1.
Salesmanship, too, is an art; the perfection of its technique requires study and practice.
James Cash Penney
2.
The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.
James Cash Penney
3.
As a rule, we find what we look for; we achieve what we get ready for.
James Cash Penney
4.
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.
James Cash Penney
5.
Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.
James Cash Penney
6.
It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.
James Cash Penney
7.
The five separate fingers are five independent units. Close them and the fist multiplies strength. This is organization.
James Cash Penney
8.
The art of effective listening is essential to clear communication, and clear communication is necessary to management success.
James Cash Penney
9.
The well-satisfied customer will bring the repeat sale that counts.
James Cash Penney
10.
Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership.
James Cash Penney
11.
The keystone of successful business is cooperation. Friction retards progress.
James Cash Penney
12.
I believe in trusting men, not only once but twice - in giving a failure another chance.
James Cash Penney
13.
The men who have furnished me with my greatest inspiration have not been men of wealth, but men of deeds.
James Cash Penney
14.
Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence.
James Cash Penney
15.
The greatest teacher I know is the job itself.
James Cash Penney
16.
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.
James Cash Penney
17.
In every man s life there lies latent energy. There is, however, a spark that, if kindled, will set the whole being afire, and he will become a human dynamo, capable of accomplishing almost anything to which he aspires.
James Cash Penney
18.
Every man must decide for himself whether he shall master his world or be mastered by it.
James Cash Penney
19.
They serve best who give most of themselves. Self is forgotten by the one who serves, for such a one rejoices to see success coming to others through his or her efforts.
James Cash Penney
20.
The problem with the bronco is to get on and stay on. This is the problem with the Golden Rule-to understand and apply
James Cash Penney
21.
Responsibilities are given to him on whom trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of trust.
James Cash Penney
22.
I do not believe in excuses. I believe in hard work as the prime solvent of life's problems.
James Cash Penney
23.
Every great business is built on friendship.
James Cash Penney
24.
The disciplined are free.
James Cash Penney
25.
A merchant who approaches business with the idea of serving the public well has nothing to fear from the competition.
James Cash Penney
26.
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.
James Cash Penney
27.
Success cannot come from standstill men. Methods change and men must change with them.
James Cash Penney
28.
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.
James Cash Penney
29.
Determine to do some thinking for yourself. Don't live entirely upon the thoughts of others. Don't be an automaton.
James Cash Penney
30.
I learned that all things come to those who wait-provided they hustle while they wait.
James Cash Penney
31.
Change is vital, improvement the logical form of change.
James Cash Penney
32.
Honor bespeaks worth Confidence begets trust.
James Cash Penney
33.
There's no better friend to any merchant than a fair competitor.
James Cash Penney
34.
I cannot remember a time when the Golden Rule was not my motto and precept, the torch that guided my footsteps.
James Cash Penney
35.
The Golden Rule finds no limit of application in business.
James Cash Penney
36.
The best of merchandise will go back to the shelf unless handled by a conscientious, tactful salesman.
James Cash Penney
37.
The best way to stop a bad habit is never to begin it.
James Cash Penney
38.
I believe a man is better anchored who has a belief in the Supreme Being.
James Cash Penney
39.
There has never been a time when a career in the Penney Company was not a challenge that brought out the best in a man.
James Cash Penney
40.
Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.
James Cash Penney
41.
My definition of an executive's job is brief and to the point. It is simply this: Getting things done through other people.
James Cash Penney
42.
It was always my practice to train salespeople under my direct supervision, and to treat children with the utmost consideration.
James Cash Penney
43.
I was long brought up to think that it was nothing short of a crime to miss a sale.
James Cash Penney
44.
Men are not great or small because of their material possessions. They are great or small because of what they are.
James Cash Penney
45.
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.
James Cash Penney
46.
Theory is splendid but until put into practice, it is valueless.
James Cash Penney
47.
Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time.
James Cash Penney
48.
Exchange ideas frequently.
James Cash Penney
49.
No matter what his position or experience in life, there is in everyone more latent than developed ability; far more unused than used power.
James Cash Penney
50.
Too many would-be executives are slaves of routine.
James Cash Penney
