Imprint: Business Author Interviews » Strategy http://www.daxle.net Business podcasts Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:07:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc 2006-2008 brian@daxle.net (Imprint) brian@daxle.net (Imprint) posts 1440 http://www.daxle.net/images/imprint144.jpg Imprint: Business Author Interviews » Strategy http://www.daxle.net 144 144 Business Author Interviews Ah, the wonderful world of books. A relevant business book can give you an edge in your business and keep you ahead of the pack. Stop by, listen, and find some treasures to add to your shortlist. business, books, business books, interviews, sales, marketing, leadership Imprint Imprint brian@daxle.net no no The 1% Windfall http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-1-windfall http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-1-windfall#comments Mon, 17 May 2010 11:33:51 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=187 The 1% Windfall by Rafi Mohammed
The 1% Windfall

If we aren’t careful, pricing can be like a pendulum with large across-the-board increases or discounts. There’s a line for every customer, and getting the right amount of profit for each is the thesis of this book. The beauty of this is, increased profits for your company may not be from the endless pursuit to cut costs or restructuring. Rafi lays out 50 different ways you can increase your profits a little at a time. Now 1% may not sound intriguing, but consider this: if Wal-mart increased it’s profit by 1%, it would mean billions more in profit.

I talk with Rafi about how this works, bringing dormant customers back into the fold, and how to compensate salespeople.

More about the book at PricingForProfit.com.

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-1-windfall/feed 0 8:25 The 1% Windfall by Rafi Mohammed If we aren't careful, pricing can be like a pendulum with large across-the-board increases or discounts. There's a line for ... The 1% Windfall by Rafi Mohammed If we aren't careful, pricing can be like a pendulum with large across-the-board increases or discounts. There's a line for every customer, and getting the right amount of profit for each is the thesis of this book. The beauty of this is, increased profits for your company may not be from the endless pursuit to cut costs or restructuring. Rafi lays out 50 different ways you can increase your profits a little at a time. Now 1% may not sound intriguing, but consider this: if Wal-mart increased it's profit by 1%, it would mean billions more in profit. I talk with Rafi about how this works, bringing dormant customers back into the fold, and how to compensate salespeople. More about the book at PricingForProfit.com. Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no I Love You More Than My Dog http://www.daxle.net/archive/i-love-you-more-than-my-dog http://www.daxle.net/archive/i-love-you-more-than-my-dog#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:04:38 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=147 I Love You More Than My Dog by Jeanne Bliss
I Love You More Than My Dog

We read and hear the stories people tell about Zappos, Trader Joe’s and other companies that don’t just have customers, they have fans. These are beloved companies, as Jeanne calls them. They have created a connection with their customers by how they’ve chosen to interact with them. This book looks at the 5 key decisions they make, and challenges you to find your way to join the ranks.

I talk with Jeanne about trusting your customer, what these decisions are and more.

More about Jeanne at CustomerBliss.com

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/i-love-you-more-than-my-dog/feed 0 13:45 I Love You More Than My Dog by Jeanne Bliss We read and hear the stories people tell about Zappos, Trader Joe's and other companies that ... I Love You More Than My Dog by Jeanne Bliss We read and hear the stories people tell about Zappos, Trader Joe's and other companies that don't just have customers, they have fans. These are beloved companies, as Jeanne calls them. They have created a connection with their customers by how they've chosen to interact with them. This book looks at the 5 key decisions they make, and challenges you to find your way to join the ranks. I talk with Jeanne about trusting your customer, what these decisions are and more. More about Jeanne at CustomerBliss.com Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no Duck and Recover http://www.daxle.net/archive/duck-and-recover http://www.daxle.net/archive/duck-and-recover#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:51:39 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=139 Duck and Recover by Steven S. Little
Duck and Recover

While survival is on the mind of many, Steven wants to not only see you survive, but also to use opportunities around you to grow. So the book is divided into two parts: “Ducking” is positioning yourself at your strongest point. Think of a football linebacker in a three-point stance. “Recover” is growing while those around you are satisfied with just hanging on. He does this by challenging common held beliefs and giving guidance on cash flow, pricing and profit margins.

