I wrote this blog post on 6th October 2011, after the passing of Steve Jobs, but never posted it. After watching the documentary “Steve Jobs: Billion Dollar Hippy” recently on ABC, I thought it was time to share my thoughts on the lessons Steve Jobs taught small business owners everywhere.
Thank You Steve Jobs, Written 6th October 2011
Today the business world lost a leader, an innovator, an inspiring human being and a remarkable talent. Like many others, I feel compelled to write this reflection on the impact Steve Jobs has had on business leaders, existing or aspiring in small business everywhere and the lessons that can take away from his life’s work. I am not a long time Apple devotee, in fact I am a late comer to the I-Volution. This is not about the outstanding products and technology, it’s about the individual behind the ideas and vision which made them possible. Most of us will never have the opportunity to lead an organisation that is as revolutionary, as successful or as purely awesome as Apple. So for those of us who continue to run small businesses, whether they may seem important, impactful, interesting or not, what lessons can we take from this reluctant corporate super star?
Conviction.
Whilst I didn’t know Steve Jobs personally, and never had the opportunity to see him present, what was painfully clear to me in what I read and the presentations I have watched is the courage of his conviction. He had ideas that people probably once thought were ludicrous, inconceivable and destined for failure, but he persevered and followed his passion. I think if most small business owners had nearly half of his conviction, they would be immeasurably better for it. Talk to your customers, intelligently, excitedly, but in lingo they get! I am no IT geek, but I get I-Lingo. When Steve Jobs spoke, he engaged his customers, and I don’t mean the long term followers, the cutting edge IT lovers or those that ‘must have’ all the current tech gadgets – I mean the masses. The guy didn’t revolutionise the way we listen to and buy music, work, communicate and function without having ‘the masses’ on board, energised and convinced.
Embody your brand.
Many may disagree, but Steve Jobs was Apple. He embodied, projected and communicated everything that brand has to offer. Let’s hope he taught those who learned from him how to do the same, so we can continue to see the brand and organisation develop.
Enthusiasm is contagious.
There is something I find mesmerising about watching and listening to clips of Steve Jobs discussing the latest Apple technology, and the wider technology and communications world. Not only did he ‘get it’ in a way many will never, but he clearly loved it, was excited by it and was enthusiastic about whatever he was discussing. His enthusiasm, whilst sometimes contained and understated was infectious – you just couldn’t help but want to know more! So to those small business owners everywhere, I encourage you, take just one of these lessons from this inspirational individual and implement it into your business, or life, today.
