10 Motivational Quotes for Entrepreneurs from Guy Kawasaki [Infographic]

The life of an entrepreneur is full of ups and downs like a roller coaster. One day you’re on top of the world and the next you’re questioning everything.

It takes courage and a lot of ambition to keep going. But sometimes, what you really need is a little inspiration.

Here are 10 powerful quotes from the book The Art of the Start 2.0 by Guy Kawasaki. This book is a guide for entrepreneurs who are starting a business.

Whether you’re building a business or have a side hustle, these Guy Kawasaki’s quotes will give you the motivation boost to keep going.

10 Guy Kawasaki’s Quotes for Entrepreneurs

“Remember, few things are right or wrong in entrepreneurship – there’s only what works and what doesn’t work.” – Guy Kawasaki

There’s no perfect playbook in business. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to stay flexible, experiment with new ideas, and double down on what already works.

You learn by doing. Failures and adjusting as you go are parts of the process.

“Entrepreneurship is about doing, not learning to do.” – Guy Kawasaki

You can read a lot of books or keep searching for new tactics, but the fastest way to get results is simply doing the work.

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Just start.

“Don’t wait for perfection. Good enough is good enough. There is time for refinement later. It’s not how great you start – it’s how great you end up.” – Guy Kawasaki

Too many great ideas never become anything more because people wait too long. You don’t need to have everything perfect at this moment.

Launch with what you have and improve as you grow based on outcomes and feedback.

“If entrepreneurship was without a risk, more people would try it.” – Guy Kawasaki

Starting something new is risky. That’s why so many people procrastinate. But risk is also what makes it exciting and rewarding.

If you’re willing to face the uncertainty, you’re already ahead of the crowd.

“The worst speech you can give is the one that people interpret as a sales pitch.” – Guy Kawasaki

People don’t like being sold to. They want to feel understood, seeing that you get their problems and desires and can actually help them achieve what they want.

That’s why TED talks are so powerful. Speakers who give a TEDx talk are not allowed to sell on stage, but share impactful ideas.

Whether you pitch to investors, talk to customers, or give a speech to build your personal brand, focus on connection and value, not just making the sale.

“When people believe in your product, they will help you succeed through credible, continuous, and cost-effective proselytization.” – Guy Kawasaki

If your product or service truly helps people, they’ll talk about it. Word-of-mouth is powerful and it’s free. Build something worth sharing so people will do the marketing for you.

“Leaders cannot have a bad day. No matter how scary and depressed you are, you cannot show fear, uncertainty, or doubt. You must exude optimism every day.” – Guy Kawasaki

Being a leader means showing strength even when things are tough.

Your team looks to you for energy and direction. That doesn’t mean you can’t be honest, but it does mean you need to be the one who brings hope to the room.

“If you wait until you have the perfect product or person, it may be too late.” – Guy Kawasaki

Timing matters. Don’t let the search for the “ideal” delay progress. Sometimes “good enough” is exactly what you need to move forward and get results. You can always improve along the way.

“Life is too short to work with people who you don’t like.” – Guy Kawasaki

Work takes up a huge part of your life. If you don’t like people you work with, whether they’re your team or your clients, it’s a sign that you need to change something.

Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Those who challenge you in a good way make the process enjoyable.

“Help people who cannot help you. Help without the expectation of return. Help many people.” – Guy Kawasaki

This quote is a reminder to be generous. True impact doesn’t come from keeping score; it comes from lifting others simply because you can.

That mindset builds trust, community, and real influence.

Which quote speaks to you most right now?

These Guy Kawasaki quotes for entrepreneurs are reminders to keep going. Sometimes you wait too long for things to be perfect, while all you need today is just to start.

10 Motivational Quotes for Entrepreneurs from Guy Kawasaki [Infographic]

Click on the infographic to enlarge