More about the Steven at StevenSLittle.com

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/duck-and-recover/feed 0 14:27 Duck and Recover by Steven S. Little While survival is on the mind of many, Steven wants to not only see you survive, but also to ... Duck and Recover by Steven S. Little While survival is on the mind of many, Steven wants to not only see you survive, but also to use opportunities around you to grow. So the book is divided into two parts: "Ducking" is positioning yourself at your strongest point. Think of a football linebacker in a three-point stance. "Recover" is growing while those around you are satisfied with just hanging on. He does this by challenging common held beliefs and giving guidance on cash flow, pricing and profit margins. More about the Steven at StevenSLittle.com Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no Being Strategic http://www.daxle.net/archive/being-strategic http://www.daxle.net/archive/being-strategic#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:02:32 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=133 Being Strategic by Erika Andersen
Being Strategic

Everybody talks about strategy, but there is a big gap between discussing strategy, defining strategy and actually being strategic — so you can accomplish something. This book helps you approach business strategically, explaining what strategy is, why it’s important, and how to do it. “Being Strategic” offers you a step-by-step model and skills for strategic thought and action that are broadly applicable and thoroughly practical.

More about the book at BeingStrategic.com

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/being-strategic/feed 0 16:01 Being Strategic by Erika Andersen Everybody talks about strategy, but there is a big gap between discussing strategy, defining strategy and actually being strategic -- so ... Being Strategic by Erika Andersen Everybody talks about strategy, but there is a big gap between discussing strategy, defining strategy and actually being strategic -- so you can accomplish something. This book helps you approach business strategically, explaining what strategy is, why it's important, and how to do it. "Being Strategic" offers you a step-by-step model and skills for strategic thought and action that are broadly applicable and thoroughly practical. More about the book at BeingStrategic.com Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no Collapse of Distinction http://www.daxle.net/archive/collapse-of-distinction http://www.daxle.net/archive/collapse-of-distinction#comments Mon, 25 May 2009 17:26:46 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=121 Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain
Collapse of Distinction

We live in a “Sea of Sameness”. Your mall is like my mall, and the same fast food restaurants are found on Interstate highways all across America. Can you compete? Of course you can, but not by offering the the same thing as everyone else. Scott lays out the way to become distinct: Clarity, Creativity, Communication, and Customer-Experience Focus. And I’ll warn you now, he’s going to challenge you on these points because everyone says they do it.

More about the book at http://CollapseOfDistinction.com. Scott blogs at http://mckainviewpoint.com.

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/collapse-of-distinction/feed 0 16:46 Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain We live in a "Sea of Sameness". Your mall is like my mall, and the same fast food restaurants are ... Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain We live in a "Sea of Sameness". Your mall is like my mall, and the same fast food restaurants are found on Interstate highways all across America. Can you compete? Of course you can, but not by offering the the same thing as everyone else. Scott lays out the way to become distinct: Clarity, Creativity, Communication, and Customer-Experience Focus. And I'll warn you now, he's going to challenge you on these points because everyone says they do it. More about the book at http://CollapseOfDistinction.com. Scott blogs at http://mckainviewpoint.com. Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no Say Yes to No http://www.daxle.net/archive/say-yes-to-no http://www.daxle.net/archive/say-yes-to-no#comments Sat, 09 May 2009 20:13:50 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=112 Say Yes to No by Greg Cootsona
Say Yes to No

So many things to do and so little time? You are not alone. Everyone is busy. Everyone has an overflowing email inbox and a never-ending list of to-dos. And in Greg’s case, he found he had to make a choice. He couldn’t do it all, and to do the things that really matter to him, he’d have to say “No” to other things. While this applies to business, it will obviously apply to the other parts of life, too.

I talk with Greg about what caused him to change, how to say no and not be negative, and the changes he’s made to be more effective.

