Business Lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 As we honor and celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, entrepreneurs can find tremendous inspiration from his words.  Here are a few of his notable quotes that can encourage business success.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

This quote advises people to have faith in what they do.  You do not need to know what is coming after the next step.  All you can do is to take one-step at a time.  It does not mean you should have a goal in sight, it only means that you must be open to what obstacles lie ahead before you reach that goal.  King’s quote captures the essence of entrepreneurial risk taking.

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

As a business owner, you may find yourself in a challenging situation.  For example, your ethics may be put to the test at any time by your co-workers or customers.  Do not wait for all the stars to align for it may never happen.  The time is now.  Over time, you will find yourself more productive for doing the right thing.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never loose infinite hope.”

There will be tough times when starting and growing a business.  Entrepreneurs must accept that disappointment is finite, beginning and ending but infinite hope is something that always is.  Sometimes we get consumed with how difficult and hard it is to open and run a business, that we lose hope. This quote reminds us that hope outlasts disappointment.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent questions is, What are you doing for others?”

This simple yet insightful quote can serve as a model for business.  Entrepreneurs may start a business to gain wealth.  At times, that can mean stepping on others to get it.  However, if we work together and help others, it is still possible to be successful, which in the long-run can be more productive and fulfilling.

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