Big Companies Compete Harder

"The Entrepreneurial Spirit"  Please respond to the following:

• The entrepreneurial spirit fuels growth in the U.S. economy. From the e-Activity, discuss the founder’s vision for the company and how it has been realized over the years.

• Identify three characteristics of the founder’s vision that could be transferred to similar companies to improve their profitability.

OUR MISSION:

TO BRING INSPIRATION AND INNOVATION TO EVERY ATHLETE* IN THE WORLD

Best product, branding (advertising), branching into every avenue of athletics

Nike, still the number one athletics company worldwide. Developed during the 1950’s and 60’s in the state of Oregon by a track coach, Bill Bowerman and his former mid-distance runner Phil Knight. With Knight’s vision of quality running shoes and Bowerman ever seeking performance advantages for athletes, Blue Ribbon Sports was created and later became Nike.

From the start of the company, innovation was key. Not only are performance results important but Nike is set apart from other companies because of the longevity of the product and unique style. A great part of Nike’s success can be directly tied to their take over in advertisement. Print ads, billboards and memorable commercials as well as great representation from world renowned athletes such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, the Williams sisters and LeBron James has been a big part of why Nike is still number 1. Finally, constant growth is a sought after goal of any company but Nike has proved their products are for every sport, and every athlete. As the athletic world becomes more competitive so does Nike.