I hated Apple.
It’s ironic, because my first computer I ever owned was an Apple IIc that my dad bought me after relentless begging and whining.
I was 14 years old, and about to enter the information age.
It was on that IIc that I learned how to approach the world through a keyboard and digital thinking.
That computer took me into the world of computerized bulletin boards, where I would connect to hosted chat forums and file servers and “meet” others around the world I’d otherwise never cross paths with.
I met one of my best friends and the best man at my wedding Lyndon Ward through that computer.
But as the PC emerged and became popular (because of Microsoft’s clever marketing strategy for DOS), I only ever owned that one Apple. I switched to PCs, and never looked back.
I had no idea how impactful Apple would later become on me .. and here’s how it did.
I loved computers and was often the one to turn to for my family and friends when they ran into a computer problem.
Over the years, if I could have figured out how to charge tech support for my dad, my wife and my mother-in-law, I would have been set.
My friend Lyndon went on to become a graphic designer and bought every new Mac that came out. I thought he was crazy. Who would want to own one of those?
No one did.
Unless you were a graphics geek, or a real glutton for punishment (because everyone made fun of you).
Of course, that was true during the time Steve Jobs had left Apple.
And so it was for almost 25 years, my commitment to PC and distaste for Apple.
But when Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, he put into motion the strategy of creating a new company. It was 90 days from bankruptcy, and few people even gave it a chance.
His “big idea” was that if he could make computers so that they were not only beautiful from a design perspective, but that they simplified the computing experience, there was a market for that.
At the time, PCs had become so complicated, bloated and frustrating to use, you could get the “blue screen of death” every hour almost like clockwork.
He saw a gap in the market. And he set about filling it.
Jobs mobilized the Apple movement to focus on amazing design, wrapped around a product that actually made it easier to do what you wanted, not harder.
Unlike Microsoft, which relied on its near-monopoly status and a complete lack of commitment to real innovation, Apple decided it would do things to improve the future, not just to sell products and software.
And my collision course with Apple was set into motion.
Apple became known for innovative designs, amazingly simple and intuitive interfaces, and began to get a lot of attention through the tech bubble and beyond.
They released the industry-changing iPod along with iTunes, which together completely reformed the core of the music industry.
Above all else, Apple products were cool.
From a business perspective, they took the high end of the electronics market. Their pricing was 100% non-negotiable, and you always knew that their product was going to be the most expensive of any of the options.
They communicated “we’re the best” on every level, without bragging about it.
Their stock continued to rise, and you could almost feel an “Apple movement” take shape through the first decade of the new millenium.
The legendary Apple vs. PC ads began, and focused on what most people thought about computers – that Apple was easy, and PC was hard.
Which of course, was true.
But I was still resisting. They hadn’t won we over. Yet.
And then finally in 2007, they released the iPhone, which truly was a revolution in the communications world.
I bought my first iPhone, and immediately fell in love with the interface. It was so easy to use.
It felt like this was the way it was supposed to work, and I had just waited all this time for someone to give it to me.
And I became an iPhone fan. I bought each version that came out, excited about the new interface, features and capabilities.
I even convinced my wife to get one after watching her get so frustrated with her Blackberry. And as soon as she made the shift, she “got it”.
She was a convert (and I do need to point out, was smart enough to have bought Apple stock several years ago when it was about $25, just before they launched the first iPhone.)
And then they announced the iPad.
And I thought to myself, “who on earth would buy a little video player they can haul around for hundreds of dollars?”
I thought it was crazy. I had a laptop and if I ever wanted to surf the internet or watch a movie, I could do it on that PC.
And this revealed the true brilliance of Apple – they created completely new categories of products we didn’t even realize we wanted.
The moment you touched an iPad, you saw the magic and simplicity.
And you wanted one.
As it turns out, I was wrong.
Apparently, people did really want this product – including me. Today, I own 3 iPads (driven in my part by my wife Raylene and my son Cooper falling in love with it as well).
With my iPhones and iPads, I was still holding out on the computers.
And in March this year, I finally made the switch to “the dark side“.
I’m writing this article on my MacBook Pro, which I love.
I’m now a complete Mac fanatic.
I coerced my business partner and best friend Kourosh to get a MacBook Pro. I’ve almost convinced my wife.
I just wish I would have switched a long time ago.
I LOVE it.
And the reason I love it is this: it makes my life easier.
I know that sounds dumb, but it’s true.
