Steve Jobs, an entrepreneur who changed the world
Profile of an Entreprenur - Steve Jobs
How some entrepreneurs change people lives.
A personal story by Daniel Morales, MBA
I recently read on the news that Steve Jobs, founder of Apple Computer and Pixar Studios is taking a leave of absence to recover from complications of pancreatic cancer. It is rumored that his prognosis is not that good and that the inevitable may soon come to pass. Let’s pray for his recovery and celebrate his life.
Steve is a true entrepreneur. He changed people lives and the world as we now know. He certainly changed my life. As I was entering college in 1977 to study my engineering degree, we were still using the IBM-370 mainframe machines and programming by punching cards and going through the card reading machines. It was quite a ritual.
Within a couple of years, we heard about a new machine called the Apple Computer. We went to the US side of the border and somehow managed to purchase one and got it through customs in Mexico. Since then, I have been in the forefront of computers and technology. It was so exciting to be part of the new computer revolution.
In 1982 I started two companies, one in Texas, the other in Mexico. I was purchasing computers and accessories in the US, exporting them to Mexico and reselling then to small business and individuals. I sold those companies in 1985 to come to the US to pursue my MBA at UCLA. Apple IIC and Apple IIE were our best selling products.
A few years later, I started an internet company in 1999 that eventually merged with MandrakeSoft, a French linux software company. Once we raised $25M in funds from two venture capitalists we secured a stronger management team. I had the opportunity of working with people who have worked directly under Steve Jobs. The stories and experiences they told me about him were awesome. He had so much energy and charisma that he needed several assistants just to keep up with him.
Take a look at this video and get a feel for his passion, vision and the energy back in 1983. This was the first introduction of the Apple Macintosh Computer. The now famous '1984' commercial that aired only once at the SuperBowl game in 1984 and became a legend.
Steve Jobs is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our generation. His success story is legendary. Put up for adoption at an early age, dropped out of college after 6 months, slept on friends’ floors, returned coke bottles for 5 cent deposits to buy food, then went on to start Apple Computer and Pixar Animation Studios.
Here are the 12 Rules of Success of Steve Jobs as he shares them at the 2005 Stanford University Commencement Graduation Ceremony in Palo Alto, California. The video below from the event is worth watching several times.
1. Do what you love to do. Find your true passion. Do what you love to do a make a difference!
2. Be different. Think different. Act different!.
3. Do your best. Do your best at every job. Hire good people with passion for excellence.
4. Make SWOT analysis. Make a list of strengths and weaknesses of yourself and your company on a piece of paper. Get rid of bad people.
5. Be entrepreneurial. Look for the next big thing. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
6. Start small, think big. Take a handful of simple things to begin with, and then progress to more complex ones.
7. Strive to become a market leader. Be the first, and make it an industry standard.
8. Focus on the outcome. Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.
9. Ask for feedback. Ask for feedback from people with diverse backgrounds. Focus on those who will use your product, listen to your customers first.
10. Innovate. Innovation distinguishes a leader from a follower. Concentrate on really important creations and radical innovations. Hire people who want to make the best things in the world.
11. Learn from failures. Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and move on.
12. Learn continually. Cross-pollinate ideas with others both within and outside your company. Learn from customers, competitors and partners. Learn to criticize your enemies openly, but honestly.
Now watch this video. Its message is priceless!..
That was a message both moving and inspiring!.... Lets celebrate the life of Steve Jobs, a true entrepreneur who inspired millions and changed our world. Clicking Here to send me your comments
© 2009 - Daniel Morales is currently Director for the San Gabriel Valley SBDC Small Business Development Center, Hosted by Mt. San Antonio College in Los Angeles, California. You can contact him at the SGV SBDC by Clicking Here
02/09/2009 08:20 AM - 6947 - 02/07/2009 06:46 PM |
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