BOOKWORM Rework what you know
Experience matters, and the founders of the software company 37signals have enough successful experience in the real world to offer everyone some practical advice. After 10 years of sustained profitability, entrepreneurs Jason Fried and David Hansson have collected the best ideas that have made their company a role model for others. In Rework, they redefine the rules of business to fit the realities of success in the 21st century.
While creating several popular software products (Basecamp, Highrise, Backpack, Campfire), they have rejected advertising, meetings, boards of directors and salespeople. Plotting their own path to success, they have built a company that has emerged triumphantly through bubbles, recessions, and good times and bad. In Rework, Fried and Hansson capture the strategies and attitudes that have combined to make their business a booming success.
Contrary Advice
Much of the advice in Rework runs contrary to the standard business lessons found in other texts.
The authors explain that too many leaders are preoccupied with growing their companies. Instead of getting caught up in the continuous growth game, leaders should be more concerned with finding the right size for their companies.
Focus on the Right Things
What about creating an exit strategy? The authors write that you should instead focus on serving your customers when you are getting started, not worrying about who will buy your company. Committing to your business, people and customers is much more important than selling out, so get your priorities straight.
“Possibly the most important business book you’ll ever read."
“A get-up-off-your-ass, stop-talking-and-start-doing book.”