My devices all easily connect to each other.
My iPad is helping teach my 3 year old how to read, how to solve puzzles and getting him interested in music.
My iPad kept us sane during the l-o-o-o-o-n-g car trip to the cabin this summer (as Cooper watched all his favorite movies).
In fact, as I write this, Cooper is lying beside me, watching Kung Fu Panda on his iPad.
I now spend far more of my time on doing working and creating than I do screwing around with software glitches, virus software and waiting for my computer to start up.
While Steve Jobs did a lot of things for this world, I think the ultimate gift he gave me was that he literally made my life easier.
He helped the world realize that technology didn’t have to be complicated and frustrating. That it could actually make your life better, not more frustrating.
Steve Jobs has been a hero of mine for many years, and it was a sad day this week when I learned of his passing.
But I am tremendously grateful for the impact he had on me. And on my family.
Without him, I may not have met one of my earliest best friends.
I wouldn’t be easily capturing photos and memories as my son grows up far too fast, and catching my wife in moments of simple grace and appreciation.
The ultimate impact Steve Jobs has had on our world is that he left it a better place, and allowed us to focus on the things that matter most – innovation, simplicity, and connecting with those we care about.
Ultimately, he guided us through the Information Age, and I believe he helped us realize that technology’s greatest ability is to help us get the transformations we want in our life.
No tribute article would be complete without a quote, so this is my favorite quote from Steve Jobs (among many great ones):
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
They somehow already know what you want to become.”
Thank you Steve for all that you’ve done for me, and the world. You’ll be deeply missed.
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61 Responses
Steve Jobs was a leader, no doubt about that. And my first computer was an Apple as well. As they could not repair it in Portugal I had to change the systems.
But what I heard this week about Apple´s working conditions in China put me off. I decided not to go for an Apple product at this point of time.
And PC manufacturers don’t have a similar challenge?
Thank you Greg. Happy Thanksgiving.
great article! I think many of us were in the same PC boat and the smart ones finally were brave enough to jump ship!
Well put Greg!! I have also been reflecting on how Steve has impacted me and my family and when you really think about it you can come up with list of items such as making our lives more simplified, enjoyable and intereting. Steve Jobs definately made a difference in my life and in the lives of my family.
They say thet “The worl is getting smaller & smaller” Well, on Monday it SHRINKED a lot!
Fantastic post Greg, I echo your words because I have used Apple products in my earlier music business which obviously made my life easier as you mention. I will never forget where I was when I learned of Steve’s passing and I believe many feel the same way. The impact he had on our our lives whether you like or dislike Apple is undeniable…in fact I can’t remember where I was in learning of Bin Ladens death…but this I will. The point is, I don’t parallel the two..but I am much more in tune with great people that change the world.
I was at the Apple store yesterday buying a new MacBook and was overwhelmed with emotion when I saw the tribute to him… not by Apple, but by Apple fans. There was a huge shrine of handwritten notes and sticky notes which covered the entire glass wall of the store facade along with flowers, and dozens and dozens of Apples. It was a very bitter-sweet experience. Yes I got a new toy, but reality also hit in a serious way that I lost a hero, and the world lost the Edison of our generation.
The problem I have with a Mac is I can not buy it in a WalMart or a Office Depot
I have to leverage my finances and I can’t if I have to pay cash for a Mac at a Mac store.
My daughter has a Mac I wish I could have a Mac too, maybe one day…
Valinda
You can have your Mac if you have good credit. I purchased my new MacBook Pro at http://www.nfm.com with 32 months sames as cash. NFM is owned by one of the richest men in america, so borrow money from him. NFM offers all Apple Products. My last purchase from NFM (2) 27″ Displays with 32 months same as cash. So go for it.
Thank you for sharing! I have always had Apple computers and mac laptops. My friend’s PC seemed hard to operate and archaic to me. – But that’s beside the point… Steve has left HUGE shoes to fill. He was a true visionary- innovator. I am connected to the world, my sons and daughter have thriving band highly successful businesses because of the MAC (musician and graphic designer/branding).
We saw Steve elevate himself and evolve as a person before our very eyes. I respect and admire him for that, as well. He will truly be missed on so many levels. Thanks again for sharing your personal story and insights.
thank u for sharing inputs related to Steves , i believe entire world should be grateful to him for his contribution .
He was a great man
Great Post Greg. Being a long fan of apple and owning 27 inch iMac, 2 Powerbooks, 2 iPhones and iPad I understand exactly what you’re talking about. My heart sank when I found out that Steve passed, I have been a long fan of apple and will never own a PC, he truly was an idol and will be greatly missed, but apple will live on FOREVER.
There are a lot of things to hate about Steve Jobs. I don’t know that I agree with most of what you have said, but suffice it to say, I think that this is true…
As a business, Apple has not subscribed to the cheaper is better mantra. Their hardware is no better quality (and in many cases inferior) to other products that are similar, but Steve was able to create some sort of zombie-like cult following… that is the hallmark of more than one successful business.
He has managed to create products that people not only buy, they desperately want to buy. It’s crazy to see people lined up to trade the Iphone X for the next model. I don’t even understand it… especially in a world where so many people are so hard done by… they could have more for less, but choose something more glamorous.
I guess it could be said that he created the “Coach” of computers. Frankly I don’t like them… I find most of the interfaces to be awkward and ugly, but that’s me. I don’t much like Coach bags either 😉
Thanks, as always, for sharing Greg.
Clinton, it’s not about ‘glamorous’. It’s about the emotion that he creates with products. It’s about simplicity. In a world of complexity, Apple makes your life easier. Ask anyone who is an Apple fan, and that’s what you’ll often hear. That is the distinction. People don’t buy Apple products because they’re most expensive (like a luxury brand like Coach). They buy them because they love them, and are willing to pay a high price. There’s a difference.
I can’t agree with your comment about the Apple hardware. I had several PCs and had NOTHING but woes. I’m on my 4th MAC, but only because I like to upgrade every 3 years. They just last and last. My last PC was a DELL and what a total nightmare. I then switched to a MAC and it was love at first sight. Never will go back to a PC. Can’t stand the constant problems. I’m also in love with my iPhone and the way it seamlessly synch’s with my MAC. Surprised you had hardware problems. I’ve had precious few (actually can’t remember any). I love the simplicity, and everything else about the MAC.
Steve Jobs was certainly a visionary and I am grateful to him that I didn’t have to live in PC hell for the past dozen+ years. Thanks, Steve! #iSad
I’m not an Apple fan.
My first computer was an Apple IIe, I was 13. These were the computers we had at schools, so that’s what I wanted (no need for begging, got enought money as a Bat Mizva presents).
But I totally disagree with you.
I use PC since it is compatible with everyone elses around (work etc), and cause my brother will solve every issue I might have with it.
But Apples are supirior. The hardware-Software combination just works better. Their interfaces are dramaticly better.
People lining up, is people’s issues, not Jobs or Apple’s.
No, people lining up is tremendous marketing that drives the emotional need for people to own the product. It’s incredible marketing it what it is, and why there has been such an outpouring from his passing.
Thanks for sharing your insights on Steve Jobs. It was a great read. I really think the quote you chose is powerful.
If your readers haven’t seen this commencement address he did at Stanford, I’m sure they will be inspired by the life lessons he has learned and shared in the video clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc
Funny that you did not mention the “cash register” in your pocket concept that they introduced with the iPhone. I would have thought that from a business perspective this was one of the biggest contributions Apple made to the world.
There are dozens of innovations and contributions he made, and that was just one of them – but a big one. I do talk about that in my new content that I’m releasing next week which will be pretty cool! Watch for “The iEffect”.
I completely Agree with Steve Jobs impacted my life as well. I will never go back to PC I love the simplicity of Apple and I love that I don’t have to spent money buying Norton for virus.
Is only one version for Home, Student, Business . He created a culture of amazing design, amazing performance and absolutely the best Customer Service.
Steve Jobs left a Legacy that will continue with us for many decades.
Thanks Steve for your contribution to the World
Great post Greg. You’re absolutely correct – computers are tools that should make our lives easier and more productive. A great user interface and a computer that “just works like its supposed to” makes for a powerful tool.
Steve Jobs will surely be missed, but I hope that his ideas and vision are strongly embedded in the Apple corporate culture so that his legacy will live on for generations.
I fell in love with the Mac in 1988. I still remember the day, the experience. I’ve been a MacUser and evangelist since then and have directly created countless more MacUsers. I still remember getting my first Mac Plus and many others since then. In 2000 I returned to Canada from Japan (the holy land of electronics) and dreamed of an electronic PDA with an Apple logo on it. In January 2007 Steve announced my dream. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t see the Apple logo and it always brings a smile to my face. Except for the last few days. I attended one of his keynotes and it gave me goosebumps when he came out on stage. This was between the iMac release and before iPods existed, before it was cool to be a MacUser. I’m thankful for Steve Jobs, and Apple, and all the joy I’ve received. I’m a fan of you too Greg. I’m glad to see you’ve finally seen the light. I’ve little patience for those that say “Oh..Steve Jobs is an amazing CEO, Apple is an amazing company, what? No, I don’t use a Mac. I need a real computer.”
As I sat around last weeks VIP Mastermind I noticed that EVERYONE had IPhones and/or IPads. Coming from 15 years of the IT world I never would have imagined that this day would come. But then I had an even bigger revelation…. The “corporate” world still hasn’t made the shift. The people around the table were Entrepreneurs and NOT corporate execs!! The Entrepreneur is shaping this world today, pushing the limits and changing our vision and landscape.
There was a time when I was “in charge” of over 10,000 pcs. Now onto my second life as a hardcore entrepreneur we have 6 Apple products and only one PC laptop that sits in the corner collecting dust.
The corporate world is stuck reacting and not innovating like the small business owner. They are slow and archaic. We are agile and reckless. We see opportunity and with our leadership drive change even if it goes in the face of the Corporate Exec!
Apple will continue to shift our worlds. Steve may have been the face of Apple but he created a culture of ideas and recklessness that will push on with him as the grounding inspiration.
“Stay hungry. Stay foolish” – Steve Jobs
I noticed the same thing at a couple of the high level masterminds that I’m in. These are many of the industry’s top marketers and entrepreneurs, and ever single one of them had a MacBook Pro. It was like an Apple commercial. The shift is happening, but a lot of people are not noticing. I’m glad I did!
I’m glad I did too!
Greg, excellent article!! Even though I don’t own any Apple products, I have such a great respect for the man. I have definitely been influenced by his innovation, taking control of his life and businesses, and attitude. If your readers haven’t experienced his commencement address, watch it. We learned Steve’s values and beliefs. I also watched a video of Jobs and Gates presenting together on stage – excellent snapshot of both men.
Jobs will be terribly missed, but his impact lives on!!
I have been thinking about what type of computer to get when I actually start making money with this Internet Marketing. You just confirmed the way I was leaning. I bought my daughter a Mac laptop for college over a year ago and I have had no complaints, no break downs, no viruses and no problems of any kind. My daughter is very picky and never hesitates to voice herself. Simplicity is a great gift for it gives us more free time and that is the greatest gift of all. Thanks for your article and I too will remember Steve Jobs fondly. Karen
Gregg, I enjoyed the simplicity and intention of this article. I particularly : “He made life easier”. When each of us have this intention as our Purpose, life gets better and better. Thank you for your thoughts.
Absolutely Greg – I still own two computers that are non-Apple (a PC that my daughter uses and hates and my old lap gathering dust waiting to be cleared of data and donated). When my sister bought her first Mac a few years ago, I thought she was crazy. Of course I owned an iPod which I loved (made miles on the treadmill much more tolerable), however, after switching and quickly and easily teaching myself to use all the programs on my Mac, I am a devoted convert! It definitely made my computing life easy as indicated by both mine and Reyna’s reluctance to use the old PC behind me. Reyna was surprised this week when she caught me crying at the news that Steve Jobs had passed. She asked me “Why are you crying mom? You didn’t even KNOW this guy” and I told her that was right, I didn’t know him personally however I now understood why my mom had cried the day JFK was shot. She didn’t KNOW him either, but both men affected our lives and the world around them deeply and that caused the impact. Glad to know you’re a convert too : )
The loss of Steve Jobs is sad reality,
because he was a huge inspiration and legacy to millions
people as in the world. This legacy will last for a long time
Hi Greg, I appreciate this blog post of yours. I fell in love with Apple last May and got to know Steve Jobs mostly after his passing away. I’d loved to know him. His speech from the year 2005 made a great impact on me and I appreciate him very much!
Hi Gregg,
I Agree, I started on Apple when it was just 16k and you needed 2 floppies because there were no hard drives as yet. Tony
I have to agree with Braam’s comment! Although I have PC Orientated I am now tempted thanks to your contribution to Steve’s Memorial. Wonderfully simple but so meaningful! Despite perhaps stubbornness in staying with PC I have come today to appreciate more the technology Apple has to offer! Thank you Steve Jobs’ Hope you moved to the other side with a smile on your face knowing you did what you where meant to do! And thank you Greg for sharing this!
In 1989, I bought my first computer, a Mac Plus. (As a devout technophobe, I was reluctant to buy a PC.) I now use an iMac 21.5 in., and a MacBook Pro for presentations. Both highly recommended.
Among the quotes on the quotations page of my website is this:
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.
“As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma–which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Steve Jobs, Apple CEO
May he rest in peace.
I agree, I am a maccie from way back and bought an emac back in 2004 and used it every day for 7 years until the charms of a new imac became too much to resist. Apple gear are so reliable and easyto use I just wonder why the dark side continue to bother. These are not tools but loved extensions of me!
I am most grateful for the invention of the ipod I wore my first one out and my second is till going strong, it has enabled me to download thousands of hours of the best material from gifted or enlightened speakers and connect to a wider world we could not have previously conceived.
“loved extensions of me!” I couldn’t agree with you more.
For me, this article was not as much about Mac vs. PC but more about a leader/company who seeks to understand what their customers want and gives them that solution or outcome. In the case of Jobs, he had the capacity to anticipate his customers needs before they knew what they were and as a result, revolutionized the information/entertainment platforms and our use and consumption of them. So regardless of who’s camp you belong to or even if you own an Apple product, the world is changed because of Steve Jobs and Apple.
thank you for a great post about an amazing man!!
Hi Greg and his readers,
Thanks for your timely wisdom and desire to share your unique perspective on the life and times of Steve Jobs and to succinctly state what you believe to be his greatest contribution (to you personally), and, in extrapolation, ultimately to us all. I agree completely with your insightful comments and I would also encourage everyone to view Steve’s commencement address to the graduating class of Stanford University (Palo Alto CA) in 2005. His address is one of the most inspiring speeches that I have ever heard about a life well lived – one of passion, integrity, curiosity, innovation, risk (personal & professional), challenge, joy and ultimately, of triumph. Steve, in my estimation, was a example of the very best of the human spirit in action, driven by the desire, smarts (street-wise for sure), savvy and just plain gutsy-ness, to try to design, develop and offer solutions for “innovation, simplicty, and connecting with those we care about”.)
Cheers,
Michelle (Vancouver BC Canada)
Beautiful words Greg! I agree. He´ll be missed.
Thank you also, because you want to make this world a better place aswell.
Only way to make a difference is through other peoples minds.
My favorite part is that Steve Jobs created all the things that you mentioned after being invited to leave Apple. To most of us, that means he got fired. Yet because he followed his heart and continued to believe in himself in spite of what those around him were saying at the time, he did go on to change the world and make life easier for all of us. There are many leadership and live lessons here for all of us. He will be missed.
Here is one other slant on Steve Jobs’ contribution: he showed all of us (or at least to those who are willing to listen, pay attention, follow and improve) that GREAT things that are appealing, easy to use, impactful are so because of the DETAILS, the QUALITY and the APPEAL (read: right/left brain balance) someone injected into them. Jobs was a Master of Details, Quality and Appeal. He taught us that while one can be successful without some or all of these (see Microsoft), one can be even more impactful on a wider scale and longer time with such qualities. Steve Jobs was a Master of Long-Term vision!
Very nice article, Greg. Very well done tribute, informative, interesting, and entertaining. Now I not only want an Ipad, an Iphone (which I already wanted since I’ve seen my brother-in-law use them with such great ease!) but I also want a Mac. I used Macs years ago when they had (way before pc had any) some of the best graphics applications I’ve ever seen. Like you, don’t know why I didn’t convert from the world of tortured pc issues to the simple mac years ago.
Blessings for such a nice tribute to such an amazing man!
Steve Jobs did a good job and God did a great job by creating Job and giving Job a job so magnificent job to change the world single-handedly. .
Great post Greg. I too just switched to a Mac and love it as well. I have always been a fan of Steve Jobs…he will be missed by the WORLD!
I was anti-Mac for many years as well. But after getting sick of problems with numerous PCs I decided to buy an iMac for use at home. We purchased it around mid-December and by the end of Christmas holidays I had my entire business moved over to the Mac and my old PC became the new “home” computer. My wife wasn’t too impressed.. lol. But you’re right Greg. They have made something simple. It just works. It eliminates the frustrations we’ve grown to live with.
Once you go Mac, you never go back!
Keep up the great posts Greg. Cheers.
Love the article, Love the Man, Loving all the Products.. Steve Jobs will always be my hero & inspiration.. RIP Steve Jobs: http://ad27ar.com/
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children…to leave the world a better place…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo
Emerson
Dear Greg, thank you, and all the best to you, and all you love and need.
Drinka Mercep, Belgrade, Serbia
I think that we sometimes lose sight of the larger picture.
Apple has produced some good looking products, but at a large cost.
Outsourcing to iron-fisted dictatorships or hiring illegal immigrant labour, with the expressed intent of circumventing first-world labour protections and minimum wage laws is somehow justified by all of the iphone/ipad using consumers. Capitalism dictates wages, and if what a company is paying is not enough, then a company continues to do what it takes to make it attractive to workers; thus, added benefits and higher wages.
What we have presently is a race to the bottom, where we pay top dollar–Apple products have never been price sensitive–for cheaply made products, whereas the only people who reap the windfall are a concentration of Apple executives and stockholders. Unfortunately, not everyone has the means to be one or the other, and certainly an environment that puts a constant downward pressure on wages ensures that it will become increasingly out of reach.
To be fair, Apple is hardly the first or only corporation that puts profit above ethics; it’s pervasive in today’s global economy. Nonetheless, it doesn’t make it right.
Great article! Hits all the right points… Steve had a great effect on everyone even those who don’t know it. I too bought my first Mac after my iPhone and will never look in a Microsoft PC’s direction again. Once you go Mac you’ll never go back…
I’m glad that the Mac has a option to use Windows 7 with Bootcamp. I still have a few programs that I need to use on Windows. I don’t have to take two laptop computers with me, just one, The Mac. I hope these programs will change in the future so I only use the Mac.
Most people have computer envy.
Nice article. You probably should have run it through spell check though.
Hi Greg,
It’s interesting that you were frustrated as a PC user and believe me I suffered the same issues and probably more. The dreaded blue screen era. However I think Microsoft has finally started to improve, even though it may be late for their image. Windows 7 makes the other operating systems look alien, and it actually works. As far as the ipad goes, I disagree with you on this one. I didn’t buy the hype around the ipad and bought a chinese version (with many more practical features.. usb port, mini sdcard port, google android (with loads of free software)
and paid a QUARTER of the price of an ipad. Even with this I believe we live in the era of the shiny object and people just need gadgets to play with for a while, until they get bored. One day we will look back a say, “do you remember those ipad things and laugh” Maybe I’m wrong but I believe that Apple is company that has mastered “Marketing Hype” more than anything and I’m sticking with my battered laptop and chinese tablet pc for now!
The response to this has been interesting, and while I don’t think we can argue the popularity of the platform, there’s a lot to be said about Steve Jobs, the man.
He wasn’t a good person. I stumbled on the below, which I think is a good read for all involved:
http://gawker.com/5847344/what-everyone-is-too-polite-to-say-about-steve-jobs
Unethical business person.
Great stuff Greg.
The majority of top level entrepreneurs that I’ve worked with have had the exceptional ability to not only identify needs in the marketplace, but then execute those needs. The old advice of identify a market, find market demand, execute and fill the need will always hold true.
However, what Jobs would do was pretty exceptional.
Sure, he identified gaps and was able to fill them, but he’s been on record as saying “sometimes you need to show the customer what they want.”
That right there is often the way most business owners go about it, and fail as a result. Typically the easiest path is “give them what they want, then tell them what they need”.
Jobs however, was able to use such beautiful branding and marketing to get his vision across in such a way that it became other peoples vision.
Great to see others in the great white north giving good content out, Greg.
Thanks,
Chad Hamzeh (also in Calgary)
http://www.chadhamzeh.com
As a classic PC user I was always tempting for apple products. Never understand my friends which bought iphone and after 3 months they gave this away. Now I bought my own ipod Touch and I have in all “Apple myth” very clear. I never will be iSheep. Lot of things which Steve Jobs said are not correct. Apple is just different but not easier….
What I actually find amusing is that ever since Steve died, nothing has been working (or at least Apple seems to have quite the set of issues keeping things working).
I would suggest that a true measure of the success of an entrepreneur would be how things are running without the man at the helm. I am thinking that this is a good example, of how NOT to run a company quite frankly.