Apple Stock Soars While Facebook Tanks - Small Business Trends

What makes some businesses successful while others see success for a time and then decline? No one is sounding Facebook?s death knell just yet, but the company?s stock has struggled since the network?s IPO earlier this year. Meanwhile, Apple?s stock has hit an all-time high. Whether your business is large or small, it?s important to consider what adds value to a company. Here are some thoughts.

Highs and Lows

Up, up and away. This week Apple became the most valuable stock ever traded, closing at a $665.15 high on Monday. The company set a record by surpassing a level last hit by Microsoft back on Dec. 30, 1999. The company shows no signs of slowing down, with products still wildly popular among their core fans and customer base. Yahoo! Finance

The meaning of success. The key to Apple?s success is its hardcore customer base of obsessive fans who generally end up buying not just one, but many of the company?s products. Peek into the Apple ecosystem with this guest post from a fan who shows us why the company dominates its market like no other. LockerGnome

Down in the valley. While Apple soars, Facebook tanks. Some of the social media giant?s early investors have sold out and more investors may be planning to do the same. The company?s stock value is now at about half of what it was at its original offering. Other social media companies have had similar experiences, but some analysts say the setbacks are temporary. USA Today

Creating Value

The A-team. The first step in creating an incredible company is assembling an incredible team. Building an a-team is harder than it may look. Begin by looking at the people you already have, and don?t be afraid of making organizational changes if necessary. Here?s how to create an unbeatable team that can build value for your business. Merchantos

Innovate or die. Innovation is a critical part of creating value in your company. However sometimes, as Anita Campbell observes, you need look no further to find the person responsible for holding your business back than the nearest mirror. Here are some tips to help you get out of your business?s way and move your company to the next level. Open Forum

Bring your passion. Passion for your product or business is a huge step toward creating value in your company. Here we see how a passionate blog becomes a business. Consider the product or company you most want to build. Creating a company you feel passionate about will also instill value for your customers and fans. Tweak Your Biz

Repeating yourself. A huge part of determining whether you are creating value your customers can recognize is figuring out whether they regularly come back for more. Susan Oakes has some suggestions for determining whether your customers are new or repeat. Figuring this out will give you an idea of how others see what you do. M4B Marketing

Source: http://smallbiztrends.com/2012/08/apple-stock-soars-while-facebook-tanks.html

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