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/say-yes-to-no/feed 0 11:00 Say Yes to No by Greg Cootsona So many things to do and so little time? You are not alone. Everyone is busy. Everyone has an ... Say Yes to No by Greg Cootsona So many things to do and so little time? You are not alone. Everyone is busy. Everyone has an overflowing email inbox and a never-ending list of to-dos. And in Greg's case, he found he had to make a choice. He couldn't do it all, and to do the things that really matter to him, he'd have to say "No" to other things. While this applies to business, it will obviously apply to the other parts of life, too. I talk with Greg about what caused him to change, how to say no and not be negative, and the changes he's made to be more effective. Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no It’s Not What You Sell http://www.daxle.net/archive/its-not-what-you-sell http://www.daxle.net/archive/its-not-what-you-sell#comments Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:58:01 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=94 It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For by Roy M. Spence Jr. with Haley Rushing
It's Not What You Sell

For some, it seems out of place to think that a company is out to make a difference in the world. Rather it is looked on as a way to make and keep a customer and produce a profit at the end of the day. That perspective, however, looses the power that highly-valued brands have. Done correctly, a purpose rallies the employee, solidifies the brand, and makes customer crazy about you.

I talk with Haley about the fear that what you love to do won’t be sustained by the marketplace, the question of shouldn’t business be concerned first with profit, and some ideas on how to find your purpose. More on the book here.. Buy it at Amazon.com

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/its-not-what-you-sell/feed 0 14:15 It's Not What You Sell, It's What You Stand For by Roy M. Spence Jr. with Haley Rushing For some, it seems out of place to ... It's Not What You Sell, It's What You Stand For by Roy M. Spence Jr. with Haley Rushing For some, it seems out of place to think that a company is out to make a difference in the world. Rather it is looked on as a way to make and keep a customer and produce a profit at the end of the day. That perspective, however, looses the power that highly-valued brands have. Done correctly, a purpose rallies the employee, solidifies the brand, and makes customer crazy about you. I talk with Haley about the fear that what you love to do won't be sustained by the marketplace, the question of shouldn't business be concerned first with profit, and some ideas on how to find your purpose. More on the book here.. Buy it at Amazon.com Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no Talent is Overrated http://www.daxle.net/archive/talent-is-overrated http://www.daxle.net/archive/talent-is-overrated#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:09:54 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=62 Talent is Overrated – What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin.
Talent is Overrated
The good news is, we really do start out on equal footing. While it might seem that some have the knack or raw gift, Geoff has found that the research doesn’t support it. So if you want to be world-class, you’ve got to work and put the time in, but not just any kind of work, a very specific kind called “deliberate practice”. The bad news is that this “deliberate practice” isn’t fun. But more of it equals better performance, and tons of it equals great performance.

I talk Geoff about what really does get us ahead and what we can do to be truly excellent.

More about Geoff at www.TalentIsOverrated.com.

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/talent-is-overrated/feed 1 19:43 Talent is Overrated - What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin. The good news is, we really do start out on equal ... Talent is Overrated - What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin. The good news is, we really do start out on equal footing. While it might seem that some have the knack or raw gift, Geoff has found that the research doesn't support it. So if you want to be world-class, you've got to work and put the time in, but not just any kind of work, a very specific kind called "deliberate practice". The bad news is that this "deliberate practice" isn't fun. But more of it equals better performance, and tons of it equals great performance. I talk Geoff about what really does get us ahead and what we can do to be truly excellent. More about Geoff at www.TalentIsOverrated.com. Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no Relevance http://www.daxle.net/archive/relevance http://www.daxle.net/archive/relevance#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:55:41 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=60 Relevance by Tim Manners.
Relevance
Becoming and maintaining a solid brand is no easy feat. Stare at the numbers too long and too much and you lose the connection to your customer, which happen to be human, not a piece of data. Rather than find yourself in the position of having your advertising try to talk someone into something, join Tim to discover how to find innovation that keeps your brand something people want.

I talk with Tim about the overabundance of advertising and its effect, whether its better to be who you are or let the customer decide, and what “Relevance” looks like.

