Imagine being asked about the most clever thing you’ve seen in the business world. Let me share some cool examples I’ve heard about:
Take Slack, for instance. It started out as a company named Tiny Speck with a mission to create a video game called Glitch. But around 2012, the team realized Glitch wasn’t hitting the jackpot, so they had to think fast. While crafting the game, they had whipped up an internal chat tool, which, surprise, turned into Slack! Figuring their game wasn’t the next big thing, they wondered if folks might dig a solid team communication platform instead. And guess what? They absolutely did. Talk about a game-changer, no pun intended.
Then, there’s the story of the iPhone and how it became way more than just a phone. When Apple opened up the App Store in 2008, they basically put a universe of possibilities into our pockets. They invited developers to create and sell their own apps, which was a total masterstroke. The result? An explosion of apps for just about anything you can imagine, making the App Store a household name.
Netflix’s dive into interactive content is another stroke of genius I can’t help but admire. Back when streaming services were in a cutthroat race, Netflix dropped interactive stories, letting viewers steer the plot. Starting with that one episode of Black Mirror, this move sparked a frenzy, making Netflix stand out big time.
How about when Disney decided to surf the streaming wave with its very own service? They pulled out all the stops, bringing a treasure trove of classics and blockbusters from Marvel and Star Wars, and just like that, they had a throng of subscribers. This wasn’t just about getting views; it was about owning the whole content scene and taking a lion’s share of the market.
Ever heard of the Tesla Cyberwhistle? That’s a quirky example of Elon Musk’s clever moves. It wasn’t just about selling this fun collectible; it was about creating a buzz, bonding with Tesla enthusiasts, and giving the brand a cool edge. These gizmos are cheap to produce but can fetch a hefty price tag, and that’s smart business with a side of fun.
And who can forget Apple’s bold leap into retail? In 2001, Apple went where no computer maker had before — opening their own stores when everyone else thought it was a bad idea. They envisioned a place where the brand’s magic was presented exactly as intended, delivering an unmatched customer experience. Fast forward, and Apple Stores are raking in more cash per square foot than any other retailer, turning shopping into an Apple extravaganza.
Lastly, being smart in business doesn’t always mean being fancy. There’s this guy I know who was running a successful one-man show but was stretched too thin. Taking the straightforward road, he partnered with a mid-sized company that had the right tools to complement his. He ended up selling his business, reduced his stress, and saw his product grow beyond what he’d ever imagined. Sometimes, the most effective moves are the simplest ones — find an issue and tackle it head-on.
