I think I'm not a natural-born salesman, for sure, but If I have a product I really believe in, I can overcome some of the shyness and get through the things that aren't natural to me.
We used to think that everything started in the lab. Now we realize that everything spins off the consumer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the shift from a lab-focused innovation approach to one that prioritizes consumer needs and feedback.
Phil Knight's quote reflects a significant change in how companies approach product development and innovation. Previously, businesses often believed that breakthroughs originated solely from laboratory research, but over time, it has become clear that understanding and responding to consumer preferences, desires, and behaviors are crucial drivers of innovation. This shift highlights the importance of consumer-centric thinking in fostering successful and relevant products in today's market.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a business conference to emphasize the importance of understanding consumer needs.
More from Phil Knight
All quotes βNo parent should have their child die before he or she does.
If there was no Bill Bowerman, there would have been no me. He had about as much of an impact on my life as any one person could have. He taught me about competition and ingrained it in me. He taught me not to praise ordinary performances.
At first, we couldn't be establishment, because we didn't have any money. We were guerrilla marketers, and we still are, a little bit. But, as we became No. 1 in our industry, we've had to modify our culture and become a bit more planned.
We wanted Nike to be the world's best sports and fitness company. Once you say that, you have a focus. You don't end up making wing tips or sponsoring the next Rolling Stones world tour.
Running is a basic ingredient for your health, just as much as eating and sleeping, but going out for a run by yourself and taking a moment to think also creates a certain peace.
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If I only had two dollars left I would spend one dollar on PR.
You have family-owned businesses that have been around for 500 years. You cannot name a corporation that survives intact for even a few decades.
Starbucks represents something beyond a cup of coffee.
I think one of the things people don't understand is we can build more shareholder value by lowering product prices than we can by trying to raise margins. It's a more patient approach, but we think it leads to a stronger, healthier company. It also serves customers much, much better.