hide your mistakes.” – Ben Huh – CEO & Founder of Cheezburger

James Caan (BBC’s “Dragons Den” Investor)

“Never stop asking yourself whether you can do things better. Keep testing every aspect of your business to the nth degree, and challenge every one of your assumptions. The tougher you are on yourself now, the tougher your business will be out there in the real world.” - James Caan - BBC’s “Dragons Den” Investor

Article By: Joel Brown | Addicted2Success.com

Richard Branson shares his keys to success in a recent interview with LinkedIn’s executive editor “Daniel Roth”.

Branson explains what to expect in the big business world and how the grind really is for a successful billionaire.

Richard Branson Shares His Keys To Billionaire Success

Image Via: Youtube: Nike Kobe System Success At Success

Picture Quotes are very popular nowadays and are a great source of inspiration. So today we share a collection of picture quotes by 3 amazing entrepreneurs, Sir Richard Branson, Robert Kiyosaki & Tony Robbins.

Awesome Picture Quotes By 3 Amazing Entrepreneurs

Article By Joel Brown | Addicted2Success.com

Have you taken a liking to the ambitious ways of Donald Trump or Richard Branson? Are you interested in building your very own business empire?

Well this article here will fill you in on what it takes to build a successful business empire.

Building a business empire

You Have A Vision

Successful entrepreneurs know exactly what they want and do visualize themselves doing it. They know “what” they need to do to achieve their entrepreneurial vision and they go ahead to establish “how” to do it. They establish through intensive but targeted networking. They are so open to new ideas and new people but do not make meaningless conversations. They have a natural curiosity when interacting with people and by so doing, learn about what people want.

You Are Courageous

Every successful entrepreneur has courage, that is the key strength you need when going against the odds. They may pose as confident but they are equally confronted with fears and doubts presented to any aspiring entrepreneur. Their strong will and vision is what catalyzes them to just take action and focus less on the negative outcomes. That is what sets aside the hopeful entrepreneurs and successful entrepreneurs, they don’t over-analyze situations or spend too much time thinking about the consequences; they just take action.

You Stick To Your Beliefs

All successful entrepreneurs strongly believe in their capabilities to succeed in their venture, that is what drives them to success along with their vision. Their inner belief drives them against all odds and hurdles and they will stop at nothing until they have hit the mark. While ‘ordinary’ business startups dread and shy off from challenges and business hurdles, successful entrepreneurs think outside the box and use these hurdles as a learning and correction tool to better their chances of success. They do believe, subconsciously or otherwise, that these hurdles fuel them forward.

You Are A Self-Starter

Entrepreneurs like Donald Trump understands that if something needs to be done, you should start it by yourself. They put in place objectives and parameters and make sure that their project(s) follow that path. They come out as highly proactive individuals and don’t sit around waiting for opportunities to come knocking.

You Are Disciplined

These individuals are solemnly focused on making their business a success and they are keen to eliminate any distractions or hindrances to their goals. They have clearly stated strategies and outlined tactics on how to accomplish their goals.

Discipline takes them as far as strictly following their business schedules and activities, observing there spending and investing habits to adhering to their personal and general business principles and ethics. Simply put; they are disciplined enough to daily take steps towards archiving their business objectives.

You Are Very Confident

True entrepreneurs don’t question their ability to succeed or whether they are worthy of success. They are always confident with the knowledge that they can make their business succeed. Their confidence pushes them to take even bigger risks that come with bigger rewards.

When you come to think of it, a confident entrepreneur secures more trust and similar confidence in their clients and potential investors, another recipe for entrepreneurial success.

You Thrive In Competition

Many companies and businesses are formed because an entrepreneur believes that they can do better than another. They need to win in the niches they choose and therefore need to win in the businesses and ventures that they create.

True entrepreneurs take competition positively and formulate strategies on how to come up with better products or services that draw interest in the market.

You Are Open Minded

Successful entrepreneurs understand that every situation and event is a business opportunity. Ideas are constantly generated about efficiency and workflows, potential new business and people skills. They have a receptive mind to new ideas and the ability to focus on the business side of everything around them.

