Friday, September 10, 2010

What are the factors that contributed the success and failure of Steve Jobs as a Technopreneur?



As a technoprenuer knowing the quality on how to become a good, evident, and successful technoprenuer, I can identify what made Steve Jobs lose everything he had invested by his characteristics. Yes, Steve Jobs was a brilliant businessman with the skills of a genius. No wonder why it attracts venture capitalist to invest and be a partner to his business and gained success with great acknowledgements. He had the guts and started a business with his friends, and they were all employees at that time. With Steve’s persistence, brought the small business to be famous and interesting by exposing and introducing the invention to people. Time came that it became famous and investors flooded to invest on it. The business grew as how he wished it to be, and now he is the employer who opens windows for employees with his high demanding standards. And the number of employees increased because of the great privilege Steve’s give.
All of this happened because of his huge ambition and his being not contented to just live with satisfaction with what you will have but to live with satisfaction with what you can have. He acquires the confidence and guts to deal with people and share with them that this will seize the history of all technologies. Self-confidence can be stress on the way he dress himself is far beyond that of a CEO image. The confidence in him leaves no room for questioning if a CEO should appear in public with jeans. Another factor contributed to his success is his being hard worker and it was shown clearly on the movie. His leadership motives can be considered to, deducing from what was just said above, be assumed to be a personalized power motive. Being determined was another factor for a businessman to pursue the business all the way till the end. Time came that everything went over, every traits he had was too much and I believe that too much of everything is not good anymore. Yes he is a good leader to his employees because his leadership made the company progressive, in his way. But it was not a good impression of him as a leader because he was not a leader must be but a dictator already. Steve Jobs is demanding both towards himself and towards his employees. His deadlines often seem impossible to meet, but is constantly moving, moving towards improvement in all spheres of his work. And it was already a picture of a master and a slave. That makes a really big difference on what a leader is because if you are a true leader, your follower will follow you on his own will not the leaders will. If we will talk about trustworthiness, he’s probably low at it, if the mentioned secrecy he exhibits in dealing with the world outside the company is in any way a reflection of how he deals with flow of information within the company.

Steve Jobs can be depicted as transformational as a leader. He has transformed Pixar into a success story. However, he appears to lack humane qualities of a transformational leader, namely: emotional intelligence, personal encouragement, building trust (Apple is famous for its secrecy, even admitted by Jobs himself: “it is generally not Apple’s policy to trumpet our plans for the future; we tend to talk about the things we have just accomplished).

Here are some adjectives that best describe or depicts Steve Jobs’ attitude towards his employees which is also considered as a factor of his failure on his career.

Manipulative Perfectionist Dishonest Boorish Rude

Authoritative Obnoxious Demanding Opportunist

Often impossible to meet Lacks humane qualities

In his failure, he really forgot on how to look down on where he came from. He actually forgot his past and move-on to a new life. I believe that karma was on him when he didn't claim his wife and his daughter to be his family. And after Steve Jobs stole the product from XEROX, which is called mouse, which made him become the powerful and the leading technology-based businessman in the society in that time. Karma came again when it is stolen by Bill Gates which made Steve Jobs lose his career and was bestowed down from his thrown. Well it is the term KARMA about the cycle of cause and effect because it involves what happens to a person, happens because they caused it through with their actions. Maybe it is just a punishment or reward. I think it just makes people feel responsible about their life and how they treat others. And what's even worst is that he give bad mouths to other people he sees especially when someone is applying to his company. He does pranks and make jokes in no place that can already hurt other people’s being human, he treats people the way he wants to. Where he can play with it whenever he wants to and pinch it after he's not into it anymore. He was really insane when he reasoned the fighting of the two sectors of the company, the apple and the macintosh team for them to be molded according to his will. He already failed on this part of molding because he must not the one to change people, no one but God only. That's a damn thing he does to people, and even his very close friend, Woz, he didn't care about Woz because all he cares about his himself. Also Steve Jobs was a liar, he did lie to the public that he doesn't have an affair to his girlfriend and he didn't own the baby. He actually lied to many people and take advantage in every bit of it, he did also make used of other inventions like the "mouse" thingy, he did bought it and develop it and sell it in a higher price, well, he can actually sell it easily because of his name, name really matters and fame also does too in short, he is an opportunist.

Success and failure are both part of growth of a business. The only way it could be attain is your choices and decisions. You always have a choice so choose what’s best for you, and for the people around you
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How do you see yourself as a Technopreneur?



