The world lost an incredibly important human being this week, Apple CEO, Steve Jobs (1955-2011).
The unassuming nerdy guy sporting his wire frames and simple black turtleneck made development code cool. His earnest presentation style wasn't particularly inspiring; however, his mind and ideas were. Whatever he created, in turn, created hope. And jobs. And pride. It had been a long time since Americans could claim products invented in our own country that are so influential on such a global level.
When an inventor passes, the world can feel like a really scary place. We immediately panic. Who will come up with the next big ideas? How can we maintain what that special person provided us? Simply improving upon existing great ideas does not satisfy the insatiable hunger we have developed for new, life-changing technology. Nothing illustrates this better than Tuesday's luke warm reception of the 4S phone; ironically just one day before Jobs death.
Jobs has left giant shoes to fill and ones that we hopefully won't try too hard to replicate - but instead, think beyond. Think even bigger. Have the audacity to even think, dare I say it, think better.
Apple has replaced Jobs in the sense that there is another person who sits in a certain office, holds a certain seat on a board, is responsible and accountable for certain things that he use to do, but no one is going to be Steve Jobs, except Steve Jobs.
But what we can do is learn from the man who has changed our lives so remarkably. We can be smart and take a smart man's advice. And we can look to ourselves for big ideas. And for that reason - I send a letter to the universe to remember a few things about finding special talent, like the kind Steve Jobs had. And really the answer is, we all have a little Jobs genius in us. Maybe if we all think a little more like him, we can all be a little more like him.
1) Innovation is not likely found in a Board Room. Big ideas aren't always innovative. And people at the top tend to say the same things. They have to. It's echoey up there.
2) The best ideas don't necessarily grow only at the most prestigious universities. Really smart people often create their own education, quilting together experiences and researching the things they are most passionate about. All of us can open a book. Take a class. Be curious. Ask questions.
3) The best ideas often come from the biggest mistakes. Your customers know what those are - TALK to them. Mistakes, fails, misfires - these are all just masked opportunities. They aren't something to be "dealt" with, they are something to leverage for growth.
4) People who make and service products understand their nuances and limitations far better than anyone else. Be sure to nurture those people and provide them with outlets for their ideas.
5) Young people, especially in our Jobs created "iWorld" are brimming with big thoughts and opinions. If reeled in, they can provide our world with amazing things.
6) Passion = Hard Work that Doesn't Feel like Hard Work. Jobs himself has on several occasions made mention that if you love what you do, it shows in your work. In each of us there are great ideas. Don't think your dreams or hobbies are merely there to provide diversions from "real" work, they can be your life's passion.
7) Risk is not a bad word. Say it with me. RISK is NOT a bad word. It's not. It's a means to an end. Everything wonderful in life began by taking a risk. Weighing our ideas down with too many statistics and focus groups and politics just waters them down. It would be like Romeo & Juliet without the poison. The Rolling Stones without Mick Jagger. Apple without the iPhone.
8) Instead of looking around the world for what's wrong or what's missing - try looking at the things that make life great. Simply because it's a better use of your time. Positive thoughts create fertile soil for positive ideas.
9) Do something creative everyday. Even if you don't consider yourself an "artist" draw something. Paint something. Play an instrument. Decorate a cupcake. Put a little energy into being creative everyday - and you may start to look at things differently.
1o) Learn the art of saying YES. It's unbelievable what can happen.
Keep Clicking,
Michelle
Friday, October 7, 2011
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