Quotes By James Cash Penney

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

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

The thought in my mind was that I must be a good merchant. If I were a good merchant, the rest would probably take care of itself.

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

No business can succeed in any great degree without being properly organized.

Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence.

We get real results only in proportion to the real values we give.

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.

The problem with the bronco is to get on and stay on. This is the problem with the Golden Rule-to understand and apply.

It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.

Change is vital, improvement the logical form of change.

Too many would-be executives are slaves of routine.

Salesmanship is limitless. Our very living is selling. We are all salespeople.

The disciplined are free.

Every man must decide for himself whether he shall master his world or be mastered by it.

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

My definition of an executive's job is brief and to the point. It is simply this: Getting things done through other people.

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

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

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

Do not primarily train men to work. Train them to serve willingly and intelligently.

Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.

The five separate fingers are five independent units. Close them and the fist multiplies strength. This is organization.

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

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

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

Determine to do some thinking for yourself. Don't live entirely upon the thoughts of others. Don't be an automaton.

Selling is our No. 1 job. Never get away from selling a lot of merchandise personally. The more you sell the more you learn.

Exchange ideas frequently.

It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most.