To be a technoprenuer is not as easy as what others might think of about it.
As I understand it, technopreneurship is somewhat similar to entrepreneurship. The only difference is that technopreneurship is either involved in delivering an innovative hi-tech product or makes use of hi-tech in an innovative way of dealing business and making it grow, or both. A technopreneur is an entrepreneur who is technology oriented, typically creative, innovative, dynamic, dares to be different and take the unexplored path, and passionate. Ready to take challenges and strive to lead their life to greater success. Fear is not a hindrance if failure comes. They take failure as a learning experience, a stimulator to look things differently and stride for next challenge. Technoprenuers continuously go through an organic process of continual improvement and always try to redefine the dynamic digital economy.

Technology and entrepreneurial skills are driving many economies to prosperity. The most famous of them all is, Bill Gates, who made Microsoft a household name all over the world. And Steve Jobs, well known for his innovations.

Technopreneurship is not a product but a process of synthesis in engineering the future of a person, an organization, a nation and the world. In a digital, knowledge based society, strategic directions or decision-making processes will be demanding and complex. This requires tertiary level and professional development programs and training to produce strategic thinkers who will have the skills to succeed in a dynamically changing global environment. Traditional educational programs, however, lack the methodology to transform today's students into creative, innovative, visionary global leaders who understand the importance of technopreneurship.
Honestly, I still do not have the experience and the keen knowledge in technopreneurship. But what I do have is a little imagery of an entrepreneur and entreprenourship. One summer I tried to engage and apply in some business and it was a good experience even though I do not know how and where I am going to spend the money that I have earned.
I will share some ideas on how and what to do for you to be able to become a successful technopreneur. The secrets to success lie in three key factors which businesses that last always observe. First, the business needs a real entrepreneur at its helm. A real entrepreneur is someone who has the ability to create a clear vision, effectively communicate that vision to other people like for example employees, investors and shareholders, customers, and pursue it relentlessly. It is not a matter of having the academic or technical skills or experience working in a business environment (so that is why Steve Jobs and Bill Gates manage to become a successful technopreneur).
For example just because you can bake a great pie does not necessarily mean that you should open a pie shop. You see, the product of the entrepreneur is not really the pie. Lots of people can bake great pies but the business itself. In other words, to make it easier, it is not about the secret pie recipe but the business strategy that will get the pie efficiently produced and distributed. That is why it is not important to have clear objectives and a clear strategy, and not just a good idea for a product or service.
The next factor to consider is when to start the business. I do not believe that there is ever a bad time to start a business. But you must carefully consider prevailing business conditions in order to position your product or service properly and increase your chances of succeeding. We call this taking advantage of the “wave”. A “wave” is a movement or trend that sweeps businesses in a common direction.
An example is the global upsurge in demand for outsourced services. I believe all great successes in business are the product of recognizing a wave before it hits. This is what some people call strategic insight. Strategic insight provides the advantages of being first to market, time to attract necessary resources, and the luxury of making mistakes.
Finally, I would suggest that technopreneurs must stay committed to their vision. This is really the hard part because things won’t always go smoothly according to plans and projections. The reality is there will be moments when you might not be hitting your margins or you have to sacrifice your own salary to be able to pay your employees. But as long as the business is making a profit, stick it out. What differentiates a successful businessman from an unsuccessful one is that the successful business is still at it after five years because it endured tough times.
The task that technopreneurs must face when starting up, developing and managing a new business are enormous. The technopreneur often finds it difficult to fulfill all the necessary management roles effectively. I may be skilled and effective in design, research and development, production and selling but may lack the experience in business administration, including financial matters.
Before I start a technological business, I have to assess my understanding of the business as well as my readiness and ability to manage the proposed venture. It is important that I must possess the following:

* some previous work experience or skills appropriate to my business.
* Sufficient knowledge of my products/service and the market for it.
* Must understand deeply the relationship between product knowledge of technological goods and the disciplines of marketing, production, finance and administration.
For now, the hardest part of starting a business is coming up with a business idea, whether a small business is a part-time one person operation run out of someone’s home or a multi-million dollar company with dozen of employees.
For instance, you want to work in a particular field but do not know what you might do specifically. Or maybe all you know is that you want to start a business, but you are on the lookout for a business idea that inspires you.
In my case, I am still a college student. In an employee’s mindset, the first thing that will really come out in his mind will be working for someone else, or shall we say summer job. But for an employer’s mindset, it will be different. Why not start your business instead of working for someone else? Why not be the employer than to be an employee. Besides accomplishing the main objective of making money over the summer, when you start your own business you’ll have the satisfaction of being your own boss and of creating something yourself. Another great advantage of starting your own business is that you will not have to waste time looking for a summer job, simply because you already have one.
When it comes to choosing a small business idea for summer job replacement, there are two approaches that I have to take. I will plan to start a seasonal business that I can pack up and close down at the end of the summer when I go back to school, or I can choose a business that allows me to continue running the business ( on a reduced scale) throughout the year. Now here are some of the best business ideas for us students
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Would you take the same career path that Steve Jobs took? Why or why not?


