I agree that change is inevitable. But there are ways to ensure that change does not kick you out of the business. Enterprises strive hard to master change and use it to their advantage. However, sometimes they fail like the examples you have mentioned.
Also, thanks for sharing the book. I haven't read it yet but will try my best to my hands on it.
I agree that these things take time. And I also agree with your basic point that consumer trends and tastes are fickle. You've also given some valid examples of firms failing to keep their momentum and thus losing their position in the market.
I would build on similar line and say that if firms keep bringing innovative products, concentrate on their target market and create a need for their product they will succeed. It can be Apple, Google or Microsoft for that matter.
My basic point is this-Consumer Trends and Tastes are fickle.
It won't take much for them to change again.
In case you have forgotten it was'nt very long ago when most Business Consumers were raving about RIM phones-Look where they are today!
Another case in point-AOL -American Online was the leading Web Portal for most North Americans for a decade at the beginnning of the Internet Boom,look where AOL is today.
My theory is based on Microsoft and Google delivering quality products at affordable prices(apple products are clearly unaffordable for most Global people today).
If they do fail then Apple(& Samsung) will Win by Default!
I over estimate the attachment to the brand 'Apple' because over the years I have seen examples where people flock to the stores, wait almost all night long to get their hands on a tablet. If there was no attachment to the brand I wonder what drove them to the Apple stores in those great numbers?
On the other hand, I would agree with you that consumers today are very technologically savvy and make educated purchases. So if a vendor doesn't provide the right features for the right price mix they might think of switching.
You over-estimate the attachment to the Brand known as "Apple";Consumers today Globally are extremely smart,aware and most importantly stretched for cash(too much uncertainty in job market and with Economic prospects).
If they can get the same product for 20%-30% less and with much better performance than what Apple delivers today,most will make the switch.
Already the success of the Samsung SIII phone has demonstrated that Consumers are not tied to just the Apple brand-They want good quality HIgh-performance phones.
This happened even earlier in the PC space in the 1980s.Apple had the first mover advantage but because Microsoft cut prices and delivered the same quality;Apple almost went Bankrupt!
One should not be surprised to see them under pressure once again as Microsoft and Google apply the pressure.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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