You Are Creative

One element of creativity is the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated situations or events. A close look at trumps problem solving and investment techniques reveals that he formulates solutions from the synthesis of other seemingly unrelated items.

Creativity puts his products and services above all others of a similar category in the market.

You Have Passion

Although this comes as the last item on my list, passion is very vital for the success of any entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs genuinely love what they do. They are willing to invest in those extra hours to ensure that their business succeeds because they derive joy and satisfaction that goes beyond the money.

Successful entrepreneurs always read and research within their field on ways and techniques to create an outstanding and long-lasting business.

Article By Joel Brown | Addicted2Success.com

The CEO of “Virgin”, Sir Richard Bransonowns over four hundred companies and is estimated to be worth US$4.2 billion dollars. Now in his sixties, Branson’s business ventures range from Airlines, Formula One, Cosmetics and Space Exploration just to name a few.

It’s plain to see that Richard Branson knows a thing or two about achieving the ultimate success. So we have decided to share what can be learned from this widely successful, charismatic and respected entrepreneur.

Richard Branson’s 7 Success Tips To Live By

Saying “Yes!” is Fun

What makes Sir Richard Branson unique is that he is entertaining. He often defies conventional wisdom, pushes the envelope, and says, “Yes” more than he says, “No”.

One of Branson’s many books is entitled, Screw It, Let’s Do It: Lessons in Life and Business. This flamboyant attitude towards business is a primary reason he has become a corporate iconoclast and continues to amaze, and overall – create value and make money.

If You Are Going to Dream, Dream Big!

For a man who started out with his own local newspaper and record store to an airline and telecommunications magnet, Richard Branson knows how to dream big. He has built eight billion-dollar companies and there are no signs of slowing down. Branson’s grandest project that is blowing everyone’s minds is Virgin Galactic, a ship for suborbital space travel.

In addition to space travel, Branson continues to dream big with his Virgin Oceanic project which offers deep sea travel. It is in hopes that people can soon see the lowest trenches of the oceans. It’s hard to think one can dream much bigger than that.

Having Fun is Fun

Richard Branson gets asked what the secret to his success is regularly. He replies that he has no secret. He just works hard, works smart, and above all has fun doing it.

“Have Fun, Work Hard and Money Will Come” – Sir Richard Branson
“When it’s Not Fun, Move On” – Sir Richard Branson

Branson states that as soon as he stops having fun on a project, it’s time to move on. A life is too short to be unhappy.

Always Take Risks – Calculated Ones

It seems Richard Branson’s lifestyle can be construed as irresponsible and brash. Branson is highly intelligent and while pushing the envelope, the risks he takes are always scrutinized before committing.

While Branson likes saying, “Yes”, his decisions always come with extreme due diligence which is standard in any business venture or acquisition, especially in the numbers Branson is known for dealing. One of Branson’s mottos has always been, “Be bold. Don’t gamble.”

Live for the Moment

Live for the moment. It’s a cliché however resoundingly applicable and true. Often aspiring entrepreneurs forget to live and enjoy the things life offers them. Because hard work and long hours are a part of entrepreneurship, these people need to live for the moment and enjoy the experiences life throws at them.

Branson says that even dedicating 80 hours a week to a business still allows for a few hours of fun. Don’t forget, people can have fun at work too.
Branson encourages people to still have goals outside business. In 1997, Branson participated in a race around the world in a hot-air balloon. He says people still need to live their lives as best as possible.

Always Give Respect

Respect in business was an attribute Richard Branson learned early in his career.

In his first meetings with Japanese businessmen in the early 80s, Branson was amazed at the politeness and the respect they gave young Branson despite his shaggy-sweater jean-wearing appearance. The Japanese taught Richard to always treat everyone in your business with respect, not just those that you need to impress. Someday you could be doing business with them.

Give Back

Another commonly used cliché is that money is the root of all evil. Unlike living for the moment, this does not have to be true. Many of the largest charity organizations were founded by very successful entrepreneurs who had very humble beginnings.

Richard Branson believes the true meaning to life is to help others; to make the world a better place to live for all living creatures. I’m sure most would agree.

Here is a final word that resonates clearly. “Success can take off without warning.” Richard Branson has experienced a few dark hours; where he thought he was finished and hope was fading fast. However like many successful entrepreneurs they believe they make their own luck; and the harder you work the luckier you get. Success can come in a blink of an eye.

If owning mansions, cars & yachts is not enough, then a handful of the worlds super rich millionaires and billionaires are into purchasing their own private islands.

Here is a list of the super rich millionaires & billionaires who own their own private getaway.

1) Necker Island

Owner: Sir Richard Branson - Net worth: $4.2 billion

Sir Richard Branson, who heads the Virgin Group comprising of more than a few hundred companies, owns this pristine island, located among the British Virgin Islands. Comprising of beautiful turquoise waters, coral reefs and warm sandy beaches, along with a staff of 60 people and troupe of 24 guests. Branson originally bought the island back in the 70′s for $200,000, nowadays this island can be yours for $53,000 a night. A great investment for Branson if you ask me.

2) Musha Cay Islands, Bahamas

Owner: David Copperfield - Net worth: $150 million

David Copperfield is best known as a compelling illusionist and magician who has used his skills to mesmerize many an audience. Located 85 miles from south-east of Nassau, Bahamas, this island played host to Google founder Sergey Brin’s wedding in 2007.

For $32,250 a night, there are five themed luxury villas, with David Copperfield’s private art collection to admire.

3) Little Halls Ponds Cay, Bahamas

Johnny Depp was moved by the lifestyle of people living on the Bahamas islands during the shooting of  ‘Pirates Of The Carribean’ and decided to purchase this spot for $3.6 Million. As per recent announcements, this private island will meet its power requirements through the use of solar power, to reduce carbon footprint and maintain the eco-friendly atmosphere that the island is known for.

4) Blackadore Cay, Belize

Leonardo Di Caprio is also an American Actor, known for his performance in award-winning movies like Titanic, which went into history as one of the greatest to have ever being made. This 104-acre retreat was bought for a reported price of $1.75M million by the actor-producer. Just like his fellow actor Johnny Depp, Leonardo has also taken a step in the direction of making his island eco-friendly with his plans to use solar power to meet energy needs of the island, including his plans to build an eco-resort on the island.

5) Abrahamovich island in St. Barts

Our bookshelves are lined with habits that successful people do on a daily basis. We read about them and implement them into our routines and practices. Quite often these practices improve our productivity and make our lives better as a result. But that’s not what this article is about. It’s not about what successful people do, but what they did.

Here’s a brief study of 10 things that these hungry and unstoppable people did to see the success they all eventually achieved.

The 10 Things Successful People Live By Before They Make It

1. They didn’t use excuses.

We all have two voices. There’s the voice that tells us to work hard, to focus on the task at hand and to finish it before we move on to the next. And to finish it well.

We also have the voice that tells us to take a break, to think about what’s on TV, or to visit a site that we like to visit that entertains us – whether it’s ESPN.com or facebook.

In life we’re the victim of injustice from time to time. It could be a promotion that we deserve but don’t get. No matter who we are, we’re going to be treated unfairly at some point. We can either feel sorry for ourselves, or push forward and put it behind us – even use it as motivation.

Nelson Mandela could have used his unjust imprisonment as an excuse to give into his anger. Instead, he used it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and eventually free others.

Listen to your excuses. Understand why you have them. Then figure out how you can use them for good.

2. It wasn’t just about them.

‘Things’ can be a motivator, they can even be a reward, but they can’t be the motivator. The truly successful in life always get there because they created change in the lives of others, not just their own.

If something drives you that is greater than just the ‘ends’, we’re going to work harder, longer, and we’re going to give more of ourselves to our project.

Yes we can make money when we have the primary goal of making money. Some might even use that money for good – which is awesome. But there’s no fulfillment in simply making money. And isn’t that the point?

