BE UNMOVEABLE

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference” Dr Reinhold Niebuhr.

 

Do not be discouraged when you face disposition and setbacks. People may ridicule you, do not mind and keep trying until you succeed. That was what Robert Edward “Ted” did. When he launched Cable News Network (CNN), the first around-the-clock, all- news television in 1980, it was plagued by low production and editorial quality. The station was ridiculed by network news divisions as the “Chicken Noodle Network”. Not moved, Ted went on to provide cheap content to fill the void in cable programming and by 1985 he had launched CNN international, which provided global news to 210 countries. What a diehard business man he was.

 

As an employee, you must be innovative; to remain relevant in your place of work. Jack Welsh, former CEO of General Electric wrote “...but there are some things you can do to keep moving ahead. Exceed expectations, broaden your job horizons, and never give your boss a reason to have to spend capital for you. Manage your subordinates carefully, sign up for radar-screen assignments, collect mentors, and spread your positive attitudes. When setbacks come, and they will, ride them out with your head up”. Now let’s see what the great Paul the Apostle wrote to the Christians in Corinth; “...my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work...”

Culled from: Weekly gold nugget by Tosin ‘Badeniyi, Ph.D

11 Famous Entrepreneurs and Business Role Models You can Draw Inspiration from

1. Larry Ellison – Oracle Corporation

I have tremendous respect for Larry Ellison and he has greatly influenced my life with respect to my goal getting attitude. Whenever I am in pursuit of a goal; I become Larry Ellison because I admire his ambitious spirit and I aspire to build up such level of go getting spirit.
"I think I am very goal oriented. I'd like to win the America's cup. I'd like Oracle to be the No 1 software company in the world. I still think it is possible to beat Microsoft." – Larry Ellison.                                                                                                                                                                              

2. Andrew Carnegie – Carnegie Steel

Reading the autobiography of Andrew Carnegie opened up my heart on the need to give back to the society. Andrew Carnegie was known for his philanthropic activities; he’s remembered as the man who gave all away to charity and I think I want to tow that line.

“I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious and difficult task of wise distribution.” – Andrew Carnegie

3. Mike Adenuga – Globacom, Conoil, Equatorial Trust Bank

Mike Adenuga is a Nigerian billionaire but his humility overshadows his wealth. Nothing strikes my heart more than seeing someone influential and wealthy still bowing low. I have heard of the humility of Mike Adenuga but I made up my mind to be like him when I read in the papers that he once went on his knees and laid face down before someone he was far richer than.

4. Ingvar Kamprad – IKEA

To become a successful entrepreneur; you must have high self imposed standard and you must stick to it. This was exactly what I learned from Ingvar Kamprad; founder of IKEA. Ingvar Kamprad has been heavily criticized because of his reputation for “cautious spending.” Ingvar Kamprad is very cautious of the way he spends money despite the fact that he’s among the richest people in the world and I really respect that resolve. If you have a personal standard, stick to it no matter the criticism.

"I am stingy and I'm proud of the reputation." – Ingvar Kamprad

“Waste of resources is a mortal sin at IKEA.” – Ingvar Kamprad


5. Aliko Dangote – Dangote Group

Aliko Dangote has always a role model that inspires my spirit. His strong business sense and his determination to support the economy of Nigeria earned him my respect. I also admire his drive and I look forward to replicating his achievements by aggressively investing in my country.

"I enjoy myself a lot but I derive more joy in working. I believe in hard work and one of my business success secrets is hard work. It's hard to see a youth that will go to bed by 2am and wake up by 5am. I don't rest until I achieve something." – Aliko Dangote


6. Richard Branson – Virgin Group

I have been a long admirer of the Virgin Group but my contact with Richard Branson’s autobiography Losing My Virginity increased my respect for him. His competitive spirit and resilience inspires me to take on the giants unafraid.

“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


7. Ray Kroc – McDonald’s

In the business world, the name “Ray Kroc” is synonymous with persistence. With persistence, Ray Kroc built from a single stand to become the world’s most successful small business. Most times, I use Ray Kroc’s motto “press on” to stir my spirit to action and that’s why he’s on my list of role models.

"Press on; nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. The world is full with educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." – Ray Kroc


8. Henry Ford – Ford Motor Company

If there’s any reason why Henry Ford is on this list; it’s because he taught me how to fail without failing, he taught me that failure is just a resting place and he proved it by going from two major business failures to becoming one of the richest man in the world. So whenever I am on the verge of failure; I remember the lessons of Henry Ford and use it as an inspiration to stay afloat.

"Failure is just a resting place. It is an opportunity to begin again more intelligently." – Henry Ford


9. Robert Kiyosaki – Rich Dad Company

I don’t think this list will be complete without Robert Kiyosaki; in fact, he is one of my most respected mentors. His teachings and ideas drove me into entrepreneurship; I became an entrepreneur after reading his book “Rich dad Poor Dad.” Today, I am financially literate, financially free and have a stronger control of my life. Thanks to Robert Kiyosaki’s teachings.

"People without financial knowledge, who take advice from financial experts are like lemmings simply following their leader. They race for the cliff and leap into the ocean of financial uncertainty, hoping to swim to the other side." – Robert Kiyosaki


10. J. Paul Getty – Getty Oil

Entrepreneurship is all about risking your time, energy and resources on a venture with hope of a bigger reward. And there’s no other entrepreneur that emphasizes on the need for entrepreneurs to take risk than J. Paul Getty; the billionaire oil mogul.

"You must take risks, both with your own money or with borrowed money. Risk taking is essential to business growth." – J. Paul Getty


11. Warren Buffett – Berkshire Hathaway

In the world of business and investing, Warren Buffett happens to be one of the few personalities that have maintained a clean record and it caught my attention. Integrity is a rare character in life but Warren Buffett has maintained the standard and I aspire to be just like him; or even better.

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and only five Minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you will do things differently." – Warren Buffett

As a final note, these are the 12 entrepreneurs and business role models I seek inspiration from; you can also do the same. Role models, mentors and coaches have a high influence on protégés so take advantage of the opportunity; find a good role model, aspire to be like him/her and I will see you at the top.   


















Culled from: http://makingmoneyinnigeria.com

A resolution worth keeping

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” I Cor. 2: 2

How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions? You remember that list you made with optimistic enthusiasm but unrealistic expectations?

One of my friends started making New Year’s resolutions such as, “I won’t lose ten pounds this year,” and “I commit to watching the Super Bowl this year.”

I suspect Paul only had one resolution on his list: “This year I resolve to know nothing but Christ and him crucified.” Paul message is radically simple: salvation is in Christ alone.

What does this mean?

·         It’s not Christ plus your good behaviour.

·         It’s not Christ plus the number of Bible verses you memorize.

·         It’s not Christ plus your tithe or the church you attend.

·         It’s not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar.

Although it is important to have a good behaviour, memorize Bible verses, give to God and your church and attend seminar however, salvation is simply Christ plus nothing. Christ and Christ alone.

*Source: Growing With Purpose by Jon Walker

Anchor-Majesty: Before They Were Titans, Moguls and Newsmakers, These People Were...Rejected At College Admission Time, Lessons in Thin Envelopes

Anchor-Majesty: Before They Were Titans, Moguls and Newsmakers, These People Were...Rejected At College Admission Time, Lessons in Thin Envelopes