I’m an Apple fanboy and believe there are essential lessons that were deployed by Steve Jobs and the amazingly talented people he had working for him. Two lessons stand out for me:
- Marketing the potential for using your products or using your services is more powerful when marketing than the features you’ve developed. Apple marketing inspired its prospects and customers, not just informed them.
- Elegant and simple design isn’t just critical for easy operability and customer satisfaction; it’s a catalyst for WOM and FOMO marketing. One simple example was the launch of white earbuds, purposely done (and marketed) to stand out amongst all competitors.
I shared my thoughts about Steve Jobs’s death, but this infographic on his life and work was too good to share. I’d also highly recommend Walter Isaacson’s book on his life and work.
Lesser Known Facts About Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs is synonymous with revolutionary technology and the iconic Apple brand. While he was celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to the tech world, there’s more to this visionary than what’s commonly known. This article delves into the lesser-known facts about Steve Jobs, providing a unique glimpse into the life of a man who changed the face of technology.
Steve Jobs: Early Life and Education
- Adoption and Early Interest in Electronics: Born in 1955, Jobs was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs. His interest in electronics sparked early, largely influenced by his father, who was a machinist and loved to work on electronics in their garage.
- College Dropout: Jobs enrolled at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, but dropped out after just one semester. Despite dropping out, he continued to audit classes, including a calligraphy course that later influenced Apple’s distinctive typography.
Steve Jobs: The Birth of Apple
- Apple’s Humble Beginnings: Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computer in 1976 in Jobs’ parents’ garage. They started with the Apple I, a computer designed and built by Wozniak.
- Apple’s Name: Apple was chosen because Jobs liked the fruit and thought the name sounded fun, spirited, and not intimidating.
Steve Jobs: Innovations and Leadership
- A Visionary with a Temper: Known for his visionary approach, Jobs was also famous for his temperamental nature. His high standards often led to heated exchanges with colleagues.
- Pixar and Disney: Beyond Apple, Jobs purchased an animation company from George Lucas in 1986, which later became Pixar Animation Studios. Pixar’s partnership with Disney revolutionized animation in films.
Steve Jobs: Personal Life and Philosophy
- Vegan and Experimentation with Diet: Jobs was a vegan for most of his life, often experimenting with extreme diets. He believed that his vegan diet helped him eliminate the need for deodorant.
- Buddhism and Simplicity: Zen Buddhism profoundly influenced him, which shaped his minimalist and simplistic design philosophy, which is evident in Apple products.
Steve Jobs: Philanthropy and Leadership
- Philanthropy in Secret: Jobs was known to have privately contributed to various charitable causes. He believed in doing philanthropy quietly and did not publicize his donations.
- Innovator and a Tough Boss: While heralded as a great innovator, Jobs was also criticized for being tough. His demanding nature was both praised for driving innovation and criticized for creating a high-pressure work environment.
Steve Jobs: Reflection on Life
In his later years, particularly after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, Steve Jobs reflected on his life and success. In a poignant moment, he expressed:
I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes, my life is an epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to.
Steve Jobs
This quote captures the essence of his realization that, despite his monumental success, there was a personal price he paid, highlighting the often-overlooked human side of a tech icon. This has inspired me in my personal life to cherish and spend more time with my family and friends.
Steve Jobs’ life blended brilliance, innovation, complexity, and introspection. His lesser-known facts and personal reflections provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the Apple phenomenon, reminding us that behind every successful figure lies many untold stories and personal sacrifices.
Related Martech Zone Content