More about Tim at Reveries.com and TimManners.com

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/relevance/feed 0 15:48 Relevance by Tim Manners. Becoming and maintaining a solid brand is no easy feat. Stare at the numbers too long and too much and you lose ... Relevance by Tim Manners. Becoming and maintaining a solid brand is no easy feat. Stare at the numbers too long and too much and you lose the connection to your customer, which happen to be human, not a piece of data. Rather than find yourself in the position of having your advertising try to talk someone into something, join Tim to discover how to find innovation that keeps your brand something people want. I talk with Tim about the overabundance of advertising and its effect, whether its better to be who you are or let the customer decide, and what "Relevance" looks like. More about Tim at Reveries.com and TimManners.com Branding, Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no Iconoclast http://www.daxle.net/archive/iconoclast http://www.daxle.net/archive/iconoclast#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:20:24 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=61 Iconoclast by Gregory Berns.
Iconoclast
Being different or thinking different is a common theme in business growth and innovation. The approach in other books is looking at ways to be creative and generate new ideas. Greg’s approach is from science; he’s looking at what’s going on in the brain while all of this is going on. Come to find out, the brain wants to be efficient, so it takes shortcuts all the time. If you want innovation, you’ll have to take a different approach if you want to see things differently.

Greg discusses the characteristics of an iconoclast, what might help in uncovering a new idea, and advice for teams.

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/iconoclast/feed 1 12:06 Iconoclast by Gregory Berns. Being different or thinking different is a common theme in business growth and innovation. The approach in other books is looking at ... Iconoclast by Gregory Berns. Being different or thinking different is a common theme in business growth and innovation. The approach in other books is looking at ways to be creative and generate new ideas. Greg's approach is from science; he's looking at what's going on in the brain while all of this is going on. Come to find out, the brain wants to be efficient, so it takes shortcuts all the time. If you want innovation, you'll have to take a different approach if you want to see things differently. Greg discusses the characteristics of an iconoclast, what might help in uncovering a new idea, and advice for teams. Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no How the Wise Decide http://www.daxle.net/archive/how-the-wise-decide http://www.daxle.net/archive/how-the-wise-decide#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:33:21 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=59 How the Wise Decide: The Lessons of 21 Extraordinary Leaders by Bryn Zeckhauser.
How the Wise Decide
A day for firm decisions… or is it? We’re gathering info and making choices all the time. How do excellent leaders do it? How do they decide A or B, and see it through? How do they handle the tough calls? The authors interviewed 21 long-standing successful leaders in business (and life) to find out what the common traits were. It looks at how they gather information, decide, and then execute.

I talk with Byrn about how to get politics and turf wars out the decision, and how to “fill a room with barbarians”, and have anything good come out at all. :)

More at the book website.

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/how-the-wise-decide/feed 1 12:53 How the Wise Decide: The Lessons of 21 Extraordinary Leaders by Bryn Zeckhauser. A day for firm decisions... or is it? We're gathering info and making ... How the Wise Decide: The Lessons of 21 Extraordinary Leaders by Bryn Zeckhauser. A day for firm decisions... or is it? We're gathering info and making choices all the time. How do excellent leaders do it? How do they decide A or B, and see it through? How do they handle the tough calls? The authors interviewed 21 long-standing successful leaders in business (and life) to find out what the common traits were. It looks at how they gather information, decide, and then execute. I talk with Byrn about how to get politics and turf wars out the decision, and how to "fill a room with barbarians", and have anything good come out at all. :) More at the book website. Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no The Innovator’s Guide to Growth http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-innovators-guide-to-growth http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-innovators-guide-to-growth#comments Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:03:57 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/?p=55 Innovator’s Guide to Growth by Scott D. Anthony.
Innovator's Guide to Growth
There’s nothing like a good innovation to create a market and drive your company’s growth. This book looks at how to:

  • Identify potential innovation opportunities
  • Formulate and shape ideas
  • Build an innovation business
  • Build innovation capabilities

I talk with Scott about where to look for innovation, how to increase your odds of success and how to handle an innovation that’s a paradigm shift – solving a problem that people don’t know they have. Scott blogs at HBSP, and is the president of Innosight. Tools for innovator at the book website.

