Chapter 8. Power Offer Execution

A Tape Recorder That Didn’t Record

As shown earlier in this book, the iPod is a great power offer, but, interestingly, its success is built on a competitor’s earlier power offer. It is well known that Sony originated the era of personal portable sound systems with the Walkman but missed the opportunity to do it again in digital music players. What is less known, however, is the genesis of the Walkman’s huge success—it was due to a crucial course-changing decision made well after its design was completed. This innovative product was saved from premature death only by a brilliant change at the point where design hits execution.

Back in 1979, Sony was having trouble with the launch of its revolutionary new offer. ...

Get The Momentum Effect: How to Ignite Exceptional Growth now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.