Mark Elliot Zuckerberg, founder, and CEO of the world’s largest social network Facebook turns 36 today. Happy birthday, Mark from Silicon Canals and team!
Born in 1984 in White Plains, New York, Zuckerberg launched “thefacebook.com” in the room of Kirkland House at Harvard University, when he was 19-years old (2004) along with college roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. And that’s how it all started. Since then, Mark Zuckerberg has faced several accolades, appreciation, accusations, and controversies.
One of the attributes that separate a great leader from others is the ability to single out the focus on what is important. This is what Mark is all about. Over the years he has established himself not only as a successful businessman but as a great leader who can influence others to achieve the collective goal as well. For any budding entrepreneur, this is a good lesson to learn. It’s worth mentioning that, as of March 2020, his net worth is estimated to be nearly $54 billion.
Mark Zuckerberg has certainly built an impressive organisation, and there is a lot that leaders can learn from this social media mogul. Here’re some of the lessons that could help young entrepreneurs survive in the entrepreneurial world.
Be passionate about what you do!
One of the common traits in most of the successful entrepreneurs across the globe is that they are passionate about what they do. “Find that thing you are super passionate about” advised Mark Zuckerberg. Interestingly, Mark rejected Yahoo’s billion-dollar buyout offer at the early stage. His passion for Facebook enabled him to overcome obstacles and innovate continuously. Passion is what turns an entrepreneur into a successful business leader.
Dream big and have a purpose
Every successful company is driven by some purpose at the root of all they do. In Mark Zuckerberg’s case, Facebook’s mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected. Keeping the purpose in mind lets you focus on creating the best product. Also, it is important to build something that creates a positive impact as Facebook did.
Problem-solving skills!
Mark Zuckerberg’s focus has always been about solving problems and implementing new ideas. He simply didn’t accept less than what he saw perfect. This is what made Facebook one of the most successful companies in the world.
Stay humble!
No matter the heights you reach, it is always important to be grounded and humble. As we all know, Mark Zuckerberg is one of the richest people in the world. With such riches at his disposal, he chose to stay humble. Notably, he does not own any expensive fancy cars, rocks simple grey T-shirts (there’s a reason behind it though), and denim. According to Mark Zuckerberg, “Helping billions of people connect is humbling and by far the thing I am most proud of my life.”
Hire the right people
It’s important to have the right people on board! Notably, Facebook has an interview process that only selects employees who are the right fit for the company. Mark’s advice for young entrepreneurs is that they should never compromise on hiring the best employees. His formula is “Be upfront about what you stand for.”
Philanthropy is important!
Successful leaders in history know the value of giving back. Recently, the foundation established by Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan has donated $25 million to the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator, to help speed the development of virus treatments. Furthermore, he has also signed the “Giving Pledge” in 2010, where he promised to donate at least 50% of his wealth to charity.
Own up to mistakes
Right from the start, Mark Zuckerberg witnessed numerous controversies, accusations, and many more. If he makes a mistake, he owns up to it. And that’s what the greatest leaders do. Once you own up the mistake, it is important to resolve it and move on. No good things happen when you just dwell upon it.
Focus on product
Mark Zuckerberg is utterly committed to his product “Facebook”. According to him, you should not expect positive results and success without making your product great. No matter what, it is important to understand the product and work on it. As an aspiring entrepreneur, you need to focus on customers’ wants and develop them accordingly.
Be a risk taker!
According to Mark Zuckerberg, a good CEO should take a risk, but doesn’t need to do big or crazy things too often. “In a world that’s changing so quickly, the biggest risk you can take is not taking any risk,” he said. Furthermore, Zuckerberg allows its employees to openly present their interests and take the risk.
Have confidence
Greatest leaders in history have unshakeable self-confidence and self-belief. When Mark was a teenager, he developed a music software called ‘Synapse’. The Redmond giant Microsoft wanted to buy the software and hire him, but he rejected it. That’s some self-confidence! Never doubt your abilities and don’t let anyone ever fill you with negativity.
Main image credits: Facebook
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