Looking at his walk into success, Steve Jobs’ career path is not that easy to follow. He is really a brilliant man with the perfect guts. If he wanted to be successful in a business and earn a lot of money on it, I want it too. The question is, on what career and which path I must take? It’s a matter of a great choice and decision. Also it’s a matter of self mastery to know what really your passion is and your hearts desires. It would help you through out as you progress.
I believe that some would not consider Jobs anymore as a good businessman but for me he is in terms of his mindset, the way he thinks, when it comes on how to manage a progressive business. Honestly, at first, I haven’t imagined yet my status on the very future and how will I make my life rest assured of the things I want to have. Till I was inspired when I watched this movie, during those serendipity walks I realize that I must decide for myself, right those moments that I would plan for my future income source and dream big. And I was thinking that I must choose what really the best career is for me, and I would prefer for now to be a technoprenuer. So that would mean that the career I have chosen is similar to Steve Jobs’. Technopreneurship is a very good career and it may serve as an opportunity to those who are not satisfied with their jobs as an employee. To those who have graduated but unfortunately doesn’t have the job or shall we say unemployed. This will surely help our country especially now that we are facing an economical crisis. Let us refrain from whining and blaming the politicians for what had happened to your life. Stand up! And follow your dreams. Put your dreams into actions and be passionate with it. Who knows? you might be the Filipino version of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Jobs’ is an open-minded person and has the natural ability to put new twist on old techniques. This was one of the key distinguishing factors between Jobs and his competitors. Jobs’ vision was integrated into every aspect of the company’s strategy. If you dreamed of changing the world, then Jobs was out to prove any way he could that you needed and Apple computer to do it.
But the path he was through isn’t the path I would follow on because I think it would be better if all those negative traits Steve Jobs acquires were the opposite traits. In that instance, everything might go with the flow of success. Actually, Steve Jobs really don’t know what he was doing in his life. He was just a college dropout; many gave up on him and had little faith in his abilities. But what I really admire about him is that he never gives up on himself. He still continued to pursue the opportunity that he found interesting, trusting that in the end it would be more meaningful and even perhaps useful, not only for himself but also for the others. Jobs soon learned that all in his life, even the most terrible things, seem to happen for a cause and he is now able to place a certain amount of faith in the uncontrollable. I must always remember that before achieving the true essence of success there may come many failures and disappointments. By remembering this, it will surely help me to be open-minded and have faith in myself that one day I will overcome all these breakdowns and distress and will savor the success.
The next thing to ponder is to understand the market for my technology is one of the first things that I should look at when I am deciding to launch a tech venture. I have to work on my business plan. Things like what is my market, my supplier strategy, my plan to get capital, my plan to hire local developers, and most important of all, how to bag some sales.
I am still a beginner in this field so I will definitely need a mentor who can guide all my decisions. Some of the most successful technology companies in the world began because their founders were able to find good mentors. Just like Steve Jobs and Steven Wozniak who are being mentored by Mark Markkula and ex-Intel executive. In addition, the people whom I trust might be able to tell whether a particular person can help my venture or not. Also, people around you can tell what are things about you that is turning negative.

If ever my product clicks, I should have technology plans for the future products. Obviously, having just a one product for the company will not really help in the future. Even if it is not complete at the beginning, I must have a written plan that I can revisit every so often. I must constantly recheck my assumptions, and the courses of action that my plan to take.
I must be ready always. Opportunity only knocks once, but we don’t know exactly when so we’ll make use out of it if it comes.

How does following Steve Jobs path affect other people? If one day my technology will become a hit, I will be able to make it bigger, which requires more employees. Therefore I can give opportunities to those people especially those who are unemployed.

What are the benefits of following Steve Jobs track?
Honestly, there is no secure paycheck and I can’t really talk about the benefits yet. But one thing is for sure if you do, you will start becoming a technoprenuer.

Woz’s career path can be considered acceptable to be followed. Woz was the very right hand of Steve jobs, a very patient man enough to manage Steve jobs’ anger, like Bill Gates who was just listening while Steve Jobs is yelling at him. Because I believe that patience is a virtue.

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