Known as a simple and reliable video conferencing service provider for meetings and International calls around the world, Zoom has mastered the art of profitable growth.
The vision was all down to founder and CEO Eric Yuan.
Frustrated with his company at the time, Yuan left his role as VP of engineering, and set off to build his very own company - and Zoom was born.
Yuan’s mission was simple: he wanted a platform that worked, and happy customers that were using his technology.
But how could a newbie company possibly survive, let alone thrive, when the current market competitors were huge global entities like Google, Skype and GoToMeeting?
Although the company was new, Yuan was seasoned when it came to the engineering side of things. He soon saw a problem no one was really addressing.
Rather than adding in features he thought customers might want, he instead sat back and listened. How could he make what already existed, not better, but perfect for the user? This crusade for relentless customer satisfaction became Zoom’s new goal.
He encouraged and welcomed feedback of all kinds, especially the negative.
At a time when most competitors saw growth as their focus, Yuan saw customer service as his area to excel. They set up dedicated customer service teams, customer advisory boards, and even used AI automated tools to collect insights and boost engagement at every level.
This one act, gave him a real sense of customer perspective, and in turn caused him to realign his entire growth strategy. Through determination and dedication to one product, Zoom has demonstrated the true power and potential a start-up mindset can really unlock.
Now, with a reputation for growth as lightning fast as its name would suggest, it’s no wonder Zoom has stuck around. In its latest fiscal year, it’s even reported revenue of $330.5 million. Its success story continues to inspire entrepreneurs and businesses the world over.
Jolt. Teaching start up business.
Charles Darwin took long walks around London. Kurt Vonnegut made listening to jazz a daily priority. Fiona Apple disappeared for 6 years after the release of her third album.
I ask because I can often be found agonising over the "more". If only I posted on Instagram more, I'll think in the bath. I'd have more followers if I pitched to more publications. I need to post 2 more times a week, minimum. I could go on...
Between you and me, I've got frustrated with myself for browsing Facebook or watching too much TV more times than I can remember.
And I'm not alone. So many of us are terrified of taking a break, creatively speaking. We won't let a moment pass without listening to a podcast, consuming an article or sharing something.
The cognitive load is real, y'all.
But like Vitamin D, sleep and good food, it's not only ok to take a break, it's essential.
Living a successful life is also about knowing when not to work. For your best output, you need to focus on your input, too.
The world won't end if you disappear from the internet for a week or so. Your creativity won't suddenly stop. Your time is now, but your time was also then and it will be again.
Many of us confuse being "busy" with being constructive. But you can only do your best work by taking breaks.
And science backs it up, too. The brain requires substantial downtime to do its most innovative thinking. The ideas you have while driving or in the shower aren't coincidental. They're a result of you taking a step back, whether you're aware of it or not.
Let yourself take a wonderful and indulgent break. Several breaks. Hell, get downright bored.
Wallow in it. Don't be afraid of it. Push it as far as you can.
When you leave your laptop behind, something always happens. A new idea or a fresh perspective appears.
Take proper breaks, often. Completely clear your mind. Your next best idea depends on it.
By taking this 10-min test I can set myself up for success
