'The Most Successful Small Business in the World: The 10 Principles' by Michael E. Gerber

Book review by Troy Wink

Of my book reviews this would be one of my lowest ratings. It’s not because of the messages it delivers, more the way it goes about delivering them. I don’t know about you, but I don’t enjoy being preached to. I prefer learning through the engagement of my imagination. In this book the author is well and truly behind the pulpit, armed with his 10 principles – or dare I say commandments – preaching with evangelistic fervour.

Nevertheless, what new concepts or perspectives did The Most Successful Small Business in the World: The 10 Principles offer? I did agree that many small businesses start small, think small and die small, or just continue to exist without purpose. This book reinforces the need for a business to have a higher purpose: to serve the community in which it is a part. A business that is essentially based on an idea of self and deception is doomed. That’s why my business’s tagline Building Your Business is Our Business™ reveals a philosophy which underpins its ongoing success. It’s an acknowledgment that success is contingent first and foremost on providing success to others; it has to be meaningful.

Does your business have a vision that imagines itself far beyond where it is today? Are you inspired every day you walk into your business, to continue to move forward to fulfil its potential to be the best small business in the world? It’s a bit left field, but a saying I like comes to mind: “Why do we spend so much time trying to fit in when we were born to stand out?”

This book can be purchased using the VBD Online Book Store. You will find it under 'Recommended Readings' at http://www.vbd.com.au/Business-Education-Books.

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