The smartest groups, then, are made up of people with diverse perspectives who are able to stay independent of each other.
James SurowieckiRead
The history of the Internet is, in part, a series of opportunities missed: the major record labels let Apple take over the digital-music business; Blockbuster refused to buy Netflix for a mere fifty million dollars; Excite turned down the chance to acquire Google for less than a million dollars.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights missed opportunities by major companies in the face of technological advancements.
In this quote, Surowiecki emphasizes how companies often overlook significant opportunities that could redefine their industries. He cites specific examples where major players like record labels and Blockbuster missed the chance to adapt to the changing landscape of digital media and entertainment, ultimately allowing other companies to thrive in their places. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities in a rapidly evolving market.
Themes
InternetOpportunityMissedTechnologyBusinessInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
In a business seminar discussing digital transformation, you could use this quote to illustrate the risks of ignoring technological change.
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