I’m not sure how I landed the contract in 1994/1995 to develop and deliver training for NeXT Computer’s inside sales organization. I had just launched my company and this client was a big win. The NeXT offices were located off the Seaport Exit in Redwood City. They were cool, sleek, modern, and filled with bright faces. The kitchen always had something interesting cooking, and their company gatherings were always fun. The entire upstairs belonged to Steve Jobs: big comfortable chairs, couches, and workstations filled the place.
Coaching and training the inside team had some challenges. For one thing, NeXT was a tough sell. Not only was this progressive computer very pricey, but Steve himself wasn’t very popular at the time. But even though customers were hesitant, the team’s excitement and energy about what they were doing was infectious.
One day while I was delivering training for their Customer Service team, this guy strutted into my session late. He was wearing shorts and Birkenstocks and had stringy hair. He looked around the room, and then looked at me and the people on the team. Suddenly, the entire room became silent in anticipation.
I thought he was some guy who was late for the training, so I said, “Welcome, would you like to have a seat?”
The room broke out into embarrassed laughter, and I looked at their faces – suddenly realizing that this was Steve Jobs! I recovered fast, and told him that this was a Customer Service training, and said something about the the importance of NeXT’s customers. He smiled, thanked me, and left of the room.
My thanks to you, Steve Jobs. RIP
“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me . . . Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful . . . that’s what matters to me.” [Steve Jobs, The Wall Street Journal, May 25, 1993]
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