Steve Ballmer may never live down making one of the worst predictions in business history. In a 2007 interview, Balmer – then the CEO of Microsoft – was asked to comment on Apple’s recent introduction of the iPhone. In a dismissive, some might say arrogant manner, Ballmer infamously predicted “There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance.” The rest, as they say, is history. Apple has gone on to sell over one billion iPhones while Microsoft’s attempts to enter the smartphone market failed miserably. In fairness, Ballmer wasn’t alone in missing the boat. Remember the Blackberry? The once dominant device has all but disappeared. Blackberry simply didn’t appreciate the change that the iPhone represented and extinction soon followed.
The iPhone story is a cautionary tale. Naysayers like Ballmer have always existed – people who can’t or won’t appreciate a new or better way of doing things. We can see a parallel in how some condo professionals – lawyers, condo managers and directors – have been reluctant to embrace the simple, cost-effective technology of electronic voting that dramatically increases unit owner participation while eliminating the need for proxies. Why the reluctance? For many, its simply because they haven’t had the opportunity to learn about the simplicity and many benefits of the new technology. Sadly, for a few others, like Ballmer, its because they are so invested in their own views that they unable or unwilling to change. The good news? Condo managers, directors and lawyers who take the time to learn about electronic voting quickly become converts. CondoVoter is holding its free monthly webinar this Thursday, December 13th at 10:00 am. Cathi and Ruth will be available to answer any questions you may have. Click here for more information.
