I have to admit, I’m fairly new to the entrepreneurial game just as you probably are, but nonetheless I love that we can learn from each other to give us a continuous edge to keep playing in this field. For me, being a writer and a new entrepreneur is especially great because as a writer, my job is to research topics where I see a need and can provide helpful advice, and as an entrepreneur, I’m able to learn what works and what doesn’t while I’m on my own personal journey of building a successful business.
With that being said, I could pretend I know the roadmap to success and everything you need to know to build a successful business. But what benefit would that be for both you or I? Instead, I have researched the most well known business moguls who have age, experience, strong stories, products, and real proof they know what it takes to take something and create greatness. Isn’t that what we’re all aiming to do? To turn our ideas into successful realities and see our dreams come true, have more financial security, create jobs and inspire people, change the world as we see fit and make a huge difference in our generation – and all of this from the little ideas we carry deep in our mind and hearts?
One lesson I’ve learned researching these moguls is that ideas alone aren’t sustainable. One key ingredient everyone needs to turn their business dream into reality is STRONG MENTORSHIP. While you don’t need to know these moguls personally, you can closely follow their work and learn how they were able to achieve their goals. They’ve either written books or given interviews or have biographies and products – and all of these things provide roadmaps we often ignore. Not that I’m suggesting anyone should be a copycat of another’s work, but rather learn from the strategies these people have shown in order to become closer in achieving your goals
So, lets get right to it. Below are 10 people who have lasting legacies, brilliant stories and created their success from almost nothing. I implore you to study these people, follow them and their work, read in-between the lines of their stories, and ask yourself what is one thing you can learn from this person that you can apply to your own business? By the time you pick one lesson from each, you will have 10 lessons you can begin applying to your own business today! Happy Reading!
1. Richard Branson –
Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way By Richard Branson
2. Oprah Winfrey –
Commencement Address at Spelman College on the Keys to Success
3. Sara Blakely
Youngest self-made female billionaire Sarah Blakely says success is the key to failure.
4. Barbara Corcoran
From Waitress to Real Estate Queen
5. Arianna Huffington
CEO of The Huffington Post
6. Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban’s 12 Rules for Startups
7. Daymond John
The Daymond John Academy for Entrepreneurs
8. J.K Rowling
Author of the Harry Potter book series.
9. Do Won Chang
From rags to riches: The story behind Forever 21 co-founders
Inspiration: Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration
10. Ralph Lauren
Founder of the Ralph Lauren Clothing & Lifestyle Brand
Inspiration: Work with what you have and create something out of nothing.
