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"私たちがこのエゴと傲慢さを持つことについて慎重でなければならないと強く信じています。成功した企業として、全てをやろうとしてはいけません。そうすると、私たちは顧客を失敗させ始め、世界を支配しようとすることに集中しすぎると思います。"

Parker Harris
Parker Harris
Translations
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Quote meaning
The core idea here is a caution against letting arrogance and overconfidence cloud a company's vision and operations. When a business starts to believe it can do everything and dominate every market, it risks neglecting its customers' needs and losing sight of its core values, potentially leading to failure.

Historically, this mindset can be seen in various corporations that grew too fast or diversified too broadly. Think of the dot-com bubble in the late 1990s. Companies were trying to conquer the internet space without considering sustainability or long-term customer satisfaction. This often resulted in spectacular failures.

Take the example of Blockbuster. In the early 2000s, Blockbuster was a giant in the video rental industry. But they got cocky. They dismissed the potential of a small company called Netflix, focusing instead on expanding their retail stores and late fees revenues. Netflix, however, focused on understanding and catering to customer needs—offering mail-in rentals and then streaming services. Blockbuster’s hubris and reluctance to adapt to changing consumer preferences led to its downfall, while Netflix thrived.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life or business? First, always keep your ego in check. It's easy to get swept up in success and start believing you can do no wrong. But that's when you're most vulnerable. Stay grounded. Focus on your strengths and core values. Listen to your customers and adapt based on their feedback. Diversify only when it makes sense and when you have a clear strategy in place.

Imagine you run a successful bakery. You've been nailing it with your pastries, and your customers love you. Success can feel intoxicating—so much that you might start thinking about opening up more locations, or even branching into unrelated ventures like a coffee shop or a gourmet restaurant. But hold on. Remember why your customers love you in the first place. Maybe it's the unique recipes passed down through your family or the personal touch you put into each pastry. If you stretch yourself too thin, you might dilute that special essence, disappointing your loyal customers.

Here’s a relatable scenario: think about Jane, a graphic designer who started freelancing a few years ago. Her unique style and dedication to client satisfaction made her very popular. Over time, she decided to expand her services to include web development, copywriting, and even photography. She was stretched too thin and started missing deadlines, producing subpar work. Clients who loved her initial designs were now frustrated with the lack of quality and communication. Jane realized she had to refocus on what she did best—graphic design. She scaled back, improved her core services, and regained her clients' trust.

In essence, it's about balance. Ambition is great, but unchecked ambition can lead to failure. Stay close to your roots, keep listening to your customers, and don't let the allure of conquering new worlds make you lose sight of what made you successful in the first place.
Related tags
Business ethics Corporate responsibility Corporate strategy Customer focus Ego Hubris Sustainable growth
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