Famous 'Trep Failures -- and Comebacks

Inspirational business icons who overcame major obstacles before finding legendary success. Many entrepreneurs have their business heroes. Some are revered not only for their spectacular successes but for the reversals they endured and subsequently overcame. With economic indicators for a strong business recovery still faint, it can be helpful to recall the early setbacks of some of the best-known entrepreneurs and what can be learned from them.

Here's a look at iconic entrepreneurs, their early struggles and their eventual comebacks.

Quote: "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't -- you're right."
Lesson: Building a brand requires more than just building a good product.

Quote: "If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito."
Lesson: Don't let minor setbacks throw you off course.

Quote: "Leaders get out in front and stay there by raising the standards by which they judge themselves and by which they are willing to be judged."
Lesson: Be willing to acknowledge failure, abandon bad ideas and move on.

Quote: "You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."
Lesson: One killer idea can quickly make up for a series of flops.

Quote: "You can't just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they'll want something new."
Lesson: Having the right resources and people around you makes a big difference.

Quote: "Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose."
Lesson: You can learn a lot from failed endeavors.

Quote: "Feed the poor and get rich or feed the rich and get poor."
Lesson: It may not be the idea that's unsuccessful; it may be the execution strategy.

Quote: "For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour."
Lesson: Some of the best business ideas come out of personal experience.

Quote: "Take care of your business and your business will take care of you."
Lesson: Having a strong leader at the helm can make a world of difference in the success or failure of a company.

Source: http://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/219445