Here are the results from our most recent Young Entrepreneur poll asking you: “Who is your business role model?”
Famous Entrepreneurs (15)
John D. Rockefeller (3):
“Sam Longiotti, Warren Buffet, John D. Rockefeller and Bill Gates”
“John D. Rockefeller, Warren Buffett, Cornelious Vanderbelt, and a few more”
“Donald trump. And john d. Rockafeller.”
Donald Trump (3):
“Donald Trump, how to turn your name to a brand!”
“I second that. (Donald Trump, how to turn your name to a brand!)”
“Donald trump. And john d. Rockafeller.”
Richard Branson (2):
“Richard Branson is such a free spirit in what he does in the business world. He’s not afraid to try things, and he’s not afraid of failure. He always has the energy to continue what he’s doing if he does fail.”
“Richard Branson & Jack Welch.”
Warren Buffett (2):
“Sam Longiotti, Warren Buffet, John D. Rockefeller and Bill Gates”
“John D. Rockefeller, Warren Buffett, Cornelious Vanderbelt, and a few more”
Soichiro Honda (1):
“I always admire Soichiro Honda. I use the products.”
Others:
“Sam Longiotti, Warren Buffet, John D. Rockefeller and Bill Gates”
“John D. Rockefeller, Warren Buffett, Cornelious Vanderbelt, and a few more”
“Richard Branson & Jack Welch.”
Nobody (2)
“Your question has got me thinking… I don’t really have a business role model, but perhaps I am in search of one!”
“I need to find one. They always say its good if you can find a role model.”
Family (2)
Grandfather:
“Great poll. My business role model is definitely my grandpa who has had a plethora of entrepreneurial success and most importantly, did it the right way through hard work, ethical relationships, and being smarter than everyone else (seriously, I wish I was 1/100 as smart as he is).”
Great Uncle:
“My great uncle (my father’s uncle)..but he was great too! hehe He grew up in a poor family and persevered to build a powerful Publishing Company in India called LIFCO that is still very successful and being run by his sons. I only met him once and I was too young to remember well but his legacy has inspired me.”
Authors
Tim Ferriss:
“There is no other person who would best personify many of my financial and life goals than Tim Ferris, author of the 4-Hour Workweek. I recommend that book to any persons who wants to own/start their own business (and not run one!).”
Thank you everyone for casting your vote – it’s an impressive list of mentors and for those of you who don’t have a business mentor yet, it’s time to get searching!
When it comes to well-known businesspeople I have admired Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, and Richard Branson for sometime now. Each one seems to be an ”out of the box” independent thinker and each has forged an identity and brand for themselves. There are so many great business minds out there and sometimes one has to look no farther than one’s own family. My father’s uncle, Sri Sarma, established a publishing company in India called LIFCO (The Little Flower Company) in 1929 which has been very successful throughout all these years. He passed away when I was very young but I have heard many stories about his work ethic and business acumen that have inspired me tremendously. I hope to be a great entrepreneur like him with time. Cheers
Howard Schultz and Walt Disney are my two role models in business. They both epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit. They had a vision that they were determined to complete and absolutely nothing could stop them.
Walt Disney failed several times and continued towards his vision to create one of the greatest business ventures.
Howard Schultz started from almost nothing and was able to accomplish a vision driven by sheer passion. I have read everything about Howard Schultz and I believe one of the greatest ways to become a great business leader is to study past business minds.
I disagree with the people who have listed Donald Trump as one of the greatest business minds. He has undeniably created an empire and turned his name into a brand. However, his venture has been driven by greed and he has sold himself out.
I don’t know much about Donald Trump’s early career, so can not say he was not once a passionate entrepreneur. However, I am currently an undergraduate student who believes an entrepreneur should strive to achieve their vision and profits will follow. However, he has run his business solely based on finance.
I have also interned in the real estate industry for the General Contractor Bovis Lend Lease for several years. I have worked with many people who have dealt with Donald Trump and they all share the same negative attitude towards him. He disrespects his employees and undermines others opinions. This is extremely evident in his show “The Apprentice” with his famous catch phrase being, “you’re fired.” This line does not portray optimism, which is the key to being an entrepreneur.
From what I have experienced, read, and learned the greatest asset to your company are your employees. If your employees are not encouraged positively to achieve greatness then your company will not prosper. Donald Trump does not respect his company’s main asset; his employees.
My Father is my role model. Your father is the only person with whom you can share everything because he is right there for you all the time and believe me he knows you better than you know yourself.
i believe that ur role model should be within ur heart, i mean who cares about others. what they do, what they say, how they act. BE YOURSELF. ur a unique person in ur on way. do what u wanna do, however, be positive. u dont need a role model. u need to keep ur head held up high. success is ur only friend. failure is ur only enemy. yes, u can look around and see peoples mistakes and only gain from them. do not repeat the path that was once chosen and had nothing going for them but regret. why shud u look up to other humans? they are not god. they are not perfect. all these famous role models are rich & talented because they have one thing going for them and that my friends is HARD WORK ! yes, it pays of to make the right choices ! no one knows u better than urself but YOU. how can u possibly even say that..one’s dont even have a father, its all bullshit i tell u. u just gotta suck it up, stop living in the fantasy world. rich people my friends are not lucky. they worked for it. they didnt sit on their lazy butts all day. they made a name for themselves. they went out their with their idea’s and hoped for a change in this world! & u dnt need a role model for that, u need the power.