My reading pattern normally is to read a “business book” then switch to a “fun book” and then back to a business book; this routine allows me to read a diverse number of books and keeps me current and thinking creatively. The latest business book I finished is titled: Corporate Entrepreneurship: How to create a thriving entrepreneurial spirit throughout your company.
While the book is aimed at corporate America, as I read through the content I easily saw the importance of the book for small business. Over twenty years ago I was working for a small business in Minneapolis, during that period of time I had an idea for a business that was related but not directly aligned with the small business’s main focus-selling software and computers to small business. My idea was to create a software testing laboratory that would validate software prior to it being released by the software developers-lower the number of bugs and improve profits. Without getting into more details that software testing business has survived and prospered and while it is no longer a part of the original small business, it is thriving. Within that same original small business, a specialized software product was developed and a separate focus started that lead to it becoming the number one software product within its vertical market!
As I read this book many of the challenges I faced within the small business aligned with the issues the authors Robert Hisrich and Claudine Kearney brought up, even as early as the Preface: ….involves overcoming inertia, rigidity, rules and regulations…to create something new-a new way of doing something, new systems…. As a business and sales management consultant for the past 14 years I have witnessed many organizations attempting to add new business opportunities within their current structure-only to run into the same obstacles. This book would assist any leader at any level of organization improve their ability to adapt and take advantage of potential new opportunities without disrupting their current business models.
I have also observed many organizations that jump into something new too quickly. The authors provide in the first chapter a process to help both the organizations leadership and the entrepreneur or adventurer to identify and evaluate the potential of the opportunity. This is well written, with great tools and excellent for any level of business. As in my personal experience, the owner of the business encouraged creativity; chapter two identifies specifically leadership’s role in promoting, facilitating and supporting entrepreneurial activity. One of the best chapters I felt covered “The Internal Politics of Venturing”. Let me say this again; this book is an excellent read for both small and large business leaders, in any organization the political drama can drain business opportunities. The other chapters I found very interesting were on compensation within a corporate entrepreneurial environment and funding the venture.
I found the content straight forward, easy to read, with great examples from organizations like Apple. What I really came away with is a an excellent read for any level of large corporate management that wants to create a challenging environment and needs to create a playbook for innovation- this book will provide that. For small business owners this book will layout a process to assist you in making better decisions, improve your new business ventures and create an atmosphere of success.
My favorite quote is: Take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime, during the lifetime of the opportunity. Corporate Entrepreneurship, from McGraw Hill: Hisrich and Kearney will help get there!
Acumen Management Group Ltd. “operationalizes” sales management systems and processes that pull revenue out of the doldrums into the fresh zone. During the past 14 years, our consulting, advisory, and platform services have illuminated, motivated, and rejuvenated the sales efforts for partners throughout North America. Move up and move ahead!
Ken provides Keynotes, consulting services and products designed to improve business performance. [email protected] www.AcumenManagement.com
Blog: www.YourSalesManagementGuru.com