The oil industry is a stunning example of how science, technology, and mass production can divert an entire group of companies from their main task. ... No oil company gets as excited about the customers in its own backyard as about the oil in the Sahara Desert. ... But the truth is, it seems to me, that the industry begins with the needs of the customer for its products. From that primal position its definition moves steadily back stream to areas of progressively lesser importance until it finally comes to rest at the search for oil.

An industry begins with the customer and his or her needs, not with a patent, a raw material, or a selling skill

The true purpose of a business is to create and keep a customer, not to make you money.

The oil industry is a stunning example of how science, technology, and mass production can divert an entire group of companies from their main task. ... No oil company gets as excited about the customers in its own backyard as about the oil in the Sahara Desert. ... But the truth is, it seems to me, that the industry begins with the needs of the customer for its products. From that primal position its definition moves steadily back stream to areas of progressively lesser importance until it finally comes to rest at the search for oil.

A product is not a product unless it sells. Otherwise it is merely a museum piece.

One should not focus on the differences between people but look for commonality and similarity.

Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.