Here’s a trivia question: Who’s the only U.S. president to receive a patent?
Here’s a hint: He was also a small business owner and one-time retailer.
The answer: Abraham Lincoln.
This year we observe the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. We remember Lincoln as a great president, who helped save the nation and free the slaves.
But a little known fact is that Lincoln was also one of us, and small business owners and entrepreneurs can find a kindred soul in Abraham Lincoln.
So we who run small businesses or who are launching entrepreneurial ventures can look to some of the many insights from Abraham Lincoln for guidance:
On attitude:
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”On sales:
“We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called on to perform what we cannot.”On planning and time management:
“If I only had an hour to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my axe.”On the importance of quality and integrity:
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”Photo by Lincoln Gallery.