--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The most essential thing for us was to…" description: "\"The most essential thing for us was to get the business model right, then put the world-class technology under it to support it. At Merrill, that meant..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/264/john-mckinley-52781_business_the-most-essential-thing-for-us-was-to-g_473253.jpg" --- # The most essential thing for us was to get the business… ![“The most essential thing for us was to get the business model right, then put the world-class technology under it to support it. At Merrill, that meant not doing what people expected.” quote by John McKinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/264/john-mckinley-52781_business_the-most-essential-thing-for-us-was-to-g_473253.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/264/john-mckinley-52781_business_the-most-essential-thing-for-us-was-to-g_473253.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/264/john-mckinley-52781_business_the-most-essential-thing-for-us-was-to-g_473253.jpg) > “The most essential thing for us was to get the business model right, then put the world-class technology under it to support it. At Merrill, that meant not doing what people expected.” [John McKinley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mckinley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Success depends on a solid business model first, with top technology serving that model, even if it defies expectations. **In simple terms:** Get the model right, then add technology. Key Takeaway Prioritize model before tech. Themes strategy innovation leadership Mood determined analytical Type strategic inspirational When to use this quote - startup planning - corporate pivots - product launches - market entry strategies Key Concepts business model design technology alignment disruptive thinking Questions to Reflect On - What model flaws have you overlooked? - How can you balance innovation with expectations? 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