Overnight

You bet I arrived overnight. Over a few hundred nights in the Catskills, in vaudeville, in clubs and on Broadway.

(Danny Kaye, comedian and actor)

Success is achieved to those who are bold, diligent and don't give up. Success is never given to anyone who does not go out and chase it. It is given to those individuals who are willing to act and do what it takes to be successful.

Human Being

Real success is not on the stage, but off the stage as a human being, and how you get along with your fellow man.

(Sammy Davis Jr., Singer, Dancer and Entertainer)

Never disregard anyone, no matter what station of life they are in. A person is somebody regardless of race, creed, color and means of income. Something can be learned from every person that you meet, you just have to take the time to know a little about your fellow human being.

Recognize

A person is a person because he recognizes others as persons.

(Dr. Desmond Tutu, Nobel peace prize winner)

Always recognize the impact your decisions will have on those around you. When you are fully cognizant of the ramifications of your decisions, always make sure that they will positively impact others. This will make you a better person overall and allow you to in turn be blessed.

Mistakes

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.

(Albert Einstein, inventor)

Always stay in motion and do something that strives towards a positive outcome. You will make mistakes along the way but that is better than not doing anything at all. Those who do not make mistakes never learn anything in life.

Community

To be successful you have to be humble and subjugate your ego for the greater good. Always thinking about oneself and thinking that you can do all things on your own will get you in trouble. What one has to do is think his/her decisions through and if the decisions only benefits oneself and not the community and company as a whole than those decisions have to be thrown out and other decisions have to be made that will benefit the greater whole.

Living

No matter what happens in your life, whether good or bad, living your life to the fullest will leave you with no regrets. Always continue to try no matter what type of situations come your way and you will be able to sleep better at night. Living your life should always be an exciting adventure with no idea of what will happen next.

Limits

If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.

(Bruce Lee, Martial Arts Expert, Actor and philosopher)

Always have the utmost confidence in what you do. There is a saying that goes "the sky is the limit" however, I say go beyond the sky because all things are possible with belief, sacrifice and persistence. There are no limits if you believe in yourself.

Positive

That's my gift. I let that negativity roll off me like water off a duck's back. If it's not positive, I didn't hear it. If you can overcome that, fights are easy. (George Foreman, Preacher, entrepreneur and the oldest man to ever win the Heavyweight boxing championship of the world)


Always concentrate on the positive because if a person does not negativity will cause one to not perform or do anything constructive. Feeling sorry for oneself will not take away negative feelings. Taking action towards positive outcomes will cause negativity to pass by.

Better

The only way you preserve pitching arms is throwing; that makes the arm stronger. There is no way to have a strong arm if you don't throw enough.
(Juan Marichal, Hall of Fame baseball player)

This applies to business also, you can't be any good as an entrepreneur unless you are continually conducting business. Sitting back and thinking about it will not make you any better. Meeting people and making contacts will increase your experience level and make you a better entrepreneur.

Confidence

I've always had confidence. It came because I have lots of initiative. I wanted to make something of myself.

(Eddie Murphy, Actor and Comedian)

The one trait that all successful entrepreneurs have is confidence in their abilities to get things done. It is this confidence that allows them to navigate through the turbulent storms that are placed in their path during their voyage through the corporate environment. This confidence enables them to keep a positive outlook no matter what circumstances have befallen them. It is the type of confidence that does not accept anything less than success.

Mistakes

I made a lot of mistakes out of the ring, but I never made any in it.

(Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion)

Owners are different from employees because owners are paid to make mistakes while employees are paid to not make mistakes in the corporate environment that the owners have created. The same way that Jack Johnson made a lot of mistakes outside of the ring but never inside of it, an owner makes many mistakes in the startup phase of a business trying to perfect the finished operational corporate environment. Remember that it's the act of doing, making mistakes, learning from the mistakes and doing again that will ultimately lead to a fully operational business.

Efforts

Success is dependent on effort.

(Sophocles, Greek Philosopher)

One must be diligent in one's efforts to achieve success. Success is not given to those who sit and wait for it to come. Success is taken by those who are bold enough to chase it and grab it by the throat.

In Faith

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

(Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights Activist)

It is that first step in faith that makes the difference. Never taking that first step will leave a person with a lifetime of regrets.

Life

Life loves the liver of it.

(Maya Angelou, Author)

In order to get the most out of life you have to be a participant in it. Those who sit and wait never get what those who get out and do benefit from. Constant movement is what stimulates everything in this world.

Success

In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.

