Very interesting article in the New York Times on Sunday about how IBM embraced the idea of giving up something good to do something great.
Do you realize that IBM gave up on selling computers in order to focus on the bigger (and better) proposition of helping its clients understand technology.
Outgoing CEO Samuel J. Palmisano crafted a plan that resulted in more profitable outcomes, an investment from Warren Buffet and warm relations with China.
Read the full article here, and focus on the four questions that Palmisano used as the guiding lights for all of IBM’s managers:
• “Why would someone spend their money with you — so what is unique about you?”
• “Why would somebody work for you?”
• “Why would society allow you to operate in their defined geography — their country?”
• “And why would somebody invest their money with you?”
Great guidelines for any business, big or small. How do you answer them.