Be your own master

Author: Ma Junying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-09-01
Features: Are you sighing over working for others? Are you struggling with nodding to your boss? Are you frustrated because you have to wake up at 6 AM and start work at 8 AM, unable to sleep in? Since you're willing to put in a lot of effort to protect that hard-earned job, why not gather the courage to start your own business and be your own boss? To be your own boss, there is only one path: pursue economic independence or autonomy in power. Let's hear the author's self-narration:
Often, people complain: "If only I had a house!" "If only I had a car!" "If only I could give up my annoying job and spend my days reading in the library!" And so on. People are always caught in a constant pursuit. When material desires are satisfied, they strive for spiritual fulfillment, and when spiritual aspirations are met, they seek a higher quality of life. In short, people are always constrained and limited in life, always feeling unfree. As a result, the pursuit of a free life has become the goal of modern people. At its core, this craving is the desire to be the person they truly want to be. From this, the relentless pursuit of success arises, because only through success can one truly become the person they want to be.
When it comes to success, everyone envies it, as if it were a mirage—distant and unattainable. Here, we argue that success is not the privilege of the few or the exclusive right of the great. Why, then, do most people merely admire others' achievements while failing to strive for their own? Is it a lack of ability or a fear of taking risks? Or is it the absence of suitable opportunities? Indeed, to achieve success, one must possess the courage and qualities of a successful person, as well as the mindset, knowledge, skills, and experience required. Gaining more knowledge about success now will help you avoid detours and unnecessary sacrifices when you finally embark on your entrepreneurial journey, thereby reducing risks.
Based on this, this book combines numerous classic examples—of great leaders, wealthy entrepreneurs, and successful individuals alike—using simple, concise, vivid, and persuasive language. It elaborates on the specific experiences of successful people on their path to success from multiple angles and levels. It provides a straightforward interpretation of the laws of success and offers a detailed analysis of the unique personal qualities, wealth-building strategies, and practical applications of time management and innovative thinking demonstrated by successful individuals. The book is rich in examples, speaking through facts rather than dry theories or empty principles. After reading it, you will surely gain profound insights. May this book truly guide you toward success, and I sincerely wish you all the best!
Excerpt:
4. Product Innovation
In today's society, market competition is becoming increasingly fierce. When a product falls into a slump, it must be reformed and innovated to help the company overcome difficulties and regain market share. Candy innovation is a great example. With improving living standards and changing work environments, many people have become overweight, which inevitably causes psychological pressure, especially for women. Excess weight increases the risk of heart disease and makes figures less attractive. This social phenomenon poses a threat to certain industries and products, with candy being a clear example. Medical analysis shows that sugar contributes to weight gain, so people began to buy less candy. Many candy entrepreneurs either switched careers or struggled to stay in business. In the candy market, where conditions were dire, the American candy company Ayds stood out, refusing to give up and instead adopting an aggressive approach to meet modern demands by reforming the composition of their candies. This not only retained their existing customers but also attracted those of competitors. When most of the competition was failing, Ayds moved forward swiftly, resulting in enormous profits.
Ayds analyzed why candy caused weight gain—primarily due to high calories—and transformed it into calorie-free candy, catering to those who still craved sweetness. They even called their calorie-free candy "diet candy," which better aligned with people's psychological needs. The principle behind diet candy is "dieting." When you feel hungry, instead of eating other foods, opt for Ayds diet candy and a glass of water to temporarily satisfy your appetite. Eating a few pieces of diet candy naturally means absorbing less fat and starch, achieving a dieting effect. Furthermore, Ayds diet candy was proven to have no side effects, quickly meeting the demands of the time and making their business flourish.
In the U.S., another example of a small innovation leading to great success involves a sugar worker named Coruso. In the 1940s, sugar cubes were commonly sold in moisture-resistant paper packaging. Despite how thick or layered the paper was, the cubes would still get damp over time, leaving sellers at a loss. Coruso, realizing this problem would hinder sales, repeatedly experimented with packaging solutions. Eventually, he made a small hole in the package to allow the sugar cubes to breathe. This simple modification prevented the cubes from getting damp. Coruso's "innovation" made the sugar company's products dominant in the market, bringing in abundant profits, and in return, he received a $1 million reward from his boss—a sum even more valuable than $30 million today, instantly turning a poor worker into a wealthy tycoon.
Product innovation, in essence, can be summarized as "extending in all directions based on a technologically sound base product." According to Arthur Goddard, the chief director of the Apollo moon landing project, "There were no new inventions in the Apollo program—everything was existing technology. The key was integration." "Integration is creation." In summary, from small toys to massive spacecraft, everything is an "extension in all directions" of existing items. Product innovation is not an enigma—its key lies in observation,, and reflection.
The for product innovation generally falls into a few categories:
1. Improvement: Enhancing the shortcomings of a product to improve its performance and better meet consumer needs. For example, Japanese inventor Kenichi Murata improved the retractable function of folding umbrellas, and Ayds in the U.S. modified the composition of candy to create diet candy.
2. Change: Altering the design or appearance of a product to give it a fresh look.