You’ve read enough entrepreneurial and leadership material to know that there’s no one path to success. As you embark on the path you believe ideal for you, you’ll encounter many trial-and-error moments, make mistakes, and perhaps a few setbacks. What sets successful business owners apart from the rest is their ability to evaluate those bumps in the road or mishaps and learn from them. 

Fortunately, successful leaders are willing to share valuable lessons so future leaders can evolve. Check out the below advice from some of today’s most prolific leaders. 

Seek Out Opportunities to Evolve

Inc. Magazine did a piece on Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, as an icon and innovator. Gates is quoted as saying, “We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don’t let yourself be lulled into inaction.”

The needs of the consumer are ever-changing, resulting in changes to the business landscape. If you’re going to remain relevant now and years into the future, you must seek opportunities to evolve. Take Bill Gates, for instance. Once Microsoft was an established multi-billion dollar company, he and his team continued to develop products to accommodate their target audience and expand the brand. 

Quality Over Quantity

Co-Founder and former chairman and CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs is known for giving insightful quotes for entrepreneurial hopefuls. In an article on BusinessNewsDaily.com, the writer compiled 8 inspiring Steve Jobs quotes. While each is a precious gem, one that stands out (yet quite simple) is, “Quantity is more important than quantity. One home run is better than two doubles”. 

Ultimately, Steve says that it’s better to invest your time, money, energy, and resources into one great product than to shell out anything. While it’s ideal to evolve, rushing to produce a product or service will generate low-quality results.

Customer Experience Is the Way Foward 

B.intellegent posted an interview with David M. Rabb, a marketing technology expert and founder of the Customer Data Platform Institute. Dubbed as the first to coin the term “Customer Data Platform,” Rabb states, “Real-time customer interaction is the key.” Such an invaluable lesson in these tech-dependent times. 

Modern-day consumers prefer to do business with brands that provide quality products and services and an overall positive experience. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to tap into resources like a customer data platform to collect, store, and analyze customer data from various touchpoints in real-time. Such systems enable brands to develop more efficient marketing and sales strategies for better customer acquisition and experience. 

Perseverance Is a Must

“Persistence is very important. You should not give up unless you are forced to give up.” – Elon Musk, Founder of Tesla Motors. Reaching success wasn’t an overnight process for Elon. Musk was “pushed out” of two companies he previously founded (Zip2 & PayPal) before moving on to Tesla Motors in 2003. Even that took time to flourish as there were many financial problems with the launch of the brand’s first electric car, “The Roadstar.”

There are going to be challenges, setbacks, and roadblocks along your journey to success. The key to turning your vision into a reality is perseverance. When it seems like the odds are stacked against you, have faith and push through. 

Success Is Just Outside Your Comfort Zone

Corrie Barry, CEO of Best Buy, has some sound advice for women in business (which could translate to everyone), “Make yourself uncomfortable and to take sometimes, the jobs no one else wants.” Pushing yourself beyond what’s “normal” or “comfortable” enables you to grow. It also adds to your level of experience and sets you apart from others.

There will be times in business where you have to say something from a less popular point of view, try something you’ve never done before, or take a leap of faith in a decision. When these opportunities present themselves, don’t be afraid to believe in yourself (and your team) and give it a try. Even if the attempt doesn’t succeed, it can create an opportunity to learn invaluable lessons. 

Being a business leader is one of the most tedious all-encompassing positions to date. Making it to the top with the likes of the moguls above requires time, money, effort, patience, and determination. Hopefully, these quotes and priceless lessons will give you the insight and inspiration to excel.