Art and science

strong>Q: Not every product the Apple CEO has introduced has been a hit. So what accounts for the aura of incredible success that surrounds Steve Jobs? Why don't others who are possibly just as successful become cult figures like he has?

Steve Jobs has an incredible following and has created almost a cult feeling among his fan base. This is due to many reasons, but primarily it's because he's the most innovative guy in the IT world.

His products are so cool, fun, and easy to use that everyone wants them. His products are also sleek and attractive. Jobs once studied calligraphy and the Mac was the first computer to offer a multitude of "fonts." Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, said, "Steve has the brain of an engineer and the heart of an artist." This blend is the key to his success.

Apple was the first company to create cutting-edge technology such as the first laser printer (LaserWriter), the first laptop, the first laptop with a docking station, and much more.

Jobs also has a following due to his marketing strategy. His world is filled with secrecy and a huge buzz is created before each product is launched. In turn, this brings lines to his stores when products are finally on shelves. Making the products hard to find and buy adds to the excitement. Jobs holds an annual conference in San Francisco that many fans annually attend. It costs about $500 to attend for one day, and attendance for his keynote speech is $1,600. And people pay it!

It's my opinion that his cult following was created from his humble beginnings. People love to see the American dream in action. Steve Jobs is the American dream, alive and well. His biological mother gave him up for adoption. His life has been filled with drama, including an experience with pancreatic cancer.

Steve Jobs is the comeback kid. He created Apple, built the company, and then he was ousted as the CEO. Twelve years later, the company was in serious trouble, and it brought him back to build it up again. It took a lot of motivation for Jobs to save the failing company.

Now, Apple is more successful and innovative than ever before. Any one of these reasons alone could have created a cult following, but Steve Jobs has them all and that is why Apple's stock is worth $160 billion today!

By Kristina Bouweiri  |  February 1, 2010; 3:30 PM ET  | Category:  Aura of Success Save & Share:                 
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