I think I'm not a natural-born salesman, for sure, but If I have a product I really believe in, I can overcome some of the shyness and get through the things that aren't natural to me.
Phil KnightRead
We wanted Nike to be the world's best sports and fitness company. Once you say that, you have a focus. You don't end up making wing tips or sponsoring the next Rolling Stones world tour.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of having a clear focus to achieve greatness in a specific field.
Phil Knight's quote reflects the necessity of establishing a precise direction for a company in order to excel. By stating that Nike aimed to be the world's best sports and fitness company, Knight highlights how clarity of vision prevents distraction and ensures focused efforts toward specific goals, avoiding ventures that do not align with their core mission.
In practice
In a business meeting discussing future goals and objectives.
I think I'm not a natural-born salesman, for sure, but If I have a product I really believe in, I can overcome some of the shyness and get through the things that aren't natural to me.
No parent should have their child die before he or she does.
If there was no Bill Bowerman, there would have been no me. He had about as much of an impact on my life as any one person could have. He taught me about competition and ingrained it in me. He taught me not to praise ordinary performances.
At first, we couldn't be establishment, because we didn't have any money. We were guerrilla marketers, and we still are, a little bit. But, as we became No. 1 in our industry, we've had to modify our culture and become a bit more planned.
Running is a basic ingredient for your health, just as much as eating and sleeping, but going out for a run by yourself and taking a moment to think also creates a certain peace.
Dare to take chances, lest you leave your talent buried in the ground.
I don't deserve a Songwriters Hall of Fame Award. But fifteen years ago, I had a brain operation and I didn't deserve that, either. So I'll keep it.
A product is something made in a factory; a brand is something that is bought by the customer. A product can be copied by a competitor; a brand is unique. A product can be quickly outdated; a successful brand is timeless.
The thing I always say to people is this: 'If you avoid failure, you also avoid success.'
Winning 'Motor Trend' Car of the year is probably the closest thing to winning the Oscar or Emmy of the car industry.
Success in the knowledge economy comes to those who know themselves - their strengths, their values, and how they best perform.
I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate.
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