(Bill Cosby, Comedian and actor)

In order for success to happen, a persons drive must be obsessive and all inclusive. It must become an irresistible force that bulldozes all obstacles in its path.

Perspective

New Zealand is not a small country but a large village.

(Peter Jackson, Director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy)

When navigating the corporate waters of business it helps to have a positive perspective of oneself. Portraying the right image leads to more business deals in the marketplace.

People

The moral of this story is that even in times of tension and mistrust, people from two different cultures can form strong friendships that surpass all understanding.

(Jet Li, International Movie Star from China)

Whenever a person is in business, never discount anyone because of their position and status. The person that is ignored can become an intricate and important part of one's future.

Striving

When sadness happens in the middle of work, I separate my personal grief from my train of thought.

(Sergio Aragones, Cartoonist)

Life cannot be planned for so it is up to each and every one of us to continue striving for the mark despite what life presents us. Remember that the race is not to the strong or swift but to he who endureth to the end.

Winning Every Race

Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings. -Proverbs 22:29

We all have traits that are part of the human condition which I will refer to as the human drive. However Diligence, is not one of our natural traits. In fact, the trait common to all humans is our desire or drive for instant gratification. We want as much as we can get, as fast as we can get it, with as little effort as possible. That is our human nature! So what is Diligence?

Diligence is a learnable skill that combines: creative persistence, a smart-working effort rightly planned and rightly performed in a timely, efficient, and effective manner to attain a result that is pure and of the hightest quality of excellence.

Kindness

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.

(Albert Schweitzer, Medical Doctor and Nobel Peace Prize Winner)

Kindness is always welcome in a world where everyone seems to be out for themselves only. Kindness and mercy applied daily will change the world.

Juggling

It is not like a river, you know, the ambition of being someone very important, to be the only one, this doesn't interest me.

(Victoria de los Angeles, Spanish Musician/Singer)

An entrepreneur has to have a precise juggling act to succeed. One must be confident in ones abilities and also remain humble. One must never think that it's all about me instead it should be how much of an overall positive impact will this have on society.

Experienced

What one has not experienced, one will never understand in print.

(Isadora Duncan, dancer)

By doing and not just reading you get an understanding of processes that go far beyond a classroom setting.

Work

People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get.

(Frederick Douglass, Former Slave, Author and American Abolitionist)

Things are not given to people on a silver platter who want to become successful. There are many things that have to actively be accomplished before success is ultimately achieved.

Try Again

Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.

(Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and businesswoman)

There is no such thing as failure if you continue to be persistant. A never say never attitude can work wonders in everything.

Ability

I never doubted my ability, but when you hear all your life you're inferior, it makes you wonder if the other guys have something you've never seen before. If they do, I'm still looking for it.

(Hank Aaron, Hall of Fame baseball player and businessman)

Always keep a positive attitude because positive thoughts are one hundred times more powerful then negative ones. Positive thoughts and actions will always lead to success.

Make Good

After all these years of struggle, it's coming into the wholeness of life, the wholeness of yourself again. And you realize that you had nothing to learn -- that you had it all from the very beginning. Once you make good in one thing, all else will follow.

(Mine Okubo, Japanese American artist)

The only way to make good in life is through action and doing what so many others just think about. Action is what separates those who impact society and those who watch and wait.

Action

The chief condition on which, life, health and vigor depend on, is action. It is by action that an organism develops its faculties, increases its energy, and attains the fulfillment of its destiny.

(Colin Powell, retired military officer and politician)

Action or application is what drives companies forward. Action applies to all aspects of life.

Sales and Marketing

It's very important to develop sales and marketing skills when becoming an entrepreneur. There are stories of many successful entrepreneurs who because they were skilled in sales or of marketing themselves became highly successful in their endeavors. Without these needed skills a want-to-be entrepreneur will be mediocre at best.

Give Thanks

During this time of year it would do well to remember and give thanks. We need to give thanks for the obstacles God has placed in our way because they are lessons to be learned and tests to be passed that help build our characters. We need to give thanks for all of the successes and triumphs that God has blessed us to enjoy. Most of all we have to give thanks for God who has given us his only son, Jesus Christ.

A Hit

Hitting is an art, but not an exact science.

(Rod Carew, Hall of Fame Baseball player from Panama)

An entrepreneur can miss time and time again but with persistence will eventually get a hit. Baseball and business are alike in that hard work will eventually lead to the major leagues.

Already Know It

You already have every characteristic necessary for success if you recognize, claim, develop and use them . Zig Ziglar

Most people feel they never have to use application after they learn something. They keep on learning and reading until they are completely confused. Take what you know today and move forward.

