Yogi Berra’s Quotes for Business
1925 – 2015 = 90 yrs. Compiled 25 Sept 15 by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz
Even if you aren’t a fan, you’re sure to have heard the “Yogisms” of Baseball Legend – Yogi Berra. First, let’s look at some of his achievements.
An outstanding Yogi Berr-able Life. Yogi was an American professional baseball catcher, manager, & coach who played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball (1946-1965) – mostly for the New York Yankees. An 18-time All-Star & 10-time World Series champion as a player. He is one of only 5 players to win the Most Valuable Player Award 3 times. Widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers & managers in baseball history, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
Yogisms. Berra was a Baseball legend, but his baseball skills are often over-shadowed by his witty sayings. While Berra asserts with typical sharp wit that “He didn’t really say everthing he was supposed to have said,” his iconic quotes can serve as important lessons for entrepreneurs. In honor of Berra’s passing 9/22/15, here are 10 Yogisms that every entrepreneur should take to heart.
1. If you don’t know where you’re going, you might not get there. Without a plan, even the most brilliant business can get lost. You need to have goals, create milestones & have a strategy in place to set yourself up for success.
2. It ain’t over, till it’s over. One of Berra’s most famous quotes is a favorite amongst entrepreneurs who have snatched success from the jaws of defeat (ie, bankruptcy). Every entrepreneur deals with fears of failure. However, the truly successful know how to face these fears and keep on going.
3. You wouldn’t have won, if we’d beaten you. In an age when collaboration is often trendier than competition, entrepreneurs can learn a thing or two from Berra’s approach to competitors. While partnerships can be great, it’s key to remember that at the end of the day, being #1 means defeating everyone else.
4. When you come to a fork in the road, take it. Struggling with indecision? Think of Berra’s iconic turn of phrase and know that making the wrong choice is better than stalling indefinitely.
5. I knew the record would stand, until it was broken. Records & achievements are made to be broken. For entrepreneurs, that means constant innovation, unless you want to surrender the lead (ie, 1st movers advantage.
6. We made too many wrong mistakes. Is there such thing as a right mistake? In business, yes — one that you learn and grow from.
7. If the world was perfect, it wouldn’t be. In an era of constant innovation, it’s important to remember there will always be new problems & demands that require entrepreneurial solutions. You be the first with the solution and your success is almost guaranteed.
8. You don’t have to swing hard to hit a home run. If you got the timing, it’ll go. Sometime, the biggest challenge isn’t coming up with a great business idea; it’s coming up with the right idea at the right time and executing it properly – when bringing it to market.
9. You can observe a lot, by just watching. Instead of instantly reacting next time you face a challenge, sit back & take notes. Doing your homework and keeping an eye on the competition will pay off in the long run. What can you do: “Better, faster, cheaper?
10. 90% of the game is 1/2 mental. Before twisting your brain into a pretzel trying to figure out the math on this one, take a deep breath and direct your attention to more important outlets. Business preparedness and research is key to your success. After all, 90 % of the entrepreneurial game is half mental. In fact, you have to be mental to become an Entrepreneur. You have to have a passion that drives you crazy – till you fulfill it.
Comments: Is there anything you can add to these “Yogisms?