Book Review: Screw Business as Usual

Screw Business As Usual by Richard Branson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


So now comes Sir Richard with a critique of modern business practices that only he could produce. In exhorting readers to "Screw Business as Usual" Branson is calling upon us to reinvent capitalism in a more ethical, more just, and less destructive way.  His primary theme here is that Capitalism 24902 (named for the number of miles in our globe's circumference) must serve the world and not deplete it.  "Doing good is good for business" he says over and over... and then he proves his case.  He tells dozens of stories of business leaders who break the model, screw business as usual, and go on to greater wealth and influence than they could have done with traditional methods. And he uses himself as a case-in-point to great effect.  With his example, we learn how a great leader like Branson thinks and makes decisions - and then it all seems more attainable somehow.

Screw Business as Usual is a call to action that is truly motivating.  While reading, I made some new personal commitments in terms of how I organize my little one-woman consulting firm.  Not much in the grand scheme of things, but it is my bit to do and I will do it.  It amuses me that my financial adviser is always surprised when he is telling me that the socially-responsible mutual funds I insist on using seem to be outperforming the market. 

If I had had four and a half stars to give, I would have, and I nearly went with a five.  Though the book was a bit slow in the beginning, once I got to Chapter 3 or so it became a real page turner and I enjoyed the reading immensely.  I have scribbled more wows, far-outs, and yeses into the margins of this book than I have done since those college days when every idea was new and exciting. If that ain't a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon I don't know what is!

I admit it - I love Richard Branson.  Always have.  His fresh approach to everything is inspiring.  His courage, ability to overcome odds, masterful entrepreneurship, and team-building skill earned him billions.  He seems to move through life like a chess grand master moves across his board.  Except that Branson is having more fun. So glad he invites us along for the ride.

My two-page summary is available for free download here.








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Book Review: Screw It, Let's Do It

Screw It, Let's Do It: Lessons In Life by Richard Branson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars




Here are the notes I made to myself on the back page of this book after reading it on the plane out to California for a dream 50th-birthday vacation. "I can afford this trip. I can meet my own needs, now and into the future. I can help any who needs me. There's a lot of life in this body - and a great deal to give. Now, have fun - and let the money take care of itself. Screw it - let's do it!"

Really, what else is there to say? If an author can make you feel that good about yourself, your decisions, and your future, then anybody should want to read that author.

I am not like Sir Richard in any way. I am not as smart, not as brave, not as passionate, not as ambitious or male or British. But the way he lives his life, and the thoughts he shares, inspire me to the core. If he ever quits putting out books I may have to read one of the old ones every few years just to stay connected to that spirit.

My own essential life commitment is to finding and sharing the value of creating option "C" - inventing a way past the dug-in place when people who want "A" are locked in against those who want "B." Screw It, Let's Do It is a how-to manual for anyone who wishes to participate fully in the capitalist system while simultaneously taking care of the earth and enjoying life. Doing it all just takes a willingness to bust out and be creative. We got this!

So here begins my annual tribute to Sir Richard, whose July 18 birthday I proudly share.   I've got three more of his books to share in the next few weeks.  Meanwhile, those who would like to read my two-page summary of Screw It, Let's Do It can download it for free by clicking here. 




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Book Review: Linchpin

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Reading a Seth Godin book is like hanging out with a reliable friend.  He stands in my corner, cheers me on, and boosts my confidence.  Along the way, he also provides some learning and perspective, helpful advice that helps me connect the dots for myself.  Since I want to be productively self-employed - since I want to be a linchpin - I soak up that advice like a sponge and enjoy myself along the way. 

One of the best bits comes in the form of a picture (on page 43) showing how those of us who seek to stand out and contribute have to combine talent with perseverance and charm. Looking at it I realized why I am so often frustrated in my endeavors: I have no charm.  Perseverance is a strong suit for me, and I certainly have followed my passion and developed talent in my field, but without charisma I struggle to convince others to follow my lead.  I will work on that.  Godin's chart is now on the wall above my desk.

I will spend more time outside my comfort zone. I will finish original projects, use my cerebral cortex to override my natural fears, and hit "send."  I will also stop apologizing for offering free consulting to people who ask me questions in my field. No more worries about "free milk and a cow."  I can't get paid for what I keep bottled up inside so from now on my ideas will flow more freely. Godin says people who have need of my services will still seek me out and offer contracts and I think he's right.   

Some will no doubt find that Linchpin would have made better reading as an article than as a full-length book.  Some of the points do seem to be a bit stretched out or redundant.  That's probably good for me as it gave me more time with the material, more opportunities for the key learning to infiltrate my skull.  Plus, it's fun.  Still, those who prefer a more condensed version can download my free two-page summary here.

I will recommend this one to anyone I encounter who expresses a sense of stuckness in their work or who appears stressed from spending too much time in other people's boxes.  Good beach reading.





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Book Review: Orbiting the Giant Hairball

Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace by Gordon MacKenzie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Here is the single best bit of advice I ever found in a book:

"Any time a bureaucrat
(i.e. custodian of the system)
Stands between you
And something you need or want,
Your challenge is to help that bureaucrat
Discover a means,
Harmonious with the system,
To meet your need."

'Nuf said.

Click here to download my two-page summary of the book.

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