A
Sheri Poe
Ryka Inc.
Since I started this company in my kitchen seven years ago, I always
dreamt of what it would he some day. Focusing on that goal helps me get
through tough times. To get the kind of success that you want, you need
to dream big. That's the starting point. Every success story begins with
big dreams. You need to have big dreams for yourself, like being somebody rich, famous or fulfilled. You need to have a clear goal of what you want
to achieve.
Also, I think it's really important that the people you're working with
are as committed to the same goal as you are, so you can support each
other and keep each other energetic. |
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B
Anita Roddick
The Body Shop Inc.
In America, we have a shop in Harlem where 50 percent of the profits
go into the community development, and the other 50 percent go toward
the funding of a similar shop elsewhere in the United States. The pride that shop brings to the staff and local people inspired me.
What The Body Shop does successfully is use our facilities in the
street and shopping centers to talk about real human issues like AIDS,
recycling, human rights and community service or to encourage people to
speak out against anything they consider to be unjust. Knowing our
products are symbols of social change is really encouraging.
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C
Ben Cohen
Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc.
I'm energized by the people I work with. I'm very relationship-
driven, which I think is different from most entrepreneurs. I'm
inspired by doing things that are not normal and that most people think don't fit into the business world or don't make any sense.
In business, you are judged by the company you keep-from your management team, board of directors, and strategic partners. Maybe
the lady you met in a trade association meeting can help you secure
funding, or the gentleman at a conference can provide you with
management advice. |
D
Richard Melman
Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
A number of years ago, I was interviewed by someone who
was writing a book on entrepreneurs. He asked me," What's the
opposite of work?" I answered," Lazy." He started laughing and
said," Believe it or not, a lot of entrepreneurs say the same thing."
The average person thinks the opposite of work is play, but
to
an entrepreneur, work is play. I think it all adds up to having fun.
It's fun to create; it's fun to entertain, and it's fun to make people
happy with our service. When it stops being fun, I'll stop doing it. |
E
Frank Toskan
Make-UP Art Cosmetics( M. A. C. )
One of the nicest things anyone ever said to me was, "I hate
makeup, but I love M. A. C." That's what moves me on. Even
people who don't wear makeup can appreciate our company,
what it stands for its values, and the way we do business.
We work from an inverted pyramid, where the customers are
always at the top. Our customers inspire me and keep me going.
They and our staff, not money, make me enthusiastic. If I had
stayed in this business just for money,I would have closed down
years ago. |
F
Kenneth Cole
Kenneth Cole Productions Inc.
You can't be everything to everybody. Each of us has our
own strengths and weaknesses. To be effective, you need to
identify your strengths and concentrate on them. You'll become more successful if you are able to channel your efforts to areas
that you do best. In business, for example, if you know you are
good at marketing, then give it full play. Seek help or assistance
in areas that you may be poor at, such as accounting or
bookkeeping. To turn your weakness into strength, consider
taking hands-on learning or training. | |
