Five years after I started CD Baby, when it was a big success, the media said I had revolutionized the music business. But 'revolution' is a term that people use only when you're successful. Before that, you're just a quirky person who does things differently.

Are you helping people? Are they happy? Are you happy? Are you profitable? Isn't that enough?

The most brilliant idea, with no execution, is worth $20. The most brilliant idea takes great execution to be worth $20,000,000.

Most people don't know what they're talking about. They move their mouth and say things because they don't want to admit they don't know. Or they think they know, but it's just confabulation and biases. So ignore them unless what they say resonates with some real wisdom inside of you. Assume they're a fool and find out the truth for yourself.

Making a company is a great way to improve the world while improving yourself.

Let’s never forget that whatever brilliant ideas you have or hear, that the opposite may also be true.

The first follower is actually an underestimated form of leadership in itself. … The first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader.