(Photo by Cain and Todd Benson)
Steve Jobs stepped down yesterday as Apple’s CEO. This is a big deal for Apple, which saw tremendous growth and became one of the world’s largest companies with Jobs’ leadership. He will remain Chairman of the Board, but drop his duties as CEO due to his health. Jobs has been dealing with pancreatic cancer for years.
Jobs stands out as one of the most innovative leaders of our generation. Reportedly a fiery manager at times, his vision and insight into the possibilities of technology is his legacy. Apple, with fewer than 20 core products, has managed to garner about $100 billion in sales over the past 12 months.
How can you apply Steve Jobs’ innovation practices to your firm?
Big Think has broken down the key principles of market domination that Apple used to rise to the top.
Differentiation focuses on standing for something, which makes you stand out. Apple focused on its vision of a computer for everyone, which required simplicity of use. Perfect for education. When you get it right, your ideal prospects will experience love at first sight. You capture their hearts.
Innovation focuses on the product, service, and experience that customers buy. When you innovate around your offerings and create a unique experience for your customers, they are captivated. Apple’s products look different, they’re packaged differently, and they are incredibly easy to use. When you get it right, your ideal prospects will say, “Wow!” You capture their minds.
Communication focuses on the way that you communicate your message to your customers. Steve Jobs is a master communicator, and learned to communicate from the heart first – starting with WHY Apple does things, then getting into WHAT they sell. Simon Sinek calls this the Golden Circle. Apple starts with their desire to challenge the status quo, to create easy to use and beautifully designed products, and then tells what they’re selling. When you get it right, you drive ideal prospects to action. You capture their wallets.