Business plans are the tool existing companies use for execution. They are the wrong tool to search for a business model.
Steve BlankRead
People talk about getting lucky breaks in their careers. I’m living proof that the “lucky breaks” theory is simply wrong. You get to make your own luck... The world is run by those who show up…not those who wait to be asked.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success results from taking initiative and creating opportunities rather than relying on luck.
This quote emphasizes the idea that success in careers does not come from mere chance or luck, but rather from proactive effort and engagement. Steve Blank argues that those who are successful are the ones who actively pursue opportunities and take the necessary steps, instead of waiting for favorable conditions or invitations to act. It is a call to take control of one's own destiny and to venture forth boldly.
Themes
SuccessLuckInitiativeOpportunityEffortProactivity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech at a startup event.
More from Steve Blank
All quotes →Unless you have tested the assumptions in your business model first, outside the building, your business plan is just creative writing.
Steve BlankRead
You need to ask yourself, ‘Where do you want to work: startups, mid-size or large companies?’ If you find yourself debating the ‘startup versus large company’ choice you’ve already chosen the big company. Entrepreneurship isn’t a career choice it’s a passion and obsession.
Steve BlankRead
We now know that something between 85 and 90 percent of most software product features are unwanted and unneeded by customers. That is an enourmous ammount of waste of time and money that ends up on the floor.
Steve BlankRead
Greatest risk is not development of new product, but development of customers and markets
Steve BlankRead
Build and they will come’ is not a strategy, it’s a prayer.
Steve BlankRead
Similar quotes
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.
Jack MaRead
Whatever you want in life, you've got to give away first.
Robert KiyosakiRead
There was no business plan, no model. It was just guts.
Peter CherninRead
Building a startup community is not a zero-sum game in which there are winners and losers: if everyone engages, they and the entire community can all be winners.
Brad FeldRead
You build a successful career, regardless of your field of endeavor, by the dozens of little things you do on and off the job.
Zig ZiglarRead
You don't get this opportunity many times in life to compete against the best in the world every night. I certainly didn't expect to have 10 or 11 years of chances at it, so I don't want to take that for granted.
John StocktonRead