Get All Access for $5/mo

Happy Birthday, Steve Jobs! 4 Inspirational Lessons to Celebrate the Innovative CEO. The Apple founder would have been 61 today.

By Carly Okyle

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Getty Images Europe

Steve Jobs was born 62 years ago on Feb. 24. Though his life was cut short by cancer, he made an indelible impact in society.

As Apple continues to flourish and honor his complicated legacy (complete with its recent stand against the FBI), it's worth taking a few minutes to reflect on his impact and his example. Consider it our gift to you.

Related: Steve Jobs' Pivotal Life Moments (Infographic)

1. Dazzle, always.

From the very first Mac computer to the creation of the iTunes store and beyond, Jobs knew how to capture an audience. His launches were carefully planned and choreographed. They put Apple's products in the best light and got people excited about what the company might launch next.

Related: These 5 Steve Jobs Keynotes Will Inspire You to Better Sell Your Ideas

2. Fight tomorrow's battle today.

Real innovators anticipate needs. They don't waste too much time solving the same problems everyone else is solving. They look ahead and forge new paths and solutions.

Related: 5 Things I Learned About Successful Startups From Steve Jobs

3. Make the value clear.

Keep things simple. Under Jobs's direction, Apple products were designed to work intuitively. With very little instruction, a consumer could take a device out of its box and get to using it. Simplicity makes it easier for consumers to make your product or service a habit and a phenomenon.

Related: 4 Things Steve Jobs Taught Me About Succeeding as an Entrepreneur

4. Everyone's human.

Jobs's legacy has its share of difficult moments, from not accepting paternity for his first born or cheating friend and collaborator Steve Wozniak out of his full cut of a project the two had worked on for Atari.

Related: Steve Jobs's Legacy: What to Take and What to Leave

And while he understood consumers behavior well, some say even Jobs missed the desire for features like bigger screens. Even great minds have their faults, and remembering that can keep us all grounded.

Carly Okyle

Assistant Editor, Contributed Content

Carly Okyle is an assistant editor for contributed content at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.