Bill Gates doesn’t get the Internet

In 1995, Bill Gates really struggled to make a case for the Internet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gipL_CEw-fk

Funny isn’t it? The CEO of the dominant software company can’t clearly say what the benefits of one of the most significant technological advances in mankind actually are.

Now, here’s a question to you: 26 years later and knowing what you know now, would you do any better? Could you answer Letterman’s question about what’s the big deal about the Internet in a TV compatible way?

As Letterman said: It’s easy to criticise something you don’t fully understand. And yet, that’s exactly the position that our customers are in. They don’t fully understand the thing we’re trying to explain to them. And one of their most pressing questions is this: So, what’s the big deal about this?

It’s easy to make fun of one of the most successful businessmen in history. But again, would you do better? Or more precisely, do you do better for the things you sell?

(PS: This fall, I’m launching the “Leaders Light the Path” masterclass which helps you do better. Get notified here.)

Check out my new book
The PATH to Strategic Impact

Get The Art of Communicating in your inbox.
Short and actionable posts on how to find words that drive action.

I value your privacy. No spam. Just “Great stuff, brilliantly articulated” (to use the words of longtime reader David).

Read More

Still missing

Which book didn’t you write but could have?Which speech didn’t you give but should have?What’s the blog that doesn’t exist although you could write it?

Read »

The story of 2022

What did 2022 bring you? What did you learn? Who did you meet? Why not take the time in between the years to turn one

Read »