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-innovators-guide-to-growth/feed 2 15:29 Innovator's Guide to Growth by Scott D. Anthony. There's nothing like a good innovation to create a market and drive your company's growth. This book looks ... Innovator's Guide to Growth by Scott D. Anthony. There's nothing like a good innovation to create a market and drive your company's growth. This book looks at how to: Identify potential innovation opportunities Formulate and shape ideas Build an innovation business Build innovation capabilities I talk with Scott about where to look for innovation, how to increase your odds of success and how to handle an innovation that's a paradigm shift - solving a problem that people don't know they have. Scott blogs at HBSP, and is the president of Innosight. Tools for innovator at the book website. Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no Big Ideas to Big Results http://www.daxle.net/archive/big-ideas-to-big-results http://www.daxle.net/archive/big-ideas-to-big-results#comments Thu, 15 May 2008 23:18:21 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/archive/big-ideas-to-big-results Big Ideas to Big Results by Michael Kanazawa and Robert Miles
Big Ideas to Big Results
You probably know where you want to go, it’s the getting there that’s the problem. You’re not alone as Fortune 500 companies to the shop on the corner have experienced the same frustration. Based on a methodology that started some 25 years ago at Harvard, the authors have worked to enable businesses of all sizes see their ideas become reality.

I talk with Mike about the beginnings, how this book aides in getting an idea launched (rather than have it stall), and aligning the troops.

Link:
www.BigIdeasToBigResults.com
Big Ideas Blog

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/big-ideas-to-big-results/feed 1 16:37 Big Ideas to Big Results by Michael Kanazawa and Robert Miles You probably know where you want to go, it's the getting there that's the problem. ... Big Ideas to Big Results by Michael Kanazawa and Robert Miles You probably know where you want to go, it's the getting there that's the problem. You're not alone as Fortune 500 companies to the shop on the corner have experienced the same frustration. Based on a methodology that started some 25 years ago at Harvard, the authors have worked to enable businesses of all sizes see their ideas become reality. I talk with Mike about the beginnings, how this book aides in getting an idea launched (rather than have it stall), and aligning the troops. Link: www.BigIdeasToBigResults.com Big Ideas Blog Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no The Opposable Mind http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-opposable-mind http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-opposable-mind#comments Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:58:23 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-opposable-mind The Opposable Mind by Roger Martin
The Opposable Mind

When a big problem comes our way often our normal reaction is to divide and conquer, take all the pieces and knock them out one by one. This book turns that notion on its head. The best solution to a complex question must keep the entire question in focus.

I talk with Roger about what an opposable mind is, how simplifying leads us astray, and how to not be overwhelmed. To get a taste of the “how to”, I’ll refer you here.

Link:
Rotman School of Management

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/the-opposable-mind/feed 0 12:00 The Opposable Mind by Roger Martin When a big problem comes our way often our normal reaction is to divide and conquer, take all the pieces ... The Opposable Mind by Roger Martin When a big problem comes our way often our normal reaction is to divide and conquer, take all the pieces and knock them out one by one. This book turns that notion on its head. The best solution to a complex question must keep the entire question in focus. I talk with Roger about what an opposable mind is, how simplifying leads us astray, and how to not be overwhelmed. To get a taste of the "how to", I'll refer you here. Link: Rotman School of Management Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no Think Better http://www.daxle.net/archive/think-better http://www.daxle.net/archive/think-better#comments Sat, 01 Dec 2007 01:24:43 +0000 admin http://www.daxle.net/archive/think-better Think Better: An Innovator’s Guide to Productive Thinking by Tim Hurson

Think Better

We all strive to be more productive but do we make the connection that how we think is the foundation of where we’re going to get? Improving the typewriter is only going to get you a better typewriter, which is about what we get when we take a business problem and run with the first idea we come up with to fix it. Thinking better is about taking what’s at hand through a process and arriving at a more creative and innovative solution.

Links:
www.TimHurson.com
www.Thinkxic.com

]]> http://www.daxle.net/archive/think-better/feed 0 21:21 Think Better: An Innovator's Guide to Productive Thinking by Tim Hurson We all strive to be more productive but do we make the connection that how ... Think Better: An Innovator's Guide to Productive Thinking by Tim Hurson We all strive to be more productive but do we make the connection that how we think is the foundation of where we're going to get? Improving the typewriter is only going to get you a better typewriter, which is about what we get when we take a business problem and run with the first idea we come up with to fix it. Thinking better is about taking what's at hand through a process and arriving at a more creative and innovative solution. Links: www.TimHurson.com www.Thinkxic.com Imprint, Strategy Imprint no no