# How Steve Jobs Revived Apple: 5 Key Strategies for Success
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Chapter 1: The Remarkable Return of Steve Jobs
Twenty-five years ago, Steve Jobs performed a remarkable feat by rescuing Apple from the brink of bankruptcy. His journey back to the company was not without its challenges, but it ultimately transformed the tech giant.
"You never achieve what you want without falling on your face a few times."
—Steve Jobs, 1985
Section 1.1: A New Beginning at Apple
When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, he found the company in serious trouble. The years he spent away from Apple were marked by his relentless work ethic, during which he founded NeXT and made a significant investment in a budding animation company called Pixar. At that time, Apple struggled to maintain its crucial profit margins as competition from IBM and Microsoft intensified.
Section 1.2: Seizing the Opportunity
Jobs's heart had always belonged to Apple. When the chance to return arose, he seized it without hesitation, as NeXT had not met his expectations. The challenge ahead was monumental: the board tasked him with restoring profitability to Apple, and he accomplished this in just one year—turning a $1.04 billion loss into a $309 million profit.
Chapter 2: Five Techniques for Turning Apple Around
Jobs's strategies during his return serve as valuable lessons for today’s CEOs. Here are five critical methods he employed to revitalize Apple.
#### Technique 1: Fostering Unity
Upon his return, Jobs discovered a fragmented corporate culture at Apple, with various divisions competing against one another. He eliminated this divisiveness by promoting a unified mission, encouraging employees to collaborate for the greater good of the company.
Steve Jobs shares his strategy for saving Apple from bankruptcy.
#### Technique 2: Strategic Simplification
Jobs quickly recognized the need to streamline operations. He decided to cut around 70% of Apple’s product lines, simplifying choices for consumers and ensuring that the remaining products aligned with Apple's core values.
#### Technique 3: Customer-Centric Approach
During a recession, Jobs prioritized understanding customer needs. By limiting the product range to just four offerings, he focused on building brand loyalty and establishing a clear message about what Apple represented.
How Steve Jobs Saved Apple From Bankruptcy.
#### Technique 4: Embracing Collaboration
Jobs understood that competition could be counterproductive. He sought partnerships, even with rivals like Microsoft, to enhance Apple’s offerings and secure a steady income stream. This collaboration not only improved software for Macs but also strengthened Apple's position in the market.
#### Technique 5: Long-Term Vision
Making tough decisions is part of leadership, especially during challenging times. Jobs illustrated how to effectively communicate the need for difficult choices to employees, ensuring they understood the long-term benefits for the company.
Conclusion: Lessons from Steve Jobs
While the strategies outlined here may seem straightforward, they were instrumental in reshaping Apple into the powerhouse it is today. In an era where many tech companies face similar difficulties, revisiting Jobs's techniques could offer invaluable insights for navigating challenging times.
For a deeper dive into Steve Jobs's life and insights, consider reading Make Something Wonderful, available for free on Apple Books.