The iPad 2 is proof that ready, fire, aim (the idea that sometimes you just go for it before everything is absolutely perfect) works. The iPad 2 has most of the features that people were expecting in the first version – a camera (two actually), ability to share to appletv, video mirroring via hdmi out, gyroscope, and a dual core chip. Also, if you remember when iPad 1 went to market, there was a wait for the 3G models. They sold 15 million in 9 months in 2010. That is absolutely staggering, particularly for a product which didn’t exactly get staggering reviews: Check out the Gizmodo article entitled Why I Won’t Buy an iPad and Why You Shouldn’t Either or “No Second Coming, Apple’s iPad Just a Big iPod Touch”
One of the more frustrating things I have ever worked through is the organizational red tape and road blocks in a business that lacked agility. Seriously, when people say “Well we really want to avoid ready, fire, aim thinking” I cringe. I believe that there is never going to be a “perfect” time, situation, or set of circumstances to make a change. We do what we can with what we have at the time we have it, and we just go for it. At least that’s what we do if we don’t want to stay stuck or mired in mediocrity.
I feel like Apple excels at this. Their products are never “perfect” when they come to market. There are always features that geeks want that are left out. Their products are always “awesome” when they come out, though, save for the Newton.
At any rate, I feel like the sales of the first generation of the iPad underscore the importance of just going for it – the true entrepreneurial spirit.
It’s not just that they go for it though, they are masters of creating mystery, intrigue, and excitement for a product launch. Check out Seth Godin’s blog about the first launch for some more in depth analysis of the launch itself and what it is that Apple does that sets them apart. They excel because they deliver a remarkable product, every time. The launches themselves are incredible entertainment. Robert Scoble tweeted this about Jobs today: “One other thing about Jobs. Every single sentence he says is tweetable/quotable. Every one. Communication clarity. Unmatched in industry.” He nails each sentence – Jobs really is a master presenter. His communication is so on-point, so well-thought out, and delivered so effortlessly.
So what can we learn from Apple? I say it’s the beauty of going for it when you have a great product that is not yet perfect. 15 million iPads were sold in the time it took to create the iPad with the features the geeks wanted in the first one. We can also see the power of an entertaining presentation.
image via flickr/cliff1066
What do you think?