Words: Gentleman's Journal
It’s safe to say that navigating through life can be bewildering for even the most informed individual. But, sometimes, all that you need is some solid advice to see you through. So why not take your cues from those who have already achieved monumental success?
We have turned to some of the most esteemed businessmen in the world, and reduced their recipe for success down to the simplest philosophies. So, if you’re looking to learn from the impressive endeavours of these individuals, the lessons don’t get much simpler than this. Onwards and upwards gentlemen!
John Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com, started the giant online retailer after deciding to leave a well-paid job post at a New York hedge fund company. And, whilst there is a place for stability in life – having an element of routine to everyday life – if you find yourself tired of the view from your desk, making the same dreary commute every day at 8am (and again at 5pm), and listening to unending tedious anecdotes from your co-workers, then it might be time to make a change.
You may think that stepping out of this routine and attempting to start a new company or exploring a new industry would be too nerve-racking to chance. And you’d be right to worry – even the most confident gentleman can fail. But, sometimes, escaping your comfort zone pays off – literally. Jeff Bezos’ individual net worth is now an eye-watering $65.8 billion and Amazon is considered one of the most valued brands worldwide, with over 300 million active customers.
Working tirelessly can be draining unless you see the rewards roll in. But, even when you’ve been lucky enough to gain some success and see it reflected in your bank account, it is always important to help those who are less fortunate. Tech giant Bill Gates epitomises the figure of the charitable businessman. Alongside his wife, Gates set up the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, a charity which focuses on globally reducing extreme poverty, enhancing healthcare and expanding educational opportunity.
Co-founding Microsoft and acquiring a net worth of $79.1 billion has certainly afforded Gates a bigger scope for philanthropy than you or I but, as the saying goes, every little helps. Find a cause, no matter how big or small, and show support through donations or even volunteering – you’ll feel a lot better for it.
Whether in your personal or professional life, don’t fret if a short term plan becomes long term. The ubiquitous Instagram was born only because its founders Mike Kreiger and Kevin Systrom completely scrapped and re-designed Burbn, a trial app that they had already been working on for months.
Removing everything from Burbn except the photo, comment and ‘like’ functions, the developers were left with the filter-filled, picture sharing app that we all know and use today. So if you have to go back to the drawing board, dedicate your days solely to your work or push back that trip you’ve been waiting to take for years, don’t worry about it, the extra time will do you a world of favours and, in the long term, you will be richly rewarded.
Rent, food, maintaining some semblance of a social life – we all have responsibilities and indulgences that require money. And these, for the most part, are the reason why we all roll out of bed and head off to work in the morning. But, although the pay check at the end of the month is undoubtedly important, if you can you should try to find some enjoyment along the way – like businessman John Mackey.
Mackey is the co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods, the profitable supermarket chain which sells food light on nasty stuff like artificial preservatives and sweeteners. And whilst his initial career ambitions came from simply wanting to have fun with marketing and to encourage people to live healthier lives and eat better, this passion allowed him to build a company that now draws billions of dollars in revenue every year. So be like Mackey, and find the aspect of your job that you’re really passionate about – however small it may be – and use it to motivate yourself to success.
A gentleman endeavours to both look and perform at his best at all times but, of course, maintaining a perfect image at all times is almost impossible. In 2008, the reputation of Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz took a hit when the coffee giant began to struggle financially. But, instead of cracking under the weight of controversy, Shultz made the decision to temporarily close over seven thousand US stores and retrain staff on how to make the best possible espresso.
As a result, Schultz powered his company out of the recession, set off a huge financial turnaround, and led to Starbucks reaching the $20 billion of worldwide sales it annually makes today. So, if you ever do find yourself facing criticism, keep in mind that the best businessmen don’t get upset – they get better.
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