Top 10 Quotes for Small Businesses To Fuel Growth

If you’re in need of some extra motivation or inspiration, here are 10 of the best quotes to help fuel your business growth.

1. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

Walt Disney wasn’t just a cartoonist — he built one of the biggest entertainment empires on the planet. His quote reminds us that action is vital. Small businesses need to be quick and decisive. Sometimes, you just need to get started instead of spending too much time planning. Remember, “done is better than perfect.”

At Founder OS, we believe in building your Founder Flywheel. It starts with small steps, but as you start doing, your actions gain momentum and help you build a successful business.

2. “Get closer than ever to your customers. So close that you tell them what they need well before they realize it themselves.” – Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs founded Apple, and his focus on customers is legendary. 

Your customers are the heart of your business. You need to understand their needs and problems deeply — their dreams and even their fears. This close connection will help you create products and services that solve their problems and create value for them.

3. “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates

Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, understood the power of feedback. Ignoring negative customer comments is tempting, but that’s a mistake. 

Every complaint or piece of critical feedback is an opportunity to get better. Embrace it, analyze the problems, and use what you learn to improve your products, services, and customer experience.

4. “Don’t worry about being successful, but work toward being significant, and the success will naturally follow.” – Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is more than a talk show host. She’s a fantastic businesswoman who has built a massive media empire. Her quote reminds us not to get caught up in chasing money or fame. Instead, focus on creating value in the world.

Build a business that helps your customers. Build a business that makes your community a better place. Do good things, and your hard work will be recognized with success.

At Founder OS, we talk about Founder Freedom. It means that your business should work for you — not vice versa. A business with a strong mission at its core, one focused on making a positive impact, will naturally draw customers and create a strong foundation for success.

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5. “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” — Sara Blakely

Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx, a billion-dollar company. Her success reminds us that not knowing everything is actually a good thing. 

When you’re new to something, you ask questions. You try different approaches, and those fresh ideas are what lead to innovation. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from trying new ways of doing business. Embrace your outsider perspective — it could be the key to disrupting an industry.

6. “If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business.” – B.C. Forbes

B.C. Forbes founded Forbes magazine, so he knows a thing or two about business. This quote is all about taking action. As a small business owner, you can’t sit back and wait for things to happen.

You need to make the important decisions — about pricing, hiring, and how to reach new customers. If you don’t, someone else will. Your competitors are out there working hard to put you out of business.

7. “A big business starts small.” – Richard Branson

Richard Branson is a serial entrepreneur. He’s founded airlines, record companies, and even a space tourism business. But even his biggest companies started with just one person — him. Remember, every successful business once started as an idea in someone’s head.

Don’t get discouraged by being small. Focus on taking consistent action, providing amazing customer service, and always striving to improve. Growth takes time.

8. “Identify your problems, but give your power and energy to solutions.” – Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins is a motivational speaker and business strategist. He reminds us that every business will face problems. But your business won't move forward if you spend all your time dwelling on those problems. 

Instead, focus on finding solutions. Challenges are opportunities to learn, grow, and become even stronger.

9. “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia series, but his quote packs a powerful punch for business owners. Building a business is hard. You’ll have good days and bad days. Don’t lose hope when things get difficult. Instead, let challenges make you stronger and more determined.

Resilience and grit get you through the tough times. Those challenges are actually opportunities in disguise. They often lead to your biggest breakthroughs and lay the foundation for an incredible, successful business.

10. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

Mark Twain was a famous American writer and humorist. This quote echoes what Walt Disney said about getting started. Sometimes, the hardest part of running your own business is just taking that first step.

Starting can be scary. But remember, you don’t need to have all the answers or a perfect plan to begin. Even small steps in the right direction will move your business forward.

Think about it this way: it can feel overwhelming if you have a big pile of work to do. But if you break it down into smaller tasks and start tackling just one thing at a time, you’ll gain momentum and make progress. That momentum fuels even more action, pushing you ahead on the path to success. Done is better than perfect.

So many incredible minds have shared their business wisdom over the years. Here are a few more quotes that offer practical insights for small business owners:

“You don’t build a business, you build the people, then people build the business.” – Zig Ziglar

Ziglar was a motivational speaker and sales trainer. He understood that your business success depends on your people. Invest in your employees, treat them well, and empower them to do their best work.

“The goal as a company is to have customer service that is not just best, but legendary.” – Sam Walton

Walton founded Walmart, one of the most successful retail companies in the world. He understood that to build a thriving business, you need to create an exceptional experience for every customer.

“Where do you put the fear when you choose to innovate? The fear is there, but you have to find a place to put it.” – Seth Godin

Godin is a marketing expert who understands innovation. Fear can be a paralyzing force. But don’t let it hold your business back from embracing new ideas and exploring fresh opportunities.

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

Buffett is one of history’s most successful investors. Your small business's reputation is one of its most important assets. Stay true to your values, treat your customers with respect, and always act with integrity.

“I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man’s word should be as good as his bond, that character—not wealth or power or position—is of supreme worth.” – John D. Rockefeller

Rockefeller is one of history’s first billionaires. He paved the way for modern wealth masters like Jeff Bezos. Here, Rockefeller emphasizes the importance of integrity. Your business reputation is built on trust — keep your promises, act ethically, and let your character shine through.

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” – Jim Rohn

Rohn, a motivational speaker, reminds us that lifelong learning is key to success. Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone — constantly seek new knowledge, hone your skills, and stay ahead of the curve.

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” – Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau, a writer and philosopher, encourages individuality. Don’t be afraid to march to your own beat in business. Embrace your unique vision, and don’t be afraid to break from the status quo.

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” – Colin Powell

Powell, a former Secretary of State, emphasizes the role of hard work in achieving success. There’s no shortcut to building a thriving business. You need to be determined, put in the sweat equity, and keep pushing forward.

“Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.” – Babe Ruth

Baseball legend Babe Ruth reminds us to stay focused on the present. Past achievements are great but don’t dwell on them. Keep innovating, keep improving, and strive to be even better tomorrow.

“The true worth of a man is not to be found in man himself, but in the colours and textures that come alive in others.” – Albert Schweitzer

Schweitzer, a humanitarian and doctor, emphasizes the importance of collaboration. Surround yourself with talented and successful people, empower them to excel, and celebrate the collective success of your team.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” – Helen Keller

Keller, who overcame incredible challenges, reminds us of the power of optimism. Believing in yourself and your business is crucial to achieving your goals. Stay positive, stay motivated, and watch your dreams come true.

These quotes aren’t magic formulas for success. But they remind us of the mindset traits that will help your small business thrive. Stay determined, embrace challenges, focus on customers, and above all — believe in yourself.

That feeling of “That’s exactly what I needed to hear.” is what keeps us going as business owners. There’s a whole world of wisdom out there, just waiting to inspire your next big move.

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