Today, Steve Jobs has announced he is leaving Apple after probably the most successful stint as CEO in recent corporate history.
He has overseen the iPod, iPhone, iMac and iPad and many other products that have revolutionized the computer, mobile and entertainment industries. You might ask what has this got to do with real estate? Not a lot on the surface, but if you look at the simple mantra around his products we can all learn something.
- Looks: Everything released is of the utmost quality, both in store, package and product design. Many Real Estate Agents websites look like they were built in the late 1990’s. Quality interfaces leave a lasting impression.
- Usability: iPod, iPhone, iMac and iPad are all just brilliantly easy to use right out of the box. The chief designer Jonathan Ivy does not care about what anyone wants but the user, he leaves the scaling back to the corporates and business people at Apple. We all could learn lessons here, particularly agents when designing their web and mobile sites, if you want something on your home page, think first about whether your customers want the same thing – honestly.
Below is the Official Press Release
PRESS RELEASE: Letter from Steve Jobs
August 24, 2011–To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.