Michael Jordan Advice for Entrepreneurs

**Driven_Magazine** · 10-07-2009 08:01 AM

By Robbi A. Gunter

When it comes to being successful, some people simply have what it takes. It seems no matter what they put their hands on, they succeed beyond their wildest dreams. Michael Jordan is one of those people. From the basketball court to the boardroom, it seems that everything he touches turns to gold.

Today's entrepreneurs can learn from the stellar example that Jordan has set, both on the court and in his business dealings. Although to the casual observer, Jordan appears to lead something of a charmed life, he has overcome his fair share of obstacles in order to achieve such great success. In his personal life, he has faced setbacks that would cause many to give up on everything, from the 1993 murder of his father, which was a contributing factor to his first retirement, to the breakup of his 17-year marriage in 2006.

"If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you," Jordan says," If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. "

This drive and determination has been a huge factor in his success as an entrepreneur. His Air Jordan line at Nike has grown to a 500 million dollar a year empire, due to his own direction and guidance. Jordan encourages others to take chances and not to be afraid of failure in order to achieve success.

"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed," Michael says. "I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results."

Michael certainly puts in the work, between overseeing his Nike line, running his restaurant in Chicago, working with basketball players of all ages at his Flight Schools and endorsing several products. The hard work and determination that he pours into all of his ventures, along with the competitive edge that he still carries from his days ruling the court, are the things that have helped to build the Michael Jordan empire. Though it may look like luck to some, every savvy entrepreneur knows that in order to be successful, you truly have to be like Mike.