In the beginning I just wanted to survive. For the first three years, we made zero revenue. I remember many times when I was trying to pay up, the restaurant owner would say, 'Your bill was paid.' And there would be a note saying, 'Mr. Ma, I'm your customer on the Alibaba platform. I made a lot of money, and I know you don't, so I paid the bill.'
Interpretation
Initial struggles can lead to eventual success, and support can come from unexpected places.
This quote by Jack Ma reflects on the challenges he faced in the early days of his entrepreneurial journey, where he struggled to generate revenue for his business. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and highlights the kindness and support from customers who believed in him, illustrating that success can come from community and goodwill.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming hardships in business.
Hong Kong people say Hong Kong needs to preserve its uniqueness. I say Hong Kong's uniqueness is in its diversity, its tolerance of difference cultures... China does not want to see Hong Kong in decline. I have full confidence in its future.
If we are a good team and know what we want to do, one of us can defeat tons of them.
It's not that other countries steal jobs from you guys. It's your strategy. Distribute the money and things in a proper way.
Helping doing business easier, we choose the name Alibaba because it is a global company. It is founded in China, but it was created for the world.
Even if your competitor is still small in size or weak, you should take him seriously and treat him as a giant. Likewise, even if your competitor is massive in size, you shouldn't regard yourself as a weakling.
A leader should have higher endurance and ability to accept and embrace failure.
If I bring back only one gold people are going to say it's a disappointment. But not too many of them own an Olympic gold medal so if I get one I'm going to be happy.
But, hey I did everything the right way and earned my spot in this game, nothing was given to me.
Always work hard and have fun in what you do because I think that's when you're more successful. You have to choose to do it.
I'm no genius, but I'm a damn good football coach.
When I go in to see people - and I sell an occasional ad now - I never say, 'Help me because I am black' or 'Help me because I am a minority.' I always talk about what we can do for them.
A big man has no time really to do anything but just sit and be big.
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