Nike = Innovation
I’ve been a Nike fan for a long time. I remember my first pair of Nike’s way back in the mid-80s. I was stoked – white canvas with a royal blue swoosh. I think I wore them until they physically feel off my feet. That started my love affair with the brand, through high school sports, and ultimately into college. I had first hand experience with their constant innovation as they were our track team sponsor and we, being Oregon, had access to custom designs and prototypes coming right out of their test labs. Into my 40s, I continue to marvel at the momentum they’ve maintained all these years – and they’re just getting better.
It’s no surprise that they’ve been named Fast Company’s most innovative company of 2013. The continue to evolve, to innovate, and to surprise… and they do it by following 4 distinct rules:
Rule #1: TO DISRUPT, YOU MUST GO ALL-IN
Rule #2: ANTICIPATE A PRODUCT’S EVOLUTION
Rule #3: DIRECT YOUR PARTNERS
Rule #4: FEED COMPANY CULTURE
They’ve come a long way since my canvas sneakers way back in the day…. I wonder if Bowerman is smiling down on the new design crowd and blessing FlyNit from above?