Find that source, be Inspired

At every given time, everything we can learn from, is right there in our surroundings. We just need to find that source and learn to be inspired by it.

Apples WWDC 2014 had a lot more to teach us than just about the updated softwares.

They came on top, lost their ruler and chose an unswerving comrade to carry forward the vision of the awed ruler. Came up with a handful of upgrades (nothing inimitable) but keenly observed and consumed a few game changers only to come up with what we now know as iOS 8.

Their game plan seems to be pretty clear and inspiring. Observe, and bring the storm to the competitors and prominent third party applications that basked in the glory of their own success stories (or successor stories if I may say).

Lets have a look at a few things that we can learn from this event : -

• Look and learn

Every innovation or inspiration much needed to carry on, is right there in our surroundings. All we need to do is see and not just look, listen and not just hear.

The sooner we spot that little window of inspiration, the sooner we will be able to react. Be inspired and become better. Its folly to criticise or categorise the source, regardless of the level of inspiration you are able to drive out of it.

Remember, the one that we learn from today, has his/her own source of inspiration somewhere.

• Control: give some, get some

Every audience wants to be in control now. In control of what they are doing, in control of their health, in control of what, when and how much they share. Apple integrated all of those features and gave it to its users right in their hand.

What we need to pick up from here is that a reciprocal transaction will lead to cemented bridges that hold on the ties for years to come.

Give them the control, they will love you more.

• Do it while others still ponder

Recently we read about Googles wish to venture into smart home industry with the acquisition of Nest. But just while they were deciding upon their course of action, Apple came in front with their own version of smart home game called HomeKit.

The lesson is pretty clear, if you have an idea or a thought, don’t sit on it, act on it to get the first mover advantage.

With this announcement, Apple exemplified, that its imperative to think fast and execute at the speed of light.

• With arms wide open

Remember that clichéd line we used to keep telling our friends?

New friends are good, but old friends are gold

Well that is kind of true. Well atleast in the case of business. Acquiring new user-base is imperative, but what is equally important is not to neglect the users who advocated your services to help you get that new lot.

Yes, drawing a line will becomes important as we grow our business, but being reasonable while drawing that line is much needed too. Only around 9% of android users have the privilege of using KitKat. Further more, the android version of HealthKit is limited to only the S5 users. Apple is very wisely drawing lines, keeping well in mind the loyalty of their worldwide users.

• All in one place is good

Point accepted, most of the announcements of the latest keynote were already out there in the market. But, scattered. More applications outside the security blanket means more thinking for the user. We should avoid doing that.Infact, we should be so wholesome in what we have to offer, that our target audience should not have to go through the troublesome vetting procedure all over again.

He/she likes to shop under one roof, with limited friction. Grant them their wish.

• Trick up the sleeve

Steve Jobs always kept his audience on their toes with "one more thing". Apple has continued with this trick. They understand that its extremely important at times to keep the audience thirsting for more.

Keep the fire burning,That’s what makes the business/organisation exciting.

• No power more supreme than your audience

Talk about ease and benefit to the USER, because at the end of the day it’s the user that pays for the parties and snazzy product launches. Everything you do, has to revolve around your target audience. They have to be the sole reason of your existence. Study them, their likes, dislikes, what they talk about, what they use most and build something that takes into account every bit of your finding about their behaviour.

So, here's your take away;

Open (eyes and ears)

+ Active brain (think on the fly)

– Inertia (anything that bogs down that creativity)

= Umpteen opportunities to move ahead and DAZZLE

Note: Information about the latest keynote and for several facts was taken from, Apple.com, mashable.com and businessinsider.in