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Business Quote by Peter Drucker

“Because its purpose is to create a customer, the business has two and only two functions: Marketing and Innovation. Marketing and Innovation produce results. All the rest are costs.” quote by Peter Drucker
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“Because its purpose is to create a customer, the business has two and only two functions: Marketing and Innovation. Marketing and Innovation produce results. All the rest are costs.”

Peter Drucker

About This Quote

Source Book: The Practice of Management, Peter Drucker, 1954

A business’s sole purpose is to create customers; its only essential functions are marketing and innovation, while all other activities are cost centers.

In simple terms: Marketing and innovation create customers; everything else costs.

Key Takeaway

Focus on marketing and innovation to grow.

Themes

business marketing innovation customer focus efficiency

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

business strategic

When to use this quote

  • product development
  • brand building
  • market research
  • process improvement
  • budgeting

Key Concepts

Strategic management value creation cost accounting

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can support functions add value?
  • What defines a “customer” in modern markets?
A Different Perspective

Neglects the role of operations and support functions.

4.6 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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