Michael Dell & 8 Ways to celebrate for more than a nanosecond

The title of this piece is also one of the most known mottos for the Dell Computer company. Micheal Dell, founder and chairman, is worth ~13 billion, and he feels there's no big secret to his success. He believes he has just applied and constantly improved on the principles he used to develop the company back in 1984.  A review of his characteristics and choices tells us a lot.

1) He has faith in his ideas.  Michael's father ideas of success urged him to become a physician, which led the teenager to enroll in biology as a pre-med student. Yet, his nose for opportunity enabled him to recogize how computer markets were growing. His curiosity and self-taught tech know-how had led him to dis-assemble his Apple II computer and find parts had different origins. He then devised a vision for a new kind of made-to-order 'supply and demand,' bought IBM PCs wholesale, greatly undercut the retail price while adding extra components to suit each customer. The more he believed in himself, the more he attracted lucrative opportunities.

2) He knows when to ignore naysayers . Michael initially downplayed his business ideas to his parents and friends. Before they'd drop into his dorm, he hid boxes in the bathroom which revealed his true passion. Early on, he learned different people had different ideas of success. Encouragement wasn't always forthcoming from people with little knowledge of his area of interest. By the end of his first year in college, his profits topped US $50,000, and this gave him the courage, will and means to drop out of college with a completely new success vehicle.

3) He invests in marketing . Dell moved his company, then PCs Limited, to a strategic shop front in Austin, Texas. During the first year at the location, his ability to cleverly promote the venture via various means resulted in sales of hardware worth ~$6 million. He proved that he didn't just get from others what he required from others. He also discerned which among his business practices and beliefs weren't working and he changed strategies to suit his company's evolution.

4) He focuses on doing what others do, only better. During the second year, he started building complete computers 'from the ground-up' for mail-order clients which enabled him to further personalize his service. Sales that year soared to $34 million, in part because Dell's IBM clone called the Turbo PC was half the price of a comparable IBM. His ability to offer hardware direct to customers enabled him to cut out middlemen and charge lower prices. He created a business where it wasn't necessary to keep much stock, which was key with part prices dropping.

5) He realizes he doesn't know everything. Even at 21, he remained humble about his fast track to financial prosperity. He accepts he is ignorant about aspects of business, and historically, has been unafraid to seek out mentors and hire people more experienced than himself. Even back in his youth, he chose to learn from every glitch, from client complaints about delivery time to lack of accessible staff. This prompted Dell to adopt benchmarks, including amazing client service and a 30-day money back guarantee with unlimited phone support.

6) He welcomes opportunities to improve . In 2001, a comprehensive, internal review of Dell corporation led employees to comment openly on their then, CEO. Michael Dell was surprised to learn he was perceived as "impersonal and detached." Staff felt he was disconnected from what went on around and beneath his office. Dell decided to embrace these comments right away. He made a video, directed to all staff, during which he would work to move beyond shyness and take steps to make himself more approachable by anyone on a regular basis. It worked!

7) He continues to innovate . Michael Dell never rests on his laurels. He doesn't base his future visions on his company track record for success. In fact, he supports a management style described as, 'two-in-a-box.' Executives are partnered with a person who challenges ideas, complements their skills and experience. Dell sets an example, partnered with Kevin B. Rollins, who works in a nearby office. While Dell plans the future, Rollins (12 years older) runs daily operations and reminds Dell to connect views of an unconfirmed future to reality.

8) He gives back to society. Dell and his wife established a "Michael & Susan Dell Foundation." Its a children's charity with projects and areas of focus to benefit future generations. It has an endowment of US $1 billion.  The Dells realize how sharing their financial success can promote increased peace, harmony and cooperation. They show all business success isn't always limited to power-quests or self-indulgence. What you have is perhaps less important than how you use it.