3. Early mornings and late nights.

People who have achieved true success in their lives have worked for it.

This might come at the detriment of other areas of their lives, such as family or social life. But their mission is first and foremost. Until it’s complete, everything else comes second.

There’s literally no substitute for hard work. Abraham Lincoln said, “Things may come to those who wait… but only the things left by those who hustle.” If you want to be successful, you’re going to have to out hustle everyone else.

4. The greatest commodity.

Energy is a huge commodity that is often not talked about. Yes, energy in the sense of fuel and electricity is talked about everywhere, but I’m talking about our own energy levels.

The fact is that the more energy we have, the easier it is to focus, and the higher the quality of our work is.

One of Richard Branson‘s ‘key’s to success’ is staying in great physical shape. So would raised energy levels be the greatest benefit to working out? It may be.

Keeping physically fit gives us greater blood-flow to our brain, enhanced alertness and improved focus. Make training a routine part of your life and increase your chances at success – in every meaning of the word.

5. Principles.

History will be kind to me. For I intend to write it.

Winston Churchill had principles. The difference between him and the rest of us, is that he stuck to his principles at all costs. He didn’t waver when they weren’t popular – an extreme rarity in politics.

What are your principles? All of us should have them, know what they are, and live our lives by them.

One of Apple’s principles is to bring change to the world through technology, and they do it with every product they release.

Identify what principles you have that guide your life through tough times, and when things couldn’t be any better. They shouldn’t change, and at your core, neither should you.

6. Wavering, yet unbreakable faith.

We all have moments of doubt. Even the best of us question if our dream is going to come true. The one thing that separates the truly successful from those who never reach their true potential is an unbreakable faith in the fact that what they’re doing is right.

Even if they have moments of doubt, they’re soon quelled, where other’s listen to that doubt and let it eat them up and finally they quit.

Have your moments of doubt. You’re human. Just don’t let that doubt eat you up. Instead let it motivate you to prove your optimism right.

7. A reason.

Many of the greatest accomplishments in the world were accomplished by insecure men and women, people who had something to prove to others. A desire to elevate their status and create change that was so strong, that failure is simply never and option.

Abraham Lincoln‘s reason(s) had to do a lot with his view of himself in relation to how other’s viewed him. Where others saw a poor, illiterate boy, Lincoln saw someone capable of achieving more, even if he had to do it completely on his own. He also saw the need for change. A nation that preached freedom wasn’t free. He saw something fundamentally wrong with this and set out to change it. His why wasn’t about him. Which in turn made him one of history’s great men.

Understand why. You have that reason to work when others sleep, to sacrifice a safe life for a risky one with no ceiling. Find it by asking why, and not stopping until you hit your core, emotional reason for wanting to change your status, or the status of others.

8. They persevered when others didn’t.

How does the guy who quit on his dream know how long it would’ve taken him to become a success? He doesn’t. None of us do. It could be tomorrow, or ten years from now.

What separates a lot of the great people we read about in our history books from those we’ve never heard of is the fact that they never quit. Quitting was never an option. They only stopped when they reached their dream. And even then, they created a new mission.

Take James J. Braddock, or even Nelson Mandela, for example. They didn’t achieve their greatness or success early on in their careers or in life like some. They achieved it after surviving. They survived while others literally died, or quit. In their cases it wasn’t just that they were the best, but they were the best because of what they endured. They were the last one’s standing.

We don’t know when our breakthrough will come. So don’t guarantee your failure by quitting. You can adapt, change, and evolve, but never, never, never quit.

9. Great people relentlessly studied their craft.

Tony Gwynn and Mike Tyson studied their craft as much as anyone. Gwynn spent hours upon hours studying opposing pitchers. He studied their patterns. He wasn’t the most athletic guy around, but he put his work in to be the best at what he did: hit baseballs.

When people think of Tyson, they think of an animal, but what we fail to see is the student. No one studied boxing like Tyson did. Watched more film than anyone in the history of the sport. He was a student first, a fighter second.

