| | |  | Home Business Electronics | Home » » Growing a Business | | | | | | | Description: | | Nearly everyone harbors a secret dream of starting or owning a business. In fact, 1,000,000 businesses start in the United States every year. Many of them fail, but enough succeed so that small businesses are now adding millions of jobs to the economy at the same time that the Fortune 500 companies are actually losing jobs. Paul Hawken -- entrepreneur and best-selling author -- wrote Growing a Business for those who set out to make their dream a reality. He knows what he's talking about; he is his own best example of success. In the early 1970s, while he was still in his twenties, he founded Erewhon, the largest distributor of natural foods. More recently, he founded and still runs Smith & Hawken, the premier mail-order garden tool company. And he wrote a critically acclaimed book called The Next Economy about the future of the economy. Using examples like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream, and University National Bank of Palo Alto, California, Hawken shows that the successful business is an expression of an individual person. The most successful business, your idea for a business, will grow from something that is deep within you, something that can't be stolen by anyone because it is so uniquely yours that anyone else who tried to execute your idea would fail. He dispels the myth of the risk-taking entrepreneur. The purpose of business, he points out, is not to take risks but rather to get something done. | | | Features: | |
• ISBN13: 9780671671648
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
| | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Paul Hawken | | Paperback:
| 256 pages | | Publisher:
| Simon & Schuster | | Publication Date:
| October 15, 1988 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 0671671642 | | Package Length:
| 8.4 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.5 inches | | Package Height:
| 0.7 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.55 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 44 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
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This book cuts to the core of successful businessesJun 21, 2010
Nothing in this book is entirely new but the author's tone, passion and wisdom speaks volumes. This is a great guide to building your own business from the ground up or improving any business that you are managing. Every chapter has gems hidden deep in the pages and it was a true joy to read. This is one of those types of management books you should revisit every couple of years to refresh your thoughts.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Still applies to today's timesMay 10, 2010
Good book for someone thinking of starting a business. Heavier on planning, positive thinking and creativity than nuts-and-bolts bean counting-type info. Highly recommend it.
Never out of vogueNov 22, 2009
It's hard to believe that this book was published in 1987 because of its relevance 22 years later. With an ever-changing business landscape, this book explores the fundamentals and will never be out of vogue. It's an easy read, filled with theory and anecdotal evidence from Paul Hawken's founded company, Smith & Hawken.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Keep it handySep 02, 2009
I bought this book years ago and was thrilled to find a book that went beyond the start-up phase of a business. Maybe there have been many other similar books since Paul Hawken wrote his, but I don't think you'll find a better one. Of all the business books on my very large bookshelf, this one is in a place where I can easily access it. In my work as an executive coach and outplacement counselor, I have referred many people to this book over the years, and they have always expressed appreciation.
Christine Posti, Author
Marriage On and Off the Rocks: Intimate Stories of Marriages that Made It and Others that Didn't
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Why blow bubbles when you can grow a company?Dec 11, 2008
"Growing a Business" is pretty old, from 1988, so there is no mention of the Internet, little about software, and nothing at all about startups. In fact, I was struck when the author mentioned the computer for the company. Not a, but the.
Even so, the book is a must-read for anyone who actually wants to build a business that makes money, contributes to society, and does something useful. Hawken doesn't go into a ton of specifics about finding an idea or market, but here are some examples of thoughts you'll find in the book:
* Address problems that money alone cannot solve.
* Money goes where it causes the least embarrassment.
* Focus on a niche instead of developing a new market.
Also discussed are building a good culture, focusing on customers, funding, and lots of other great insights. The lack of technology talk produces a list of business lessons and people skills necessary for those who want to create a business instead of just raising funding or boosting egos.
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