"Imitate, then Innovate: Startup Lessons from Phil Knight, Creator of NIKE"

"Imitate, then Innovate: Startup Lessons from Phil Knight, Creator of NIKE"

In the world of creativity and innovation, the idea of imitation often gets a bad rap. Many individuals fear that imitating others' work will lead to a lack of originality and creativity. However, David Perell, in his article "Imitate, then Innovate," argues that imitation and innovation go hand in hand. He suggests that imitating others' work can actually help creators discover their unique style and ultimately lead to innovation.

Perell highlights the concept of the "Originality Disease," which is the fear of imitating other people's styles. He emphasizes that creators consume art differently than consumers, as they are intentional in what they consume. By studying and reverse-engineering other people's work, creators can develop their own mental Pinterest board of ideas to borrow and build upon in their own work.

This notion of imitative learning is not new; throughout history, most imitative learning happened through apprenticeships. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci observed and imitated their masters before producing their own original work. However, as society has shifted towards valuing originality over imitative learning, the transmission of technique and tacit knowledge has been lost.

Imitation is not limited to the creative realm; it extends to various fields, including business. Phil Knight, the creator of NIKE, offers valuable startup lessons that align with the idea of imitate, then innovate.

One of Knight's key lessons is to hire a team of believers. He emphasizes the importance of finding individuals who share your vision and are passionate about your mission. For Knight, Nike was not just a job; it was a calling. The team's shared belief in the company's purpose propelled them forward.

Another lesson from Knight is to target your end customers. Instead of focusing on selling to distributors, Knight pitched his track shoes directly to coaches and runners. This customer-centric approach allowed Nike to build a strong brand and establish a connection with its audience.

Knight also emphasizes the importance of taking care of your mental and physical health. In the face of challenges and constant problem-solving, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being. Burning out will only hinder your ability to innovate and make sound decisions.

Financial health is another aspect Knight emphasizes. He warns against living from paycheck to paycheck, urging entrepreneurs to focus on selling through their products and converting them into cash. Keeping a tab on your company's financial health is essential for long-term success.

Furthermore, Knight's experience with suppliers highlights the importance of managing the bargaining power of suppliers. Nike faced challenges with its supplier, Onitsuka, but ultimately diversified its supply to overcome this problem. Being aware of the impact suppliers can have on your business is crucial for maintaining profitability.

Lastly, Knight's advice to never stop aligns with the concept of imitate, then innovate. He encourages entrepreneurs to persevere, even when others may doubt their ideas. The journey to innovation is often filled with obstacles, but it is essential to keep pushing forward.

In conclusion, the idea of imitate, then innovate holds true in both the creative and business realms. By imitating others' work, creators and entrepreneurs can discover their unique style and innovative ideas. However, it is important to imitate selectively and learn from the past rather than imitating for the sake of imitation. To apply these ideas, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace imitation as a learning tool: Study the work of those you admire and identify the elements you appreciate. Understand why they made the decisions they made and how you can incorporate those insights into your own work.

• 2. Foster a team of believers: Surround yourself with individuals who share your vision and passion. Build a team that sees your work as more than just a job but as a calling, as this shared belief will propel you forward.

• 3. Prioritize customer-centricity: Focus on understanding and serving your end customers. By targeting their needs and desires, you can build a strong brand and establish a meaningful connection with your audience.

By imitating selectively, nurturing a team of believers, and prioritizing customer-centricity, you can imitate, then innovate, and ultimately find success in your creative or entrepreneurial endeavors.