The ability to concentrate and to use time well is everything.
Lee IacoccaRead
In business, you're trying to make a buck. God was good to me and blessed me. I made some money and started this foundation years ago, and it has grown in size. With the foundation it's a lot different, because the bottom line isn't how you can make more money or get a better return, it's helping the projects that you feel strongly about move forward.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that true success in business goes beyond profit, focusing on meaningful contributions.
Lee Iacocca reflects on his journey in business, highlighting that while making money is essential, the real fulfillment comes from using those resources to support and uplift causes he cares about. He suggests that a foundation's mission transcends financial gains, instead prioritizing positive impact and support for valuable projects.
In practice
During a charity event, someone could cite this quote to emphasize the importance of giving back.
The ability to concentrate and to use time well is everything.
I have found that being honest is the best technique I can use. Right up front, tell people what you're trying to accomplish and what you're willing to sacrifice to accomplish it.
No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?
Listening can make the difference between a mediocre organization and a great one.
What is it that you like doing? If you don't like it, get out of it, because you'll be lousy at it. You don't have to stay with a job for the rest of your life, because if you don't like it you'll never be successful in it.
Here's what management is about: Pick good people and set the right priorities.
China is very entrepreneurial but has no rule of law. Europe has rule of law but isn't entrepreneurial. Combine rule of law, entrepreneurialism and a generally pro-business policy, and you have Apple.
The most important thing you can do is make the distinction between customer service and guest hospitality. You need both things to thrive, but they are completely different.
Poor firms ignore their competitors; average firms copy their competitors; winning firms lead their competitors.
What business strategy is all about-what distinguishes it from all other kinds of business planning-is, in a word, competitive advantage. Without competitors there would be no need for strategy, for the sole purpose of strategic planning is to enable the company to gain, as efficiently as possible, a sustainable edge over its competitors.
I've said it for four decades - work 'on' your business, not just 'in' your business!
I am confident that partnering my Dollywood Company with a great company like Gaylord will create something truly special.
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