When you think about how far business and technology have evolved over the last ten years, it can easily send your mind into a spin. From the rise of the Smartphone and GPS to electric vehicles, social media and the digital revolution, we truly are living in a time of change and opportunity.
Entrepreneurs' day was started in 2010 by the co-founders of Grasshopper, a new digital phone system. It was their way of showing gratitude and admiration for the entrepreneurs that came before them, paving the way for success and new products. The idea was that those who had achieved success and budding entrepreneurs would take some time to thank and praise their mentors, and share the key advice that allowed them to achieve truly great innovations.
With that in mind, we've compiled a list of some entrepreneurs who truly inspired change and innovation in their fields, and their key advice to others starting out in business. At this time of year as we're beginning to think about our resolutions for 2018, it's advice that's worth bearing in mind!
1. Mark Zuckerberg
A Harvard dropout, Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook in 2004 and hasn't looked back. Worth a cool $72.2billion, his net worth has soared as social media has taken off, and with spin off films about his life such as The Social Network, he's become a household name.
In 2015, Zuckerberg was asked in a session on Facebook "What's the most important secret of success?" His simple reply was "don't give up".
2. Lord Alan Sugar
Any keen viewer of the UK Apprentice will know, Lord Alan Sugar takes no prisoners. His straight talking business address leaves his audience in no doubt about what he thinks, but his opinions are absolutely worth listening to.
Currently ranked as the 95th richest person in the UK and with a net worth of £1.15billion last year, this entrepreneur can certainly teach us a thing or two about business success. He shared some of his key business advice:
"If you don't know your numbers, you don't know how well the business is doing or why, and you can't lead the change/strategy it needs to be a success. It's as simple as that."
3. The Beckhams
Starting out life as a footballer and a Spice Girl, the Beckhams have since built themselves into an international mega-brand, and dominate the world of fashion and marketing. With a net worth reported at over $770 million, and a son, Romeo who fronted the Burberry Christmas campaign and makes roughly $141 a minute, their international presence is everywhere.
When asked about her business outlook, Victoria said "I was never a natural...I got there in the end because I did believe that if you work hard enough, then you can achieve a lot".
The dedication and commitment to her business has clearly paid off in dividends, and leaves her family one of the most recognisable in the UK, if not the world.
4. Peter Jones CBE
Perhaps best known as the stalwart on Dragons' Den, Peter Jones is an entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of £475 million. He's published a business guide on his website together with his 10 golden rules. From 'have a vision' to 'build your confidence', his articles are certainly a go-to for any budding entrepreneur; but our favourite is 'be caring'. He says that "Relationships with people are key. Business and personal relationships should be cherished. Treat people how you yourself would want to be treated. Always remember that people are the lifeblood and engine room of any business."
5. Sir Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group, which controls more than 400 companies. In 1970, he set up a mail order record business which lead to a chain of record stores, Virgin Records. Later expanding to include Virgin Atlantic airline and Virgin Records music, Sir Richard Branson was knighted in 2000 for services to entrepreneurship.
Earlier this year, he published his top 10 tips for success, amongst which was the key piece of advice to believe in your ideas. He said "Belief in yourself and belief in your business ideas can make all the difference between success and failure. If you aren't proud of your idea and believe in your plans, why should anybody else?"
Who has inspired you on your career journey? Let us know @BrookstreetUK!
