Guy Kawasaki Dishes out the Top Ten Things He Learned from Reading iWoz

“I loved the book ‘iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon-How I invented the Personal Computer, Co-founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It (Norton, 2007)’ because it isn’t typical theoretical tome written by an expert or consultant (i.e., someone who can’t do but can write). Instead, the book takes you inside the mind of someone who was truly instrumental in one of the great revolutions of our time. After reading it, I was even prouder of having working for Apple. Also, I swear that Woz doesn’t use the word strategic once in the book-how many business books can you say that about? For your enjoyment, here’s a list of the top ten things that I learned by reading iWoz.”-Guy Kawasaki 2008

1. In the sixth grade, Woz scammed gubernatorial candidate Richard Nixon with a certificate from the school’s ham-radio club. The certificate was made with crayons just before the ceremony, and Woz was the only member of the club.

2. The Apple IPO made the most millionaires in one single day in history up to that point in time.

3. Woz and Jobs worked as Alice in Wonderland characters at a shopping mall in San Jose. (Steve Jobs doing this boggles my mind.)

4. Woz didn’t return to the University of Colorado after his first year because he ran up too much computer time sharing costs.

5. Woz tried to call the pope by impersonating Dr. Henry Kissinger. He almost got through, but the Vatican called the real Dr. Kissinger to verify the call.

6. A robber with a gun stole a blue box from Woz and Jobs in Sunnyvale.

7. Allen Baum alleviated Woz’s concern about leaving Hewlett-Packard to start Apple by telling him, “You can be an engineer and become an engineer and get rich, or you can be an engineer and stay an engineer and get rich.”

8. Woz lost approximately $12 million in each of the two US Festivals that he put on.

9. Woz taught computer technology to elementary school students for ten years.

10. The book ends with Woz’s thoughts on being a great engineer:

-Don’t waver.
-See things in gray scale.
-Work alone.
-Trust your instincts

When is the last time anyone told you to work like this? The first time an “expert” tells you that you need to conduct market research, run your design past focus groups, and set up offshore development, just remember what Woz said, and you’ll be fine.

SOURCE: "Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition" ISBN:978-1-59184-223-1 Pages 149-151