If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you know that some truths never change. Strong sayings will withstand the test of time and help new entrepreneurs and long-term ones see a different perspective on issues, and overall business. Benjamin Franklin understood this back in the 1700s. He wrote and published Poor Richard’s Almanack (affiliate) annually from 1733 to 1758. He used the pen (affiliate) name Richard Saunders. Those pithy sayings weren’t just entertainment—they were practical wisdom for everyday people trying to make a living. It became a bestseller, making it one of the most popular publications in colonial America.
Topics
- Back Story
- Business Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack: On Time Management
- Business Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack: On Financial Wisdom
- Business Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack: On Reputation and Relationships
- Business Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack: On Learning and Growth
- Putting It Into Practice
Back Story
I recently listened to Poor Richard’s Almanack on the Audible app (affiliate), and I have to say—I was fascinated. Here’s a book published in the 1700s, and many of his pieces of advice still apply to running a business today. That’s the mark of real wisdom: it doesn’t expire.
As someone who’s worked with small business owners and solopreneurs for many years, I’m amazed at how relevant Ben Franklin’s advice remains. Let’s look at some of his best quotes and what they mean for your business today.
Business Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack: On Time Management
“Lost time is never found again.” ~ Ben Franklin
This quote hits home, doesn’t it? Every minute you spend searching for that missing invoice, redoing work because your systems weren’t clear, or scrolling social media when you meant to be working—that’s time you’ll never get back.
The solution isn’t working harder. It’s creating systems that protect your time. Whether that’s a solid project management tool, clear standard operating procedures, or just a consistent filing system, the investment you make in organization pays dividends every single day.
“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” ~ Ben Franklin
We’ve all been guilty of procrastination. But here’s what I’ve learned: the tasks we put off are usually the ones that move our business forward—that uncomfortable sales call. The bookkeeping is piling up. The marketing strategy you keep meaning to develop.
Small business success comes from tackling the important work first, not just the urgent stuff. If you’re constantly pushing key tasks to tomorrow, it might be time to bring in support—whether that’s delegation, automation, or accountability.
Business Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack: On Financial Wisdom
“A penny saved is a penny earned.” ~ Ben Franklin
Ben Franklin wasn’t advocating for being cheap. He was talking about being intentional with your resources. Every unnecessary subscription, every tool you’re not actually using, every process that wastes materials—that’s money leaving your business.
I work with clients all the time who are shocked when we audit their expenses and realize they have overspent on auto subscriptions. Often, they’re paying for three tools that do the same thing, or maintaining services they signed up for years ago and forgot about. Regular financial reviews aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential.
“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” ~ Ben Franklin
This is the companion to the previous quote. It’s rarely the big expenses that derail small businesses. It’s the $10 here, $25 there, $50 somewhere else that adds up to thousands over a year.
Track everything. Yes, everything. You can’t make smart decisions about where to invest or where to cut back if you don’t know where your money is actually going.
Business Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack: On Reputation and Relationships
“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” ~ Ben Franklin
In today’s world of online reviews and social media, this is truer than ever. One bad customer experience can spread far and wide. One missed deadline, one unprofessional interaction, one defensive response to feedback—it can undo months of good work.
Your reputation is your most valuable business asset. Protect it by delivering consistent quality, communicating clearly, and owning your mistakes when they happen (because they will).
“Well done is better than well said.” ~ Ben Franklin
Talk is cheap. Clients don’t care about your intentions or your explanations—they care about results. This quote reminds me to focus on delivery over excuses, solutions over justifications.
When something goes wrong (and it will), spend less time explaining why it happened and more time fixing it. Your clients will remember what you did, not what you said you’d do.
Business Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack: On Learning and Growth
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ~ Ben Franklin
I see this constantly with small business owners who are so busy working IN their business that they never prepare for what’s coming. No marketing plan for the slow season. Or, no backup when they get sick. Or, no clear processes for when they need to scale.
Preparation isn’t sexy. It’s the unglamorous work of creating templates, documenting procedures, building emergency funds, and planning ahead. But it’s what separates businesses that survive challenges from those that don’t.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” ~ Ben Franklin
You can’t afford NOT to keep learning. Your industry is changing. Technology is evolving. Customer expectations are shifting. The skills that got you here won’t necessarily get you where you want to go.
This doesn’t mean you need expensive courses or certifications. Sometimes it’s reading industry blogs, joining a mastermind group, or hiring a coach who can help you see your blind spots. The investment is always worth it.
“Diligence is the mother of good luck.” ~ Ben Franklin
What looks like luck from the outside is usually just consistent effort over time. That “lucky” client referral? It came because you’ve been delivering excellent work for years. That “overnight success”? It took a decade of daily effort.
Keep showing up for your clients (affiliate). And, keep doing good work even when they are not looking. Keep improving yourself and your business. The “luck” will follow.
Putting It Into Practice
Ben Franklin’s wisdom endures because it’s practical. These aren’t abstract philosophical concepts—they’re actionable principles you can apply to your business today.
Here’s my Poor Richard’s Almanack challenge to you.
Pick one quote that resonates with where you are right now. Just one. Then identify one specific action you can take this week to live that principle in your business.
Maybe it’s finally time to set up that bookkeeping system. Maybe it’s blocking out time for strategic planning. Perhaps it’s reaching out to repair a client relationship. Whatever it is, don’t just admire the wisdom—use it.
Because, as Poor Richard would say, “Well done is better than well said.“
Note: There are several other Timeless Business Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack that I may revisit and add new ones to this post in the future.
Need help implementing systems that protect your time and grow your business? Whether you need administrative support, accountability coaching, or help sustaining your business processes, check out my suite of services.
If you want to read more of these timeless wisdom quotes, you can buy this book through Amazon (affiliate) or through the Audible app (affiliate).
*** Full disclosure, I will receive a referral commission from them if you buy the book for yourself or others, at no cost to you.***
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