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.
Phil KnightRead
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
InnovationConsumerBusinessMarketResearch
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.
Phil KnightRead
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.
Phil KnightRead
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.
Phil KnightRead
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.
Phil KnightRead
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.
Phil KnightRead
Similar quotes
Social media requires that business leaders start thinking like small-town shop owners. This means taking the long view and avoiding short-term benchmarks to gauge progress. It means allowing the personality, heart and soul of the people who run all levels of the business to show.
Gary VaynerchukRead
Imitation can be commercial suicide.
William BernbachRead
Building a mission and building a business go hand in hand. The primary thing that excites me is the mission. But we have always had a healthy understanding that we need to do both.
Mark ZuckerbergRead
Values can set a company apart from the competition by clarifying its identity and serving as a rallying point for employees. But coming up with strong values - and sticking to them - requires real guts.
Patrick LencioniRead
By simply capitalizing on core strengths and knowledge, companies and entrepreneurs can engage in an emerging business model that will enable them to create - and demonstrate - real, sustainable social impact in society.
Muhammad YunusRead
You should learn from your competitor, but never copy. Copy and you die.
Jack MaRead