10 Steve Jobs Quotes Every Business Owner Needs to Hear

Steve Jobs is one of the best-known entrepreneurs of our time and is known for his passion and high standards for himself and everyone around him. Listed below are some of his most famous quotes and lessons we can learn from them.

[Read more: 10 Bill Gates Quotes Every Business Owner Needs to Hear]

The 10 best Steve Jobs quotes

1. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
2. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
3. “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”
4. “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
5. “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”
6. “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
7. "I'm convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the nonsuccessful ones is pure perseverance."
8. "You can't just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they'll want something new."
9. "People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully."
10. “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why else even be here?”

[Read more: 10 Inspirational Oprah Quotes for Business Owners]

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How to apply Steve Jobs’ quotes to everyday business decisions

Though many people find Jobs’ words inspirational, there are practical applications as well. Here are four ways you can use these quotes and apply them when making daily business decisions:

• Prioritize innovation: You can build a company that prioritizes innovation by constantly challenging the “business as usual” mentality. Spend time researching emerging technologies and looking for gaps in the marketplace. Encourage your team to brainstorm new product features that will set your company apart from its competitors.
• Focus on your business’s core mission: Once you know what your business’s core mission is, make sure every opportunity you take aligns with that mission. That way, every decision you make moves your business toward your ultimate goal.
• Set high standards: Setting high standards is the best way to create superior products and set your business apart. Start by demonstrating the standards you expect your employees to meet and communicate these expectations through regular meetings and feedback. You may find that many employees will feel empowered to rise to the occasion.
• Always look for ways to adapt: Things are constantly changing, so you need to be prepared to change as well. Follow industry reports and keep a close eye on what your competitors are doing so you’ll be able to identify emerging trends. It’s also important to listen to your customers so you can continually improve your products and services.

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The leadership lessons behind Steve Jobs’ most iconic quotes

Steve Jobs was an intense and unconventional leader who demanded excellence from everyone he worked with. Here are some of the leadership lessons you can take from his most famous quotes:

• Focus on your gifts: In order for you to fulfill your purpose, the world needs you to be who you are. Trying to copy someone else or act like someone you’re not will only limit your contribution.
• Have a bigger vision: It can be hard to trust in the process when you can’t see the bigger picture. But you never know what might be around the corner, so you have to keep moving forward. And one day, you may recognize that some of the hardest things you had to go through were also the best things that ever happened to you.
• Continue to take risks: One of the biggest downsides of success is that it can cause you to become lazy and complacent. It’s important to continue to take risks and push yourself to try new things. Stay hungry for new ideas and new opportunities.
• Focus on your contribution: At the end of the day, your goals and accomplishments are never about you—they’re about the contribution you make to the world.

[Read more: 10 Inspirational Quotes About Teamwork]

Why Steve Jobs’ words still resonate in today’s business landscape

Many things have been written about Steve Jobs over the years, but his words continue to inspire people because of his focus on creativity and building products that solve real-world problems. The world is changing faster than ever, so many people appreciate his message on focus and purpose-driven work.

Jobs talked about having a long-term vision and focusing on resilience over quick wins. He also spoke of the importance of faith and trusting that if you continue moving forward, everything you go through will make sense in time. His words remain relevant because they help people see beyond themselves and develop a bigger vision for their lives.

[Read more: 10 Quotes from Entrepreneurs That Will Inspire You to Start a Business]

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

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