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Famous Failures
Their first business venture was a flop, but these renowned successes didn't let it defeat them
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it." -- W.C. Fields
What do Bill Gates, Harry Truman, and Walt Disney all have in common? Their first business venture was a flop, but they didn't let it defeat them.
Entrepreneurs know that business survival statistics aren't in their favor, but that's all part of the game. One-third of all new businesses fail by the two-year mark, and almost 60% fold within four years, according to a 2005 Monthly Labor Review study. But resilience can be rewarded. So can keeping a positive perspective.
Here's a look at six individuals who failed at their early business ventures but went on to become renowned successes: