James Cash Penney Quotes

The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.

Salesmanship, too, is an art; the perfection of its technique requires study and practice.

As a rule, we find what we look for; we achieve what we get ready for.

How can we expect our children to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving.

Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.

It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.

I do not believe in excuses. I believe in hard work as the prime solvent of life's problems.

The art of effective listening is essential to clear communication, and clear communication is necessary to management success.

The well-satisfied customer will bring the repeat sale that counts.

The keystone of successful business is cooperation. Friction retards progress.

I believe in trusting men, not only once but twice - in giving a failure another chance.

Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence.

Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership.

In setting up a business under the name and meaning of the Golden Rule, I was publicly binding myself, in my business relations, to a principle which had been a real and intimate part of my family upbringing. Our idea was to make money and build business through serving the community with fair dealing and honest value.

A merchant who approaches business with the idea of serving the public well has nothing to fear from the competition.

Responsibilities are given to him on whom trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of trust.

Every great business is built on friendship.

In retailing, the formula happens to be a basic liking for human beings, plus integrity, plus industry, plus the ability to see the other fellow's point of view.

Success cannot come from standstill men. Methods change and men must change with them.

Determine to do some thinking for yourself.

Don't live entirely upon the thoughts of others. Don't be an automaton.

I cannot remember a time when the Golden Rule was not my motto and precept, the torch that guided my footsteps.

Change is vital, improvement the logical form of change.

I learned that all things come to those who wait-provided they hustle while they wait.

The best way to stop a bad habit is never to begin it.

Honor bespeaks worth Confidence begets trust.

The Golden Rule finds no limit of application in business.

The best of merchandise will go back to the shelf unless handled by a conscientious, tactful salesman.

Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.

I believe a man is better anchored who has a belief in the Supreme Being.

Men are not great or small because of their material possessions.

They are great or small because of what they are.

Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time.

It was always my practice to train salespeople under my direct supervision, and to treat children with the utmost consideration.

No matter what his position or experience in life, there is in everyone more latent than developed ability; far more unused than used power.

I never trust an executive who tends to pass the buck.

Nor would I want to deal with him as a customer or a supplier.

Theory is splendid but until put into practice, it is valueless.

A store's best advertisement is the service its goods render, for upon such service rest the future, the good-will, of an organization.

My definition of an executive's job is brief and to the point.

It is simply this: Getting things done through other people.

The public is not greatly interested in saving a little money on a purchase at the expense of service.

Business is no longer a matter of profits alone.

Profits must come through public confidence, and public confidence is given to any merchant in proportion to the service which he gives to the public.

Our very living is selling. We are all salespeople.

Exchange ideas frequently.

Too many would-be executives are slaves of routine.

No company can afford not to move forward.

It may be at the top of the heap today but at the bottom of the heap tomorrow, if it doesn't.

The disciplined are free.

No man can climb the ladder of success without first placing his foot on the bottom rung.

There's no better friend to any merchant than a fair competitor.

Success will always be measured by the extent to which we serve the buying public.

The greatest teacher I know is the job itself.

The friendly smile, the word of greeting, are certainly something fleeting and seemingly insubstantial. You can’t take them with you. But they work for good beyond your power to measure their influence. It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most.