If you’re looking for career advice, then look no further than to a few of the top entrepreneurs in the country.
These individuals are experts in their particular fields, and know a thing or two about moving up the corporate ladder. Take a page from their books by learning these top entrepreneurs’ keys to success.
1. Barbara Corcoran
Founder of The Corcoran Group and Investor on the TV series, ‘Shark Tank’
“People want to do business with someone they like. If people like you, they’re going to want to do business with you.”
2. Mark Cuban
Owner of NBA team, The Dallas Mavricks, and Investor on the TV series, ‘Shark Tank’
“Don’t start a company unless it’s an obsession and something you love.”
3. Tobias Van Schneider
Former Design Lead at Spotify
“The only way a side project will work is if people give themselves permission to think simple, to change their minds, to fail — basically, to not take them too seriously.”
4. Katerina Gasset
Business Consultant and Digital Marketing Strategist
“Do not let the naysayers and dream stealers turn your dream into a nightmare. There are so many people that will tell you no — you can’t do this. If you are surrounded by those who do, then it is time to make new friends.”
5. Pete Cashmore
Founder of Mashable
“You need space to try things and create. It takes a long time to recalibrate if you let people pull at you all the time. A lot of stress comes from reacting to stuff. You have to keep a certain guard [up], if you’re a creative person.”
6. Mark Zuckerberg
Founder of Facebook
“I think a simple rule of business is, if you do the things that are easier first, then you can actually make a lot of progress.”
7. Richard Branson
Founder of the Virgin Group (most famously known for Virgin Mobile)
“As tempting as it may be to staff your new business with friends and relatives, this is likely to be a serious mistake. If they don’t work out, asking them to leave will be very tough…One of your goals should be to find a manager who truly shares your vision, and to whom you can someday confidently hand the reins so that you can carry out the next step.”
8. Jim Koch
Founder of the Boston Beer Company (producers of Samuel Adams Beer)
“You have a viable business only if your product is either better or cheaper than the alternatives. If it’s not one or the other, you might make some money at first, but it’s not a sustainable business.”
9. Jack Dorsey
Founder of Twitter & Square (a mobile payments processing company)
“Everyone has an idea, but it’s really about executing the idea and attracting other people to help you work on the idea.”
10. Pat Riley
President of NBA Team, ‘Miami Heat’
“Great teamwork is the only way we create breakthroughs that define our careers.”
11. Alexandra Wilkis Wilson
Founder of Gilt
“Relationships matter. Rely heavily on your networks– your friends, the friends of your friends, and the friends of your friends’ friends. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, call in those favors. What goes around comes around so hopefully you have been nice and helpful to a whole lot of people over the years!”
12. Dave Gilboa
Co-Founder of Warby Parker
“If you can’t describe what your company does or stands for in 10 seconds, no one else will. This goes for messaging on your website, packaging, etc. Its easy to get sucked into adding additional features, products, designs, distribution partners but those opportunities will always be there later.”
13. Tim Westergren
Founder of Pandora
“Learn public speaking. Of all the skills that an entrepreneur can have, I think the ability to convey an idea or opportunity, with confidence, eloquence and passion is the most universally useful skill. Whether you’re pitching a group of investors, rallying your employees, selling a customer, recruiting talent, addressing consumers, or doing a press tour, the ability to deliver a great talk is absolutely invaluable. And it is perhaps THE most under-recognized and under-nurtured skill.”
14. Sue Siegel
CEO of GE Ventures
“Innovation is hard, especially when you try to do it alone. When building your core team and board, look for people with a range of experiences and backgrounds. Seeking counsel from a mix of personalities and expertise will help ensure you’re thinking of everything, leaving no stone unturned.”
15. Sheryl Sandburg
COO of Facebook
“If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat.”
