Business Men who See the Whole Plan

Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban is a well-known self made billionaire, who has made a name for himself by being different from others. Mark was born in Pittsburg Pennsylvania on July 31, 1958. He grew up in a Jewish neighborhood name Mt. Lebanon. Mr. Cuban would go on to graduate from the University of Indiana in 1981 with a degree in business administration. Mark Cuban level of success is one, which can and most certainly deservers to be admired. As of the year 2011 Mark Cuban is No.459 on Forbes’ World’s Richest People” list, with a net worth of $2.5 billion. ( Wikipedia)

It is clear to see that he has done a great job in the world of business, which means that a person such as him could qualify as an expert in world of business plans and ideas. The question then shifts to what type of business plan is a good one and what are some of the key features from Cubans viewpoint. With this thought in mind I found a quote that may summarize what Cuban feels is the key to any plan. “Wherever I see people doing something the way it’s always been done, the way it’s “supposed” to be done, following the same old trends, well, that’s just a big red flag to me to go look somewhere else.” (Inspring) To me this does a great job of summarizing what is the key to building a good plan and that is to think outside of the box. The results for this way of thinking for Cuban has shown inspiring entrepreneurs that it is important to look for this types of opportunities in any business situation.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is an iconic basketball player who has captivated the world of sports entertainment. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1963, Jordan has work his way to the top of his business endeavors. Now the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, one could say that Jordan is an expert on recognizing a good business plan. Jordan’s presence and play in the game of basketball lead him to some great business opportunities. Jordan help the NBA reach some of its highest revenue marks, while helping the well-known company Nike make millions through apparel sales. Jordan would then branch off and form his own company while buying ownership of a NBA team.

One thing for me that comes to mind when I look at Jordan’s business sense and success is the passion that he exhibits for whatever it is that he is doing. This helps lend a key to what it takes to make a successful business plan. You have to have the want, the drive and some understanding for things to eventually go your way. In Michael Jordan’s book Driven from Within, he clearly sheds some light into his thought process to working and making a good business idea. “In its highest form, business is a team game. The teams that can accept that philosophy are the teams that have the best chance.” (202) Another quote that helps put his philosophy towards business into light is “ The Products, companies and people who stay true to who they are usually end up being around for a long time.” (194) This seems to whole true considering the fact that Jordan hasn’t played in almost ten years but his company and brand still has a strong foundation. Overall you can see what it takes for people to be successful. Part comes from the substance of the plan and the other part comes from the want to succeed. I think that most successful business mind put both these things together to make a good business plan.