The Founding of KFCIn 09-Sep-1890, Harland David Sanders was born just outside of Henryville, Indiana in the U.S.A. His father passed away when he was 6, and from young he had to look after his mother, younger brother and sister. Dropping out of school, he worked at various odd jobs such as a farm assistant, fireman, soldier and boat operator.In 1955, at the age of 65, he was living on a monthly check of only $105. After paying off his debts, he was virtually broke. Not wanting to accept his fate, he decided to franchise his method of cooking chicken using a secret recipe he developed, and decided to go on the road to sell his recipe to restaurants.For 2 years, Harland Sanders traveled America, visiting over 1000 restaurants, door to door. He would cook his chicken for the restaurant owners on the spot, and if they liked it, they would enter into an agreement with him. However, everywhere he went, he faced rejections, doors being slammed in his face, even insults and criticism. Nobody gave him a chance.Undaunted, he persisted, and finally, at the 1009th restaurant, he met a man who was willing to adopt his idea.By 1964, 10 years from the day he started, there were 600 restaurants selling his trademark chicken. And today, around the world, there are more than 11,000 KFC outlets in 80 countries. All because a 65 year old man never gave up on his dream.Moral:It’s a number game. If a 65 year old man can face more than a thousand rejections and setbacks before succeeding, then what about us?
By Strive Masiyiwa A few weeks ago I went to the doctor. I will tell you what he said about my health at the end, but first read this: Twenty years ago, I arranged to meet a well-known British international businessman who invested a lot in Africa at the time. We agreed to meet for dinner at a leading hotel in London. After a good meeting, we started to walk out of the restaurant when he suddenly collapsed in the lobby. There was total pandemonium as they rushed to get medical assistance. Being London, an ambulance arrived in minutes. I jumped in the back with him as paramedics wrestled to keep him alive. He had had a heart attack and had to have triple bypass heart surgery. Sadly he died a few weeks later. He hadn't been sick and his sudden death surprised everyone. And yet as I reflected on it, and later discussed it with a doctor friend who knew him, I realized he was very laid back about his health despite having a hectic business life. Even during our dinner...
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