These great athletes studied film, but how can we perfect our craft?

Using myself as an example; much of my job has to do with writing, and obviously fitness. So, I study those two things. I read books about how to become a better writer, ways to connect with the reader, and I simply read great books written by authors who are much better at writing than I am. If you’re in sales, read and study sales. If you’re a marketer, then do the same with marketing.

Being a drone that simply goes through the motions is no way to achieve greatness. Assuming success is something you want, you have to study your craft, whatever it may be. Learn it inside and out. Build a wealth of knowledge. It’ll help you create great, inspiring, and unique work.

10. Risk.

No risk, no reward. Yes it’s an over-used, cliché of a phrase. But it’s true. Those who have achieved real success have often risked the most to get there.

There have been billions of people throughout history who have had the ability to achieve greatness, whether it was the talent or smarts, they had it. What they didn’t have was the guts to risk the life that they were living. They also didn’t have the work ethic to see their talent realized.

The greatest tragedy in life is wasted talent ~ A Bronx Tale

Your big, audacious dream might be to marry the girl of your dreams and have a family with her. You risk might be to leave the career that you love in order to support her and your family. Your dream might be to help millions live longer, healthier lives. Whatever your dream is, give it enough of a chance to be realized.

Risk if you truly want to see the reward.

Find your dream. Then risk everything to get it.

These 15 Incredible Business Men of our time have broken through the boundaries and have left an imprint in the business and corporate world. Who else bettter than the geniuses themselves to quote great advice from.

Read on for some unforgettable advice from the worlds greatest business minds of our time.

The Modern Day Gurus:

Richard Branson

William Henry “Bill” Gates III

Donald Trump

Steve Jobs

Ingvar Kamprad

Michael Dell

Warren Buffett

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

Representing the New Zealand Gurus:

Stephen Tindall

Sam Morgan

Mike Pero

Representing the Historical Gurus

Henry Ford (1863 – 1947)

John D Rockefeller (1839 – 1937)

Meyer Amschel Rothschild (1744 – 1812)

Walt Disney (1901 – 1966)

Ray Kroc (1902 – 1984)

The U.K Fiery Businessman & Star of The ‘Apprentice‘ TV Show “Sir Alan Sugar”  shares with us a little advice in Business and his Top 10 Success Tips he lives by. He may not be a role model for all as his style of management is often considered “out of touch” and negative, the proof is in the pudding with this as Alan Sugar’s Business Empire grows to a Net Worth of 1.14 Billion to date.

Watch these Videos & Read on for the valuable advice that can only be shared by one of a kind, “Sir Alan Sugar“.

Alan Sugar’s Keys To Success

LORD ALAN SUGAR – Business 101

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r5XWLll8co

LORD ALAN SUGAR – Business 101 – Pt2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZf0jR2kYiY

ALAN SUGARS TOP 10 TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1) Only set up in a business you know something about. You can’t just wake up one day and think you’ve come up with the best thing since sliced bread if you’ve got no experience in that area. It may be an industry you have been working in for years or a hobby you have.

2) Research your market thoroughly. Make sure that there isn’t something similar on the market already. Why would anyone want to buy something from you if it’s already out there?

3) Listen to experts in the relevant industry. Don’t ask friends and relatives for their opinions – they will only tell you what you want to hear just to be nice to you.

4) Draw up a proper business plan. You will need this to show you know where you are heading and you understand the market. It will help to make others take you more seriously.

5) Take things one step at a time. Don’t try to run before you can walk. Start small. Get it right and then grow when you’re ready for the next step.

6) Be prepared for lots of setbacks. Not everyone will be as enthusiastic as you are, but if you really believe in your idea and you have the determination and passion you will succeed.

7) Find a niche. It doesn’t always have to be something brand new. There’s not many things that haven’t been done before – just come up with something better or a better way of doing it.

8) Don’t expect the banks to throw cash at you. You have to put your money where your mouth is and prove to them that you are prepared to take a major risk, like remortgaging your house. If you show them how seriously committed you are, then they will be less hesitant to cough up.

9) Get advice from lots of different sources. From small business advisers at your bank to organisations such as Business Link, The Prince’s Trust and Shell LiveWire.

10) Be realistic. You may think you’ve come up with a great idea, But will anyone really want it? Do they really need it? Is it cost-effective? Is it practical to produce?

Sir Alan Sugar Quotes:

You’re a lightweight. You’re fired.
Alan Sugar

I can tell you where every screw, nut and bolt is in my company. I know everything [in my business]. Never, ever, underestimate me.
Alan Sugar

There’s only room for one bigmouth in my organisation, and that’s me.
Alan Sugar

Once you decide to work for yourself, you never go back to work for somebody else.
Alan Sugar

Learn to read body language.
Alan Sugar
From his book The Apprentice: How to Get Hired Not Fired

The shareholders are looked after by me. And they should be very thankful. I run Amstrad as if it was my own. They get their accounts every year, their profits and dividends. And if they don’t like it, they should sell their shares. But I’ll run my – the – company the way I want to. Not the way some twat in the City wants me to.
Alan Sugar

We share with you Richard Bransons 21 Small Business Strategies, taken from the Billionaire & UK Entrepreneurs Auto Biography “Losing My Virginity: How I’ve Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way“.

Richard Branson has faced an immense amount of challenges along the way and has applied these 21 strategies to carry all of his Successful businesses through thick and thin. Read on to find the Top 21 of Richard Branson’s Small Business Strategies for running a Successful business.

Richard Branson’s 21 Survival Strategies For Small Business Success

1. Remain focused on fulfilling your business mission. Never allow adversity divert your attention and efforts.

2. Don’t wait till you are big before you begin building your brand. Build a brand from scratch alongside your business.

3. Learn to use your brain power. Critical thinking is the key to creative problem solving in business.

4. Build your own business team. Survival in business requires a synergy of skills.

5. Never take your eyes off the cash flow because it’s the life blood of business.

6. If you are a new startup company, try not to arouse the interest or suspicion of your competition; especially if they are a bigger company. They can crush you while you are still in your startup phase. Lie low while still strengthening your bottom line.

7. Grow internally first. Strengthen your bottom line first before considering external growth.

8. Focus on your business strengths and keep its weaknesses away from the competition or public.

9. Be swift to take advantage of business opportunities. Bigger companies are too cumbersome to move quickly; this can be a competitive advantage for you.

10. Learn to live on the edge.

11. Be creative. Innovate consistently on the little things that the big companies ignore. Little things often make big differences in business.

12. Listen to the customer’s complaint and act fast.

13. Meet regularly with your business team and brainstorm. Intricate business problems are mostly resolved at brainstorming sessions.

14. Run lean; avoid unnecessary expenses.

15. Don’t hesitate to seek external help or advice where need be. Sometimes, it takes an external, emotionally unattached individual to detect your business flaws and render unbiased advice.

16. Follow your instincts and live with the consequences.

17. Avoid litigations. They are expensive and consume loads of time but if you have got a good case and a better chance of winning; then fight it out.

18. Free publicity and word of mouth is probably the best and cheapest form of advertising. Learn to use it to your advantage.

19. Learn to raise capital by any means necessary. That’s your primary job as an entrepreneur. You must continually raise capital from family and friends, banks, suppliers, customers and investors.

20. Seek out strategic alliances; they are essential to growth and provide resistance to bigger competition.

21. And if after all this you eventually fail; don’t take it personal. Don’t be ashamed to start all over again.

Richard Branson’s Success Quotes To Live By:

“We have always had a pretty competitive ferocious battle with British Airways. It lasted about 14 years and we are very pleased to have survived it.” – Richard Branson

“Screw it, let’s do it.” – Richard Branson

“A business has to be involving, it has to be fun and it has to exercise your creative instincts.” – Richard Branson

“Back then we would create a company based on frustration at other people’s service and suddenly realized we had one of the most respected brands in the world.” – Richard Branson

“If you are trying to do something for the first time, it’s always an enormous challenge, and there is no guarantee of success. You never know with these things when you’re trying something new what can happen. This is all experimental.” – Richard Branson

“Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” – Richard Branson

“We look for opportunities where we can offer something better, fresher and more valuable and we seize them. We often move areas where the customer received a poor deal and where the competition is complacent. And with our growing e-commerce activities, we also look to deliver old products in new ways. We are proactive and quick to act, often leaving bigger and more cumbersome organizations in our wake” – Richard Branson

“To be successful, you have to be out there, you have to hit the ground running, and if you have a good team around you and more than a fair share of luck, you might make something happen. But you certainly can’t guarantee it just by following someone else’s formula.” – Richard Branson

“In the beginning it was just about the business; now it’s about the brand.” – Richard Branson

“Above all, you want to create something you are proud of. That’s always been my philosophy of business. I can honestly say that I have never gone into any business purely to make money. If that is the sole motive, then I believe you are better off doing nothing.” – Richard Branson

“We don’t actually plan to launch new businesses over the next few years, but we are planning to take the ones we have into new territories.” – Richard Branson

Expected to die at birth, Sean Stephenson has overcome tremendous odds (he suffered more than 200 bone fractures by age 18, reached a height of 3 feet, and is permanently confined to a wheelchair).  Co-Signed by The most elite motivators such  as Anthony Robbins, Richard Branson and Bill Clinton, Sean inspires millions around the globe! Check out these videos of Sean!

“When I hear excuses muttered from another, I’m reminded to stop repeating those of my own.”

Sean Stephenson: Guilt Doesn’t Need To Be Your Friend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEcERKXysi8

Sean Stephenson  On The Discovery Channel

Ever wondered what a day in the life of Richard Branson would be like? Well the Virgin Group chairman recorded a video diary while visiting London to promote his new book, Business Stripped Bare.

Roll with Richard Branson in this video while he takes you through a day in his life. 

(Video) A Day In The Life Of Sir Richard Branson

Richard Branson & Drake share their views on Success and Inspiration to make it in this world.

Drake Success Advice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2Hyf5Mvbx8

Richard Branson Success Advice

Business advice from The Worlds Top Billionaires: Sheldon Adelson, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Charlie Munger, Donald Trump, Warren Buffet, Jim Pattison, Charles Koch and Sunil Mittal.

Advice From Billionaire’s

Sheldon Adelson (Net Worth 3.4 Billion) – Just do things in life the way other people dont do things, Change the Status Quo and then you’ll succeed.

Bill Gates (Net Worth 50 Billion) -Its surprising that the fundamentals of business are pretty straight forward, you should be trying to take more in as an income than you spend in your costs.

Warren Buffett (Net Worth 47 Billion) – Run this business like its the only business your family will own for the next 100 years, dont measure it by the earnings that where made in that quarter of the year, what gives it competitive advantage over time and if its widened or narrowed.

Richard Branson (Net Worth 2.5 Billion) -You have to be good with people, you have to be very good at finding wonderful people to run your companies, I think early on I realized, If I can run one company well I can run any company.

Steve Jobs (Net Worth 5.1 Billion) – Someone long ago told me manage the top line which is your strategy, your people and your products and the bottom line will follow.

Charles Koch (Net Worth 17 Billion) – Attitude toward work is critically important for developing yourself and to keep healthy and happy.

Donald Trump (Net Worth 2 Billion) – There is no such thing as too much exposure or over exposure as they say.

Jim Pattison (Net Worth 4.2 Billion) – The number 1 objective I have isto have a good time, the second objective is to make some money. If you work hard, use alot of common sense and have a passion for what you believe in and like to do you will be very successful.

Charlie Munger (Net Worth 1.7 Billion) - The safest way to get what you want is to preserve what you want. You want to deliver to the world what you yourself would like to buy on the other end.

Sunil Mittal (Net Worth 12 Billion) – If you are caught between speed and perfection always choose speed and perfection will follow because you can never wait for the perfect positioning, in business you dont have the time, espescially if you are small or just starting out.