I think many people don’t realize this including myself but everything starts from somewhere.
- Dell started from a dorm room with Michael Dell wanting more from computers.
- IBM was created by Thomas Watson wanting to make calculating more easily.
- Google was started after two Phd students want a better ranking of information.
- Hewlett-Packard got its life in a garage in Palo Alto by two more Stanford kids.
- Starbucks was founded after Alfred Peet taught some people the true essence of coffee beans.
- Krispy Kreme got its plumpness after Vernon Rudolph wanted a better donut.
- In-n-Out created its delightful food in Southern California by the Snyders.
- Amazon was started in New York when Jeff Bezos realized a great opportunity.
Notice a pattern. Large companies start somewhere. Large companies start at 1 person. I think as these companies grow most people think they were born large. Have you ever seen a 16-year-old baby come out of a woman? I hope not!
Bottomline: The point here is that everything starts somewhere.
11 responses to “The Corporation of One”
GREAT TOPIC!
I agree with the post, but I feel most people that set out to start something think it is going to be very easy. They read these success stories and think they can make a quick buck. Most fail because they are not willing to put in 100%. They want the quick buck, and that leads to failure.
Just because you create a blog, does not mean you are going to become amillionaire. Just because you sell online and use the internet does not mean your are going to secure millions of customers.
Work hard, earn your stripes.
This is a great post. I think many people forget this view, when they think of large corporations and big success stories, but all it takes is one person and a good idea that they are passionate about.
“It takes money to make money.”
Jason, I kinda agree with ya, but how do ya explain that many of the great companies today were started by half-broke college students? i.e. Google, Yahoo, etc…
One thing I think we will probably agree on is that “It takes great marketing to make money”. You can have the best product or service in the world, buy if no one knows about it, it means nothings…
Remember this..we are more likely to hear about the success stories. Nine out of ten small businesses fail.
It takes money to make money.
Awesome Post, Noah :o) Very Inpirational!
“All you need is one idea to change the world”– I forget who said this.
Even Microsoft started with Bill’s dream of everyone having a PC.
One thing I want to add is that the the most important thing that all these great leaders have in common is that “They Took Action”! You can have the greatest biz idea in the world, but if you don’t take action, it means nothing…
Good post! Im starting my corporation tommorow 😉
Ah good stuff and good point!
This is some Horatio Alger sh*T. Exactly what they want you to do, believe in the dream.
And in the meantime buy the big brands,, love Jesus, and serve in the military
I felt like a monster reincarnation of Horatio Alger: A man on the move, and just sick enough to be totally confident.
Corporation of two?
Great post. It reminded me, though, of something I read in a business guide:
Most companies that really “make it” start with two people and a shared vision. Only one 0erson and the project tends to lose steam with the pressure, three people and division about the company’s vision is compromised.
Though it is nice to think that all these huge bureaucratic organizations once were as small as you and me.
Well that IS encouraging!