What I Learned From Steve Jobs

Believe or it, I am a Google/Droid user and have never owned an Apple product.  I did get an iPod a few years back from my wife, but I don't own an iPhone, an iPad or subscribe to the iCloud.  Even so, I am very impressed with Apple.  They got it right, one mobile operating system on one device.  The only difference in devices is the amount of memory and the wireless speed you can configured.  Apple also is very efficient when it comes to R&D and spends six times less on development than the former number one mobile provider based in Finland.  Apple is also the #1 consumer brand in the world and is one of the most popular companies to work for in the world.    Apple was also run by a college drop-out, former orphan, and twice-fired leader whom we unfortunately lost too soon, Mr. Steve Jobs.

Stay Hungry, Stay foolish.

I think those four words together is one of the most powerful quotes perhaps ever.  What it means to me is to always have an urgency in whatever you do and never ever quit.  It also means that it is OK to make mistakes, ask stupid questions, but more importantly, learn from your mistakes and stupid questions.  Some of the most successful professionals in the world have made some big mistakes and came back stronger than ever.  Think Donald Trump.  Steve Jobs also gave hope to anyone that did not get that fat degree from an Ivy League school, that by staying hungry and staying foolish, you can be as successful as you want to be.  I personally know some colleagues with masters degrees and a lot of debt that are going through hard times.  They may have played it safe and rested on their past accomplishments.  All the while, there were college drop-outs all around us making a difference, like Steve Jobs did.

I have personally gone through two layoffs in the past three years and have been in process of building my social media and health/wellness business.   Building a business is very difficult.  You have to constantly network to build a referral base, you have to work long hours to make that extra sale, and most of all you make a lot of mistakes along the way.    After hearing what Steve Jobs has gone through, I now feel that I can never give up on my businesses, that I need to stay hungry and make a foolish mistake now and then.  The end result will be the most rewarding.

So stay hungry, stay foolish.  I will.