iPod

There is no doubt that Apple “got it right” with the iPod. Looking around the bookstore café, while I write, there are about 30 people, almost half of which are listening to an iPod. In Austin, where I live, this is probably even on the low side for a typical gathering of people. There is no doubt that Steve Jobs, the product manager - Danika Cleary, the designers - under Jonathan Ive, the engineers -under Tony Fadell and the factory workers at Apple have all profited by this inspired product. Apple nailed it.

As rare is this success is, that isn’t enough. I believe that your future relies on not just matching the monetary success of the iPod that Apple enjoyed but absolutely rocking everything in your wake like the iPod has. What really set the iPod and Apple as the new standard is how they inspired consumers and a myriad of accessories, add-ons, stylized copies and pulled through profit for iTunes, competitors and more. Sure, Apple will get licensing fees from some of these accessories and add-ons but for the most part, they’ve indirectly created wealth for thousands through new product lines for speaker manufacturers, new small businesses, spawning of entrepreneurs making custom crafted leather holders, diamond studded slips and what ever else can inspire an individual or company to think of next.

Back to my visit to Borders - a quick walk around the store and I count seventeen (17) iPod accessories for sale in the bookstore. That is a small inventory compared to Target, Best Buy and others. When you get a coffee shop to carry items for the product you’ve made – and it isn’t a coffee maker, then you’ve nailed it!

Sources: Wikipedia