How Otis became the world's most popular elevator brand

How Elisha Otis went from at a loose end to selling 1000s of elevators with one simple stunt...

In 1854, Elisha Otis had invented a safety brake for elevators. But no one was buying. Elevators had killed too many people. So he partnered with P.T. Barnum for a stunt. In front of thousands at the Crystal Palace, Otis stood on an elevator platform while his assistant cut the rope. The elevator dropped two feet... and stopped. "All safe, gentlemen. All safe." Over the next decade, Otis sold 2,000+ elevators. He changed how cities are built. The lessons: Make it an event Great hook (life-or-death stakes) Unquestionable proof