"Many of the doubts about the iPhone are being conjured by Apple’s adversaries."
This was the comment of one writer when talking about the iPhone in its early days.
Here's what Steve Jobs had to say about the innuendo floating around about his and Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) newest product at the time: “The usual suspects will try to copy the [iPhone] hardware, and it will take them some time, and maybe they will and maybe they won’t be able to,” he said. “But the software is at least five years ahead of anything we’ve seen out there. And it’s really hard to do.”
This is a good example on how to fight the competition when they attempt to cast doubt on our new products or services we offer.
In the first part of his comment, he positions Apple as the industry leader in the minds of those reading and listening, by saying the "usual suspects will try to copy the hardware." Not only that though, he also makes them look completely like followers, and like those who have no ability to develop their own new products.
He then goes on to say they may not even be able to copy the iPhone correctly; meaning, not only can they not develop their own products, they struggle to be able to even reproduce what's already there.
Then the he talks down to competitors further by saying the software is really what's hard to do, and not only is it way ahead of its time, but probably impossible to copy.
Of course what Jobs is doing by saying these things is it's a waste of time to buy cell phones from other providers, because Apple is so far ahead of them that the phone you use wouldn't compare with the one Apple offers. In other words, the phone you buy is already obsolete.
The strategy by Jobs is a good one, and an example of how to position yourself with a new product that competitors attempt to cast doubt on or trash. So far it has worked pretty good for him and Apple.
Other Steve Jobs Resources:
You've got to find what you love
Steve Jobs, Business Personality
Steve Jobs' Greatest Presentation
Remember to Sign up for my feed!
Sponsored link: The outsourcing every manager requires - Tampa Locksmith
As long as Steve Jobs .... continues to love what he does, which is very obvious. But more important, what drives him is his loyalists at the company, where the blend is quite remarkable. The team creates not to compete, but for the love of what they do and create. And what measures Mr. Steve Jobs from his compeditors, is his will to please and as long as that is there, his march will continue and all will continue to follow to the sweet sound of his creations, as only he can do.
Posted by: Frank | May 16, 2008 3:25 PM | Permalink to Comment