Tim O’ Reilly is an author and the founder and CEO of O'Reilly Media, Inc. Originally, he was a science fiction writer. He was asked by his friend to write a technology manual.
One thing led to another, and now his company publishes literature on a widely diverse range of topics. They range from the future of education to government policies and to technology’s effect on our lives.
Tim’s stated mission is to, “change the world by spreading the knowledge of innovators.” He believes it is a much more effective way to bring about change than mere managerial exercises. By focusing on a vision, strongly believing in your goals, and enjoying what you are doing, work comes naturally. If one does a job that one believes matters, and it could make a positive difference, this matters more than making money.
Their best sellers are topics that people didn’t write about. “I publish things people need rather than what they want,” Tim said. Need recognition is when the consumer identifies a consumption problem that needs to be solved. Apple is great example. Steve Jobs created an ideal state where the consumer can carry one product instead of three with the Iphone. Apple created a lifestyle where the product sells itself and once you try it and own it, you won’t be able to imagine your life without it. This was already successfully done with mac and the ipod. They are taking our needs and making them wants.
The biggest challenge in the publishing industry is the economic change of print. Volume is going down, and the cost is going up. E-books are on the path to becoming more than 50% of the market. This electronic ecology will get better and richer with all types of business models.
We have this opportunity to try things. We are in a period of experimentation. Don’t hold onto the past. Be lit up by the future!
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