Why its called Nothing?

The history and values of “Nothing”, a brand by Kunal Shah and Carl Pei, its entry into the smartphone market, and key traits.

The word nothing came from “nān thing” meaning no thing. I am not here to write about the history of nothing but something related to nothing. Yes, it’s about nothing. A few things pop into my mind when I hear the word nothing. Let me list first, then we will do nothing.

  1. Something to boost your thinking with nothing
  2. We’re actually out of everything. so that means we in fact have nothing.
  3. Nothing

This page is all about the key takeaway from the conversation of Kunal Shah and Carl Pei (CEO of Nothing)

1. Entering Oligopoly

Smartphone markets are dominated by Android and iOS. Entering to build the hardware and create a brand is one of the hardest things to do. Apart from Apple, no other brands exist in people’s minds (That’s the power of creating a brand and probably people are waiting for Apple 14). They started with Ear (1) and then Phone (1). To survive in a pre-dominated market, the best thing is to build a quality product.

When you’re weak and late in an Industry, fast follower strategy works best. Find a loop hole/opportunity in a predefined market and build your unique approach.

– Carl

2. Core Values of Nothing

The values of Nothing seem relevant to every one of us. He mentioned the 4 core values of the company.

  • Be the change
  • Pride and Product
  • Thrive on diversity
  • Survive

Carl’s explanation of the last value got stuck. He said, “But, at the end of the day, you must be available for another chance or another day to try to change what you want to change”. Isn’t true for having a healthy body and healthy mind?

3. Gut Feeling

Gut feeling is not random. It is all based on past experiences that we had which can’t be explained logically. – Carl

Everyone can’t predict or rely on positive outcomes based on gut feelings or intuitions. I believe, that people who have tried out a lot of things, knowing the strategies of failure, second-order consequences can make better intuitive decisions.

4. Culture

Any company can survive in the long run based on its culture. There is nothing to state any further on this.

5. Traits of Mediocre

Here, is the pooled list of mediocre people given by Kunal and Carl

  • Not knowing the details
  • Can’t handle feedbacks/criticism
  • Taking things personally
  • Terrible at taking help
  • Lack of curiosity
  • Separation between work and free time
  • Constantly seeking external validation

6. Risk-seeking Behavior

Everyone out there is worried about their reputation and risk-seeking behavior is observed less among the youngsters.

People are worried about their reputation and status when they have none…

You can’t build substances in life without putting the wealth, reputation or health at stake. – Kunal

I believe reputation matters at a young age due to the filters of social media. To look good, to have fancy things, to have social status, to do something just to impress others rather than pushing beyond the limits and thyself ( Sometimes, I am a victim too).

7. Nothing

The team came up with the name “Nothing” because all other names (NEXT, STONE, ESSENTIAL) that they chose before appeared to be “cringe” for Carl’s younger sister (Lol). This is how they came up with “Nothing”

I hope, I covered almost all the key highlights here. To watch the full conversation, here is the link.

Cheers! Enjoy Nothing!

PS: I like the LED lights at the back.

Disclaimer: I am gifted with nothing to write about this. At least, I should be gifted with something to write about nothing yet I got nothing (lol).

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Author: Sunandhini R

Curious Learner!

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