Competing With Yourself

Greetings.  Amid all of the excitement about the new iPhone 5, it is interesting to think about the creation of the original iPhone.  Launched in 2007, it became one of the most remarkably successful technology products in history–with each new version setting sales records that dazzle the imagination.  In fact, within an hour of taking orders, Apple announced that it had sold out its initial inventory of the iPhone 5.

But an even more fascinating story involves the logic behind creating this product.  A logic that was driven in large part by the desire to create an offering that would "kill" its equally impressive and successful iPod before any of Apple's competitors did.  Because it was clear to the team at Apple that someone was going to figure out how to combine a music and content player with a smartphone.     

To learn more, click here to read Farhad Manjoo's article which appeared earlier this week in Slate and was reprinted in Sunday's edition of the Washington Post. Then think about whether it is time to reinvent your offerings or even your entire business in a bold and compelling way–before someone else does.  Because that might be the only way to survive and prosper.

We win in business and in life when we anticipate the need to change. And when we do it brilliantly before anyone else.

Cheers and have an inventive week ahead!