One of the purposes of commerce is to build strength. Gaining wealth gives us power, which is the ability to influence others. There are three main types of power: first, power gained through coercion or threats; second, power obtained through payment or inducement; and third, power gained through attraction. The power obtained through coercion, threats, payment, or inducement—that is, force or tactics—is called ‘hard power,’ while the power gained through ‘attraction’ without using force is called ‘soft power.’ Additionally, the ability to effectively achieve your goals using coercion, payment, and attraction is known as ‘smart power.’ Depending on the situation, we may need all three types; however, soft power is something that everyone admires. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
In a rapidly evolving technological market, companies thrive not by producing durable, long-lasting products but by continuously innovating new models. If car manufacturers create vehicles so robust that customers drive them for over 30 or 40 years, those companies risk failure. Therefore, product cycles are crucial in manufacturing: if they are too short, trust is lost; if they are too long, bankruptcy follows. Nevertheless, newcomers often aim to make them more robust. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”