Even the Biggest Companies Have Humble Beginnings

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are often up against serious obstacles. Starting a business from scratch is no easy feat but those who power through the tough times and create a sustainable business model can feel a real sense of accomplishment for achieving their goals.

Most of the biggest brands in the country started as minuscule companies that expanded over the years. McDonalds, for example, was just a single hamburger shop before it became the global behemoth it is today. Other brands like Chobani and Marriott were seedlings that blossomed into name brands.

And the Internet has many rags to riches stories too. The Google guys, for example; And Twitter, and Facebook, and Mashable. All these sites were once just good ideas that were leveraged to create something bigger and life changing.

Recently we created a microsite called thisisfirst.com that takes you back to the origins of these popular platforms.

Twitter

We discovered that the first tweet on Twitter was a simple one written by founder Jack Dorsey. In March of 2006, he typed: Just setting up my twitter.

Scoutmob

Scoutmob, the restaurant deals site offered a coupon for Murphy’s in Virginia-Hyland of Atlanta, GA. Before the company branched out and served dozens of cities, there was just one coupon in one small, Southern neighborhood.

Buzzfeed

Buzzfeed, today’s best known for viral cat videos and humorous lists first posted a less light-hearted article in 2006 with details about waterboarding as a form of torture.

It’s fascinating to see the beginnings of companies that have grown tremendously and in many ways, it is inspirational to know that everybody starts somewhere. Entrepreneurs and business owners would be wise to keep this in mind. When you’re dealing with the daily grind of operations, it can feel like a struggle, but if you picture the success that others have achieved, it can instill you with a sense of purpose and determination.