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Lesson #4: “Competition brings out the best in products and the worst in men.”
Article Overview: The introduction of television might have come following the conclusion of one of the most deadly wars in human history, but with it came an entirely new war – the war to dominate the burgeoning communications industry.
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Free Download - David Sarnoff Quotes By David Sarnoff |
Lesson #4: “Competition brings out the best in products and the worst in men.”
The introduction of television might have come following the conclusion of one of the most deadly wars in human history, but with it came an entirely new war - the war to dominate the burgeoning communications industry.
As hard-working as Sarnoff was, he also developed a reputation for being a shrewd businessman who was ruthless when he needed to be. From patents to people, Sarnoff did not accept anything less than what he wanted. Sarnoff might have lost the occasional battle, but he was not about to ever lose a war.
"Nobody can be successful if he doesn't love his work," said Sarnoff. "Success, in a generally accepted sense of the term, means the opportunity to experience and to realize the maximum forces that are within us."
Sarnoff took out all the stops because he was passionate about what he was doing. Indeed, this "General," as he liked to be called, worked until his death in 1971 because he knew no other life, no other passion.
Because of his dedication to his business, Sarnoff refused to accept criticism or opposition from those within his own ranks. Going against the boss would land you in Sarnoff's home in the wee hours, where you would be immediately let go on the spot. For those who did not work for the man himself, Sarnoff could always find a way to get what he wanted out of you.
He was one of the first businessmen to understand the controlling value of patents, and never hesitated to use RCA's power to crush those underneath.
In 1933, a good friend of Sarnoff named Howard Armstrong, created a new scheme for radio broadcast - what is today known as FM radio. Compared to its AM predecessor, which all RCA systems used, FM broadcast with significantly less static and produced a much clearer sound. Armstrong, who worked for RCA at the time, suggested RCA switch to FM. Sarnoff, however, opposed vigorously.
As a result, Armstrong quit and started his own company. He then made the fatal mistake of suing RCA in 1948, alleging that Sarnoff was conspiring to influence the Federal Communications Commission in limiting the development of FM radio.
That Armstrong had the genius to start his own FM station was undeniable. But that he had the audacity to go up against Sarnoff could not be tolerated. Sarnoff called in his entire brigade of lawyers and kept Armstrong tied up in court for six years. By the end of the trial, Armstrong was destitute. Once again, Sarnoff had won the war.
Sarnoff arrived from Russia as a poor immigrant who did not speak a word of English. It is a testament to his character that he was able to rise through the corporate ranks of America, becoming one of the most successful - and most feared - businessmen of his time. Where his business called for ruthlessness, Sarnoff brought all the arms he had, and was not afraid to use them.
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Re: what brings tears to Your eyes ????
- It is the bad news which brings tears. Someone dies and we remember about our experience with them. What about 9/11? The worst disaster the world ever seen. It not only brings tears and I totally lost my breath.
It's a certain emotions, which activates when you think something bad, especially someone dies in our family / colleagues.
Thanks
Robert
Other Great Books...
- Feel The Fear And Do It AnyWay - Susan Jeffers
How To Stop Worrying And Do It Anyway - Dale Carnegie ('What's the worst that could happen - the worst?' Then prepare yourself for that and reality is such a relief!).
Your Worst Customer
- Curious if anyone has tips and suggestions on personal experiences of how people have dealt with their worst or most irritating customers?
Also, what made them the worst customer?
Chris
Re: The Flaw In Personal Branding...?
- I agree David with your original post at the start of this thread. It's about being real. And it's about being able to reveal our vulnerabilities in all areas of life. That's what opens our hearts and brings us closer to others and draws others to us. It doesn't matter what area of life we're talking about, whether it's business or love: all life is relationship. We are in relationship with ourselves, our products, with our customers and site visitors. Even if we don't connect with them personally we ALWAYS connect with them energetically and they feel it whether they can put words to it or not.
The products and services we sell are a representation of who we are, and if they're not then we are already selling a lie. We can still have quality products and not be perfect. Life is about growth and evolution and so is business. It's unnecessary to "force" branding because we do it automatically based on the values we organize our lives around. The need to hide or camouflage our imperfections is all about ego and at this time in our history we are very quickly moving out of "ego branding" and into authenticity.
Nancy
Re: Congratultations to GT!
- Hi GT,
Competition is great and i know I wouldn't be here without it, but it is not the main reason for posting and participating. But I admit, it is the trigger I need to get some work done.
If there is none, i create one for myself and try to make it.
First prize is ice cream.
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