Written in 2009 when there was still a technology discussion going on, and not just the Cult of Apple. I have added on a perspective on the latest “IT” Apple Device too.
I had a very lively discussion with a friend yesterday. He ranted at me about how technology, in general, is annoying to him. He specifically mentioned cell phones, Blackberries, and iPod. Why is it annoying if someone wants to buy it?
Now my friend is of the older generation. They have no idea why anyone would purchase this technology. They do not understand why anyone would want to be that connected to the outside world. I didn’t want to discuss those reasons. WHY people want things is secondary. The fact that they buy things builds entire businesses. This is an important reason.
The bottom line is: Build it, and if they want it, they will buy it. It is built because someone wants to buy it.
How does Apple make a fortune on iPod? It is not advanced technology. It is, in fact, old technology. People want to buy it! Why do cigarette companies even though they are literally killing their customer base? People are addicted and want to buy the cancer sticks.
Business is straightforward. If no one buys a product, it goes away. If someone wants to buy it, it continues (except communist states).
Does everyone need to follow me on Twitter (by the way, x.com/bigcajunman)? No, but for some odd reason, two to three more people follow me every day; I have no idea why.
If they buy it, they will continue to make it, it is just that simple.
The hard question in business is what will someone want to buy next. Deep thoughts for a Weekday.
Addendum: The Apple Watch Perspective
There was a time when a $500 watch was considered a luxury. Now, that’s just the starting point for an Apple Watch. That’s before you add cellular, titanium, Hermes branding, or whatever wrist-flexing upgrade Apple dreams up next.
So, why does it cost so much? The answer is the same as in 2009 when we asked why iPods, Jordans, or Beanie Babies held value. It holds value because someone will pay for it.
People don’t buy Apple Watches for what’s inside. The tech is impressive, yes—but so is the marketing. You’re buying ecosystem, status, health tracking, and the promise of one more step toward peak optimization.
It’s not unlike the fashion world. A plain cotton T-shirt with a $400 price tag seems absurd. However, the logo stitched on it carries more cultural weight than the fabric ever could.
Value is what the buyer sees, not what the spec sheet says. And Apple has mastered this game.
Still, it’s worth asking: how much of what we spend is for function—and how much is for feeling?
So the next time you see someone tapping their wrist to pay for coffee, don’t ask. Consider why that watch is so expensive instead. Ask instead: how good does it make them feel to own it?
Because someone wants to buy it, and that’s all the reason needed.
