Who doesn’t love movie quotes? They have a way of inspiring us and of making us laugh. And, of course, the best ones are incredibly memorable.
At ECS, we are all fans of great movie quotes and find that there are some – actually quite a few – that are tied to business and the projects of which we are a part. (And, being who we are, we like to zing them at each other as appropriate whenever we get together.)
Below are some of our favorites:
“Do, or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back
Who can argue with the all-knowing Yoda? He has great business advice in this quote. Too often we see the big pair – fear and doubt – stop business people from both trying and doing.
“Don’t tell me I can’t do it; don’t tell me it can’t be done!” – Howard Hughes in The Aviator
The one common trait that the best business leaders have is the ability to push through everyone telling them that it can’t be done. Their personalities push them through that negativity and to the next level.
“The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room.” – Frank Lucas in American Gangster
I’m sure you’ve seen this one in action yourself. The people telling you how much control and power they have in business, typically have none. It’s a great lesson for all business people, but particularly for sales.
“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – Don Corleone in The Godfather
What’s left to say here?
“The key to this business is personal relationships.” – Dickie Fox in Jerry McGuire
Perhaps a bit oversimplified, but very accurate.
“The question isn’t what are we going to do. The question is what aren’t we going to do?” – Ferris Bueller in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
A great attitude goes such a long way. Ferris is always about the possibilities, and great business people are too!
“Nobody is going to hit as hard as life, but it ain’t how hard you can hit. It’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” – Rocky Balboa in Rocky
As Angela Duckworth explain in her book Grit, the ability to fight through tough situations and times is the number one predictor of success.
“Think big, think positive, never show any sign of weakness. Always go for the throat. Buy low, sell high.” – Louis Winthorp III in Trading Places
Positivity is really at a premium today. It seems everyone expects the worst and spend too much time worry about the future. As Harriet Stein will tell you, “Live in the moment!”
“I’m just a big hairy winning machine. If you ain’t first your last.” – Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights
Just win baby! – the old Raiders and Pistons mantra may be simple, but it can be powerful and effective. The drive to be the best can be contagious when done right.
“Put that coffee down. Coffee is for closers.” – Blake in Glengarry Glen Ross
The grab them by the throat quote that has been used in countless sales meetings since (mostly in jest).
“Awww, come on guys, it’s so simple maybe you need a refresher course. It’s all ball bearings nowadays.” – Fletch in Fletch
Just a good reminder that if someone says something with a lot of confidence, doesn’t mean they’re remotely correct – especially in business. Be aware of the overly confident.
Show me the money! – Rod Tidwell and Jerry Maguire in Jerry Maguire
End of the day, it’s all about the money. Growth and profitability is what drives companies and your company forward.
Did we get your favorite quote? Do you have another one you feel should be on our list? Let us know! Chris Lee – clee@thinkempirical.com
