In this book, Seth discusses a variety of interesting ideas and observations about marketing, business and entrepreneurship. Each chapter is basically a 1-2 page thought (I’m pretty sure that this book came about as a collection of blog posts).
Although not written as a typical linear book, there is a common theme weaved throughout: we live in a day of age where those who are innovators have every opportunity to succeed and leave behind larger organizations who are stuck in the status quo. Everyday, ordinary people think of great ideas – whether they be a new way of doing things, a new product or service, or anything – that have the potential to change the way we function in the world. It is up to each of us to recognize great ideas when we see them (or think of them) and have the courage to follow through and act on it.
I would recommend this for anyone who runs a small business or needs a little motivation to get started on an idea.
Here is an excerpt from the book:
Today, little companies often make more money than big companies. Little churches grow faster than worldwide ones. Little jets are way faster (door to door) than big ones.
Small means the founder makes a far greater percentage of the customer interactions. Small means the founder is close to the decisions that matter and can make them, quickly.
Small is the new big because small gives you the flexibility to change the business model when your competition changes theirs.
Small means you can tell the truth on your blog.
Small means that you can answer email from your customers.
Small means that you will outsource the boring, low-impact stuff like manufacturing and shipping and billing and packing to others, while you keep the power because you invent the remarkable and tell stories to people who want to hear them.
A small law firm or accounting firm or ad agency is succeeding because they’re good, not because they’re big. So smart small companies are happy to hire them.
A small restaurant has an owner who greets you by name.
A small venture fund doesn’t have to fund big bad ideas in order to get capital doing work. They can make small investments in tiny companies with good (big) ideas.
A small church has a minister with the time to visit you in the hospital when you’re sick.
Small is the new big only when the person running the small thinks big.
Don’t wait. Get small. Think big.
Check out Seth’s Blog.