Frederick Wallace Smith is the founder, chairman, and CEO of FedEx.
Fred Smith is the entrepreneur who scored a ‘C’ on a school paper where he first drafted the idea of an overnight shipment delivery system. His professor thought that “The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a ‘C’, the idea must be feasible”.

So how did Mr. Smith transform his idea into a super-successful, multi-million dollar business?

Today FedEx is one of the leading global courier delivery corporations, delivering more than 3.6 million packages to nearly 220 countries and territories every business working day. Fred Smith succeeded enormously despite the apparent “unfeasibility” of his idea.

Now let's straight jump into the top 5 rules for success shared by the FedEx Founder.

★ Don’t Be Afraid Of Criticism
In Fred’s own words, “Criticism doesn’t bother me. What we’ve tried to do inside FedEx is to say that criticism is a real opportunity to improve. When we do something wrong for a customer, that’s when we really have a chance to learn how to do things better.”

★ Enjoy What You Are Doing, Take It Easy And Never Give Up
Enjoy what you are doing and don’t let bad experiences derail you from the road to success.

Quoting Smith: “I’ve had all kinds of adversity, but I think you have to put those things in perspective.”

“I’ve enjoyed every bit of putting the company together. Even the bad parts I learned from. I’ve enjoyed it immensely, and I enjoy what I’m doing today. I enjoy running the company.”

“You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing, have some fun, and be able to laugh at yourself a bit.”

★ Adapt To The Changing Needs Of The Time
Adapt to the market changes and do what’s necessary to keep your business pushing ahead. In 1994 during the rise of the Internet, Fred introduced a service that allowed customers to coordinate their domestic deliveries via internet-linked computer software and a marketing service that provided businesses with an online catalogue of their goods directly linked to FedEx. When the economy went rough, he reduced his own salary and cut down advertisement costs.

“As time changed and markets changed and peoples’ expectations changed, we changed with them,” says, Smith.

★ Put People First
One of the driving forces of Smith’s success was fostering a corporate culture where the workers are treated fairly, believing that it instills company loyalty and workers’ commitment.

“You can’t make people do what’s right. You can lead them, and you can empower them to make the right decision, but if you don’t produce a culture that allows them to do that, then all the rest is just bumping your gums as one of my old business partners used to say” _ Fred remarked in one of his interviews.

He further said “Our People, Service, Profit” philosophy insists that our people be treated fairly. If we give good service and come up with a reasonable profit, we make that a good deal for our employees, profit sharing, promotions, and complaint procedures. If you spend any time looking at the culture of FedEx you’ll find that PSP (People, Service, Profit) philosophy is the foundation of everything else.” And this leads us to the final point.

★ Be A Good Boss!

Fred worked hard at being accessible to his employees and acknowledging their efforts. He often visited the FedEx headquarter site late at night, greeting many of the employees by name. He once published full-page newspaper ads to thank the employees for their hard work when they had to process 800,000 additional packages after workers from a competing firm went on strike.

⯬🢚⯮ Final Words ⯬🢚⯮

Fred Smith changed the way the world does business when he was told it couldn’t be done. His reaction was simple, “I didn’t know I couldn’t do this”.

The rise of Internet commerce and the growth of the global economy contributed to the growth and success of FedEx. FedEx capitalized on these trends, with proprietary software for Internet catalogue service, and the completion of facilities in the Philippines, Taiwan, France, and China.

FedEx is now a world-class company with unmatched air route authorities and transportation infrastructure, combined with leading-edge information technologies, providing fast and reliable services for more than 3.6 million shipments each business day.

And, at its core, is all about people. Throughout its long history, FedEx has been recognized for its globally renowned employee relations, strategy, and motivation. They encourage their team members to grow within the company and provide them with the necessary tools to develop their careers and managerial skills set within the business. The success of a business depends upon the employees with profit sharing, promotions, and commitments.

Running a business is not always a walk in the park. You need to be highly committed towards your work, your people, and your customer. If you're willing to work hard and you're willing to give your total commitment, you're probably going to be successful.

Do you have any success tips or similar story to share?
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