A recent Globe
and Mail article makes an interesting tie between Steve Jobs and Canada.
The article starts by discussing the difference between invention and
innovation. The article states that Job’s accomplishments came through the
innovation and improvement of already invented products. Apple didn’t invent
the touch screen, mouse, or smart phone. However, his ability to use the
technology of those products and innovate something creative from them led to the
magnificent success of Apple. The article believes that Canadian government
needs to focus more on innovation to stay modernized. “With global competition
and low-cost jurisdictions like China, India and Brazil more quickly than ever
before replicating and producing at lower costs everything we do, we need to be
an innovation nation.” I believe the article makes several valid points. Canada
is facing stiffer competition with foreign states who produce the same product
at a lower price; for example, Sheer-Wood shifting production from Canada to
China to reduce costs. Canada does not need to invent a new way to keep
producers producing in Canada – rather they need to innovate old ways to entice
producers to stay local. How to do this? That is up to the great minds in
Ottawa.

There is no doubt that Apple is one of the most successful,
innovative companies ever – they fit the term entrepreneurship in every sense
of the word. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple from scratch in 1976.
These two visionaries started off in a garage, just like many other small
companies. They started off as the stereotypical entrepreneur; two people
assuming the risk of an enterprise and trying to build it into something huge.
Unlike many, Apple was able to become huge. Over the past ten years particularly,
Apple has revolutionized the way we live; first with the iPod, then the Mac
Books and most recently the iPhone. Apple certainly fits Schumpeter’s view of
entrepreneurship. This empire takes risks with fascinating new innovations,
they have created new markets, and expanded the ability for humans to interact
and go about daily activities.

There are several different views as to what an entrepreneur
really means. Apple is one of the few, if not only companies who at one point
or another have managed to encompass each definition someone comes up with for entrepreneurs.

Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak hard at work

Vip Picture

Business blogger, Chris Brogan recently blogged about a
roof-top party he attended. He commented on how he and many of the other guests
felt that the scenic roof top view, red velvet ropes, good food, and
entertaining DJ felt as if they were VIP’s. He explained how this VIP feeling
added to the experience of the party and concluded by challenging businesses to
consider how they invoke a VIP feeling into the community and what it would do
for their business. I believe Brogan could take it one step further and
consider how businesses could use the VIP feeling within their business to strengthen
their internal affairs. A company which has considered this is Zappos. This
online shoe company has ensured that its workforce has free food, great
benefits and a fun, engaging work place. Zappos human resource department has
made workers feel important which in turn leads to more production from their
workforce. I believe Zappos has gone about their interactions with employees in
the best possible way. Building a strong internal rapport with that VIP feeling
is critical for any business to be successful – Zappos is prime example of
this.