"Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price."
Sun Tzu
What is the price of victory? success? Have you asked yourself this question lately? In the business world, there is one phrase I absolutely hate: "He (or she) got lucky." Good sales people, entrepreneurs and business leaders make their own luck through blood, sweat and tears, and they pay the price for victory and are happy to do so, over and over again. Whether it’s going that extra mile, working a few hours on the weekend, being the last one in the office or taking that extra trips to close a deal, heart and hard work will win over talent every time.
Here are some examples of the titans of industry from the early days of the U.S. that started out poor and downtrodden, and rose to the pinnacle of wealth and power through hard work and tenacity. I’ve included some quotes to enlighten your day.
1. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919): Born in Scotland, Carnegie immigrated to the United States when he was 13 years old. He worked as a telegrapher, a railway worker, and a cotton mill employee, eventually rising to the ranks of a successful businessman. In the early 1900s, he established the Carnegie Steel Company, and through his innovative business tactics and investments, he became one of the wealthiest men in the world. Carnegie was also a philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to universities, libraries, and other philanthropic causes.
“No man can become rich without himself enriching others.”
Andrew Carnegie
2. John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937): Rockefeller was born into a poor family in New York and worked in a variety of jobs before becoming a successful businessman. He established the Standard Oil Company and through his shrewd business acumen and ruthless tactics, he became the wealthiest person in the world. He was also a philanthropist, donating huge sums of money to educational, religious, and charitable causes.
“The ability to deal with people is as purchasable a commodity as sugar or coffee and I will pay more for that ability than for any other under the sun.”
John D. Rockefeller
3. Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877): Vanderbilt was born into a poor family in New York. He worked as a ferry operator, eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur. He began building railroads and owning steamships, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the world.
“The public be damned!”
Cornelius Vanderbilt
4. Henry Ford (1863-1947): Ford was born into a poor family in Michigan and worked as a machinist before becoming an engineer. He established the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and quickly revolutionized the automobile industry. Ford's mass production techniques and innovative tactics helped him become one of the wealthiest men in the world.
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Henry Ford
5. Jay Gould (1836-1892): Gould was born into a poor family in New York and worked as a laborer before becoming a successful businessman. He established the Union Pacific Railroad and through his shrewd business tactics, he became one of the wealthiest men in the world. He was also a renowned speculator, making huge profits through his investments in stocks, bonds, and commodities.
“I can hire one-half of the working class to kill the other half.”
Jay Gould