8 Everyday Idols Who Will Inspire You to Take Your Business One Step Further

Sometimes, it’s those who aren’t part of the business world that inspire you most.

Question: Who is your biggest non-business inspiration?

Strangers

"My work takes me all over, and it's too easy to cocoon in front of my laptop and avoid eye contact with every passerby. I've found, however, that talking to people from different walks (be in generational, industrial or cultural) is valuable both personally and professionally. Maybe it’s advice, a question to contemplate or a joke to tell your board, but talking to strangers yields benefits!"


Children

"Having a conversation with a child about a topic is much different than a conversation with an adult. While adults give depth and strategy, children offer simplicity and a fresh look at things. So when I think I'm overthinking something, I like to pose the question to a bright-eyed child. Responses are always delightful. Sometimes they are quite helpful, and other times, just plain funny."


Monks

"This may sound strange, but I admire ascetic monks. The level of discipline it takes for them to simply remove themselves from worldly affairs is incredibly admirable. I do my best to emulate that discipline and apply it to my practice each and every day."


Jerry Seinfeld

"In my mind, Seinfeld is an entrepreneur who defines hustle. After creating, writing and starring in a top television show for nine years, he started a hugely successful Internet series. He consistently succeeds by believing in himself and outworking his competition. He approaches everything as a student, always learning."


Taxi Drivers

"I love chatting with taxi/Uber/Lyft drivers. I've found that in describing my business to them, I've come up with a lot of new great ways to frame what I do in a way that people outside of my industry quickly and easily get it."


Walt Disney

"I’m a big Disney fan so I have to say Walt Disney. He was a man with a huge imagination and recognized the need to be carefree, have fun and embrace our inner-child. As an event producer, I am responsible for creating unforgettable experiences for attendees. Walt did this with theme parks. Everything has intention and purpose, creating a magical experience."


 

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8 Everyday Idols Who Will Inspire You to Take Your Business One Step Further

Sometimes, it’s those who aren’t part of the business world that inspire you most.

Question: Who is your biggest non-business inspiration?

Strangers

"My work takes me all over, and it's too easy to cocoon in front of my laptop and avoid eye contact with every passerby. I've found, however, that talking to people from different walks (be in generational, industrial or cultural) is valuable both personally and professionally. Maybe it’s advice, a question to contemplate or a joke to tell your board, but talking to strangers yields benefits!"


Children

"Having a conversation with a child about a topic is much different than a conversation with an adult. While adults give depth and strategy, children offer simplicity and a fresh look at things. So when I think I'm overthinking something, I like to pose the question to a bright-eyed child. Responses are always delightful. Sometimes they are quite helpful, and other times, just plain funny."


Monks

"This may sound strange, but I admire ascetic monks. The level of discipline it takes for them to simply remove themselves from worldly affairs is incredibly admirable. I do my best to emulate that discipline and apply it to my practice each and every day."


Jerry Seinfeld

"In my mind, Seinfeld is an entrepreneur who defines hustle. After creating, writing and starring in a top television show for nine years, he started a hugely successful Internet series. He consistently succeeds by believing in himself and outworking his competition. He approaches everything as a student, always learning."


Taxi Drivers

"I love chatting with taxi/Uber/Lyft drivers. I've found that in describing my business to them, I've come up with a lot of new great ways to frame what I do in a way that people outside of my industry quickly and easily get it."


Walt Disney

"I’m a big Disney fan so I have to say Walt Disney. He was a man with a huge imagination and recognized the need to be carefree, have fun and embrace our inner-child. As an event producer, I am responsible for creating unforgettable experiences for attendees. Walt did this with theme parks. Everything has intention and purpose, creating a magical experience."


 

See Also: 11 Powerful Ways to Define Your Personal Brand This Year

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