Model For Others

Each person must live their life as a model for others.

(Rosa Parks, activist for the civil rights movement)

Everyone winds up being a model for others, be it positive or negative. However, it's those individuals who provide a positive impact to those surrounding them that others should model themselves after.

Difference Between

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will. Vince Lombardi

Success knows no boundaries nor does it discriminate. It is up to each and every person to dig deep with in ourselves and think outside the box. Learn the lessons from our mistakes and never quit.

An Honor

It was an honor and privilege to arrive to this country 16 years ago with almost no money in my pocket. A lot has happened since then.
(Antonio Banderas, actor)

This same spirit and faith that Mr. Banderas displayed that made him into a movie star is displayed by entrepreneurs throughout American history. You can be successful despite your financial situation.

Laugh

Everybody really needs to laugh…If you don’t laugh; you’re not going to live long.
(Paul Rodriguez, Comedian)

Its okay to let your hair down every once in a while and laugh at yourself because of some of the actions that were taken by you in adverse situations. Remember that laughter really is food for the soul.

Your Vision

Our land is everything to us…I will tell you one of the things we remember on our land. We remember that our grandfathers paid for it – with their lives.

(John Wooden Legs, Cheyenne Native American)

In life if you strongly believe in your vision, then you should be willing to struggle for it and fight to see it become reality no matter what happens to be in your path.

Happiness

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Albert Schweitzer

A good way to measure success is not through simply looking at a bank account statement. It is when you can reflect on the day with your inner self smiling and a feeling of accomplishment overcomes you, this is success! There will always be challenging times but that is how we grow and achieve success.

'do, re, mi'

We all do ‘do, re, mi,’ but you have to find the other notes yourself.

(Louis Armstrong, Hall of Fame Jazz Musician)

Another analogy that relates to this is you cannot learn how to ride a bike by allowing someone else to ride your bicycle. You have to ride your bicycle yourself in order to acquire that experience. This also applies to corporate ownership and the experiences you acquire when you are dealing in the business environment.

Three L's

Happy Birthday to me!

Live, love, laugh and the rest will be done.

Better Place

Make your life count -- and the world will be a better place because you tried.

(Ellison Onizuka, Astronaut, Message to Konawaena High School, 1980)

By enduring, being persistent and continuing to try, you have done more than the majority of mankind.

A Difference

Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.

(Roberto Clemente, Hall of Fame Baseball player who died heroically on an aircraft providing humanitarian relief to the earthquake victims in Nicaragua, Central America)

By stepping out and stimulating the marketplace as a company owner, you provide the employees within your organization the means to support their families. This in itself makes a positive impact in the world today.

Endurance

Without the strength to endure the crisis, one will not see the opportunity within. It is within the process of endurance that opportunity reveals itself. (Chin-Ning Chu, Chinese Business consultant and Author)

Sacrificing and endurance will always be the intrinsic ingredients to success.

No Risk!

Why do people think of "risk" when it comes to investing. "Risk" for them is simply fear. Remove the fear from the investment and you eliminate the so called "risk" involved. What you are left with is your money working for you.

Lee Russell

The Right Signal

This signal can be operated for directing the flow of traffic.

(Garrett Morgan talking about his invention the automated traffic light)

By waiting for the right signal and investment vehicle one can direct his/her destiny and money towards positive goals.

Working Hard

There is no royal flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it, for if I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard. (Madam C.J. Walker)


By working hard and combining it with sacrifice within the first several years of a start-up company you will definitely reap the benefits in the subsequent years to come.

Inspire

"Leadership is influence."
John C. Maxwell

Lead your team by example and inspire them to reach their full potential both professionally and personally.

Going Forward

Be courageous. I have seen many depressions in business. Always America has emerged from these stronger and more prosperous. Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward!
(Thomas A. Edison)


By going forward on faith in oneself and in those surrounding the entrepreneur, one can overcome whatever obstacle presents itself. The person then becomes stronger in character and more resilient as time go's by.

Core Value

Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership. Always keep your word.

Jim Rohn

Integrity is one of the core values in the U.S.A.F. and my key value when doing business with somebody. One of my favorite definitions of integrity is doing what is right even when nobody is looking.

Fighting For Your Dreams

Fighting for your dreams is one of the most important things you will ever do on the face of this earth. If you are not willing to fight then expect to live knowing that you affected the world.

Without Wisdom

It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill. (Wilbur Wright)

Without wisdom which is garnered through application one will not have the skill to successfully run a company. There is no such thing as a once in a while entreprenuer.