Anticipation.
Amazon anticipates the needs of its customers and purveyors in such a way that the company remains ahead of the curve, or at least those in charge try their best to stay ahead.
Never underestimate the power of anticipation.
Anticipation is what makes a quarterback a great option quarterback.
Anticipation is what makes a coach irreplaceable.
Anticipation is what makes a chef cutting edge.
Anticipation (on my part) keeps my impulsive dog safe. I know what he’s likely to do before he knows it himself.
Anticipation allows one to take a calculated risk - or many such risks.
Anticipation makes one a better parent because one is proactive rather than reactive. Same with driving for that matter.
Amazon is proactive.
Of course there’s always the bottom line. But this is America after all. Never underestimate the power of the bottom line.
My father-in-law insisted upon doing things the exact same way they’d been done since before the Great Depression. He ignored the rapid pace of change around him. Thus he ran what had once been a thriving family business into the ground.
My grandfather’s vision, his prescience about what consumers in the future would demand, shocked his contemporaries, but today his original ideas thrive. His concepts survived him. Not that his heirs made any money. His children couldn’t grasp or appreciate this outside of the box thinking and so sold his company for pennies shortly after he was diagnosed with ALS.
A writer willing to embrace change is more likely to survive and thrive than a writer stubbornly determined to do things the way they’ve always been done.
I have a restless soul and I’m a big fan of change, oh, and Amazon. Liking it more every day.
Terrific list of “what anticipation is”-but I have one more for you, Julia.
This is from my dad. Before the Alzheimer’s attacked with a vengeance, he dropped out of college to save his ailing father’s business, and from then on my dad was self taught and self made, educated at the school of hard knocks, and a true “thinker outside the box.”
He said, “Anticipation is greater than reality.” But, for him, that didn’t diminish anticipation; it made it even more precious. Anticipation was the hopeful buzz, the ray of creative possibility…and therefore it was greater than whatever reality followed.
Brilliant, Marylin. Now write a letter to your father. I could not agree with him more. He sounds like my grandfather.
I don’t particularly like Amazon. As you said, the bottom line… I mistrust Amazon. We have a cordial relationship, but I know Amazon has no loyalty to me.
Hi Ciara - I’m not thinking so much in terms of loyalty, I’m thinking in terms of service and reach. No other venue offers me what Amazon offers me- both as an indie author and a consumer. But loyalty? Of course Amazon has no loyalty to me personally. Amazon is a business. That being said, I appreciate their business acumen.
Wonderful “Anticipation is” post today.
Excellent points, Julia. Amazon does something else I don’t see a lot with other companies (or individuals, for that matter). They focus on What Is. They don’t have imaginary customers. They aren’t creating “ideals.” They look at what actually is right in front of them and work to serve those needs and wants.
Reminds me of a craft show I went to. A jewelry artist had cases full of bizarre necklaces and bracelets. They were awful and looked unwearable. I asked her if she sold many. The contempt on her face and in her voice was so open I was shocked. She said something along the lines of only very special people with exceptional taste could appreciate her art, and she made it clear that visitors to the craft show were NOT those people. I bet she didn’t sell a single item the entire show.
I see too many businesses who are disappointed by and feel contempt for their customers. Sort of like bitter spouses whose lives would be perfect if only he or she would change (and match the impossible ideal).
I think Amazon likes its customers-they certainly appreciate them. That alone will keep them chugging along.
Interesting post and comments. Nice to hear some positives about a force amongst us. Amazon obviously is doing a lot of things right or else it wouldn’t be the behomoth it is. Now, to apply anticipation to my own practice.
Diana, Amazon is a force. No if’s and’s or but’s. I’m okay with it.
Yup. Nailed it, Jaye. I compare my stellar experience getting a refund from Amazon to my nightmare-ish experience attempting to get a refund from Walmart. Amazon blows its competitors out of the water.
Thanks, Amber!
I’m anticipating a long and happy life and a visit to Napa where someone might take me to hug a Redwood tree and them before that, now I am anticipating winning the lottery to make that a reality ……
Xxxxxx
Tom, honey, you can hug a redwood tree in our backyard- we have 6. Altho they are not house-sized. We’ll take you to see house-sized redwoods.
I love Amazon. It meets my needs to a ‘T.” One Click Purchasing is a God send. Purchases arrive on my door step in a timely fashion. Does it have loyalty to me? Don’t know. Don’t care. It provides me with good service. That is enough for me. Good service for the buck! Best prices on the net. Amazon also has more things under one roof than almost any one else. And I love the book reviews too.
Can’t say it often or loud enough: I LOVE AMAZON!!!!!
I know Roberta. It’s all about the service, isn’t it. Good service = my loyalty.