“You should learn from your competitor, but never copy. Copy and you die.”
Full Name : Jack Ma Yun
Born : October 15, 1964 in Hangzhou, China
Nationality : Chinese
Famous For : Co- Founder and Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group
Mother : Cui Wencai
Father : Ma Laifa
Spouse(s) : Cathy Zhāng Yīng
Children : 3
Debut Movie : Gong Shou Dao
Awards : Honoured as “Top 10 Economic Personas of the Year” in 2004, “Young Global Leader” in 2005, “25 Most Powerful Businessperson in Asia” in 2005, “Businessperson of the Year” in 2007, “World’s Best CEOs” in 2008, 3rd in global tech innovation visionary survey in 2017 and many more.
7 Must- Read Facts about Jack Ma’s Life and Business :
The name Alibaba is known by almost everyone in the world. Does Alibaba and the forty thieves, ring a bell? Jack Ma formed the largest online business in the world using “Alibaba” name. Who is he? How did he make it in life and business? By the end of this article, you will not only know him you will also learn facts that will help you make it in business.
1. Jack Ma is an English Teacher –
Jack ma is Chinese. The founder of Alibaba and chairman of its $25 billion IPO is an English teacher by profession. Jack comes from a humble background. He wasn’t book smart but he had a passion for the English language. He got his first English lessons from tourists at a local hotel where he worked as a tour guide. He later joined University to study English after which he became an English teacher. As an English teacher, he earned $15 dollars a month. He defied all odds to be among the richest people in China and the world.
2. Has No Interest in Technology –
This business guru rarely uses technology and yet his company is purely online. Very Ironical. He only uses his laptop to send or receive emails. He depends on a colleague to help him download shows on his iPad. He is more interested in poker and traditional medicine.
3. He is an Avid Performer –
Most CEOs are very serious fellows, not Jack. This may be a trait he inherited from his parents who were Pingtan performers. Ma has performed the Lion King theme in front of his employees. He danced to Michael Jackson‘s songs at an Alibaba party.
4. He Loves Martial Arts –
A general in waiting, Jack ma reads widely on Kungfu and martial arts. He owns novels on these arts which influence his business strategy. The arts uphold the righteous way hence shaping his decisions.
5. Doesn’t Value Shareholders –
His customers and employees are the most important people to him. To him, shareholders are not loyal to the company. They are members when the company is doing well but when it‘s faced with challenges they sell their shares and leave.
6. Formation of Alibaba –
Jack Ma applied got 30 jobs and got rejected. He applied to join Harvard University 10 times and still got rejected. This did not kill his dream to make it in life. While in the US, jack discovered that there was nothing online concerning China. In 1995 together with his wife and friend they started a company called China Pages. It create websites for other companies. He formed Alibaba in 1999 in his house together with his friends. In January 2000 Alibaba won $25 million in foreign investments. In 2014 it managed to raise $25 billion in its IPO. This made it one of the largest technology companies in the world.
7. He is an Environmentalist –
After retirement, Jack now conserves the environment. He believes its pollution is responsible for the deaths of young people in China. He has dedicated 27 acres of land towards Environmental Conservation.
Finally, you don’t need rocket science knowledge to make it in life. Like Jack, with zeal and hard work you can accomplish anything you set out to do.
