This April Fool Could Have Been a Billionaire
Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. Ever heard of them?
Of course you have. They’re the guys who founded “Apple Computer” on this day (April 1) 50 years ago (1976).
How about Ronald Wayne? Heard of him?
He’s the Pete Best of Apple. The third co-founder. The one no one remembers. The April Fool.
On April 12, less than two weeks after Apple started, Wayne sold his 10% share back to the two Steves for $800.
He feared Apple wouldn’t sell computers fast enough to repay suppliers. He didn’t want to be on the hook for the debt.
Three months later, Apple sold 50 Apple I computers to the Byte Shop (one of the first computer stores in the world) for $25,000 — just in time to pay suppliers.
Apple’s cost to build 50 computers: Approximately $12,500.
That’s a 2X return on investment.
Apple was on its way.
Four years later, Apple went public and had a market value around $1.8 billion.
Today, Apple is worth more than $3 trillion.
Holy cold feet, Batman. Ronald Wayne should have kept his stake.
Speaking of Apple…
The company makes great technology, but what really sets it apart is the storytelling.
So many great, story-powered ads.
My favorite? One called “Bounce” — a 2019 ad for AirPods (ear phones).
I share the story and unpack the lessons in an e-book called:
5 Storytelling Secrets to Help You Captivate Prospects and Inspire Them to Buy
If there was a Storytelling Hall of Fame, the five advertisements in this e-book would be first-ballot inductees. They’re storytelling masterpieces.
“Bounce” is one of those ads. See all five and discover their lessons by clicking here (no form to fill).
Don't go away yet..
p.s. Coaches, authors, and consultants hire me to power-up their creative content and storytelling to captivate prospects, stand-out and book more business.
Whenever you're ready, here are several ways I can help you become a storytelling stand-out so you'll land more clients without pitching and prodding:
1) Get the Story Power Profit Pack -- 52 Strategies, Tips, and Tactics to Transform Your Content from Ignored to Adored.
2) Watch the free, 7-minute Micro-Training: “The 3 Most Important Storytelling Keys to Captivate Prospects and Inspire Them to Act -- Without Pitching and Prodding.”
3) Become a Story Power VIP: Master how to discover, assemble, and deliver business-building stories. Twice-monthly live masterclasses. Members-only content. One-on-one feedback and consulting sessions. And more… If you'd like to learn more about our VIP program, just reply to this email and put "Story Power VIP" in the subject line. I’ll contact you with more details.
4) Work with me one-on-one: If you’re interested in working directly with me -- to discover, assemble, and deliver powerful, business-building stories -- simply reply to this email and change the subject line to "Private Client." Tell me a little about yourself, your business, and what you'd like to accomplish, and I'll reply to discuss options.
5) Invite me to speak at an event: I can tailor a presentation that meets the specific needs of your organization. Informative. Entertaining. Virtual or live. Potential for continuing education credits when applicable for your group. If interested, reply to this email and change the subject line to “Speaking Engagement.” I’ll circle back to discuss the possibilities.
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