Apple: The Little Company That Could

I've discussed the enigmatic Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in previous articles, yet I was very interested to read this recent article in The Age, that shifts the spotlight from Jobs back to the company he helped start.

In 2015, it is no surprise to see that Apple's market capital has reached a staggering $US683 billion. That sounds like the kind of profit most entrepreneurs can only dream of. Yet we forget that in the mid-90s, Apple was staring down the barrel of bankruptcy.

At the time, Apple cut a diminutive figure compared to the PC industry behemoth that was Microsoft. In fact, Microsoft founder Bill Gates believed that Apple was doomed to fail, and so there was never a second thought given to the idea that Apple would ever be a threat to Microsoft.

Fast forward and my how the tables have turned, with Microsoft currently struggling to step out from Apple's shadow. As the article by The Age points out, while both companies had a vision, it was Apple (with the genius Jobs back in the helm) who had the more radical and far-sighted business plan.

So, what can you learn from this financial testament to Apple?

Jobs proved that persistence, just as much as thinking outside of a narrow business vision, is what went on to pay billions in dividends and help Apple become the little company that could. If Jobs had never followed through with his "never give up" attitude, Apple would not be the force to be reckoned with that it is today.

If you would like to learn more about Jobs' keys to success, be sure to read this article The Traits Of Successful People- What We Can Learn From Steve Jobs?