How does more involvement equal a smaller entity?
925230
I read this book a couple years ago -- just for the sheer entertainment.  I also wanted to better understand some of my conservative friends.  What I found was both funny and frightening.  Basically Bork advocates more  governmental censorship and more governmental control over the lives of  Americans.  How would this result in a smaller government?  I guess if Bork  and his ilk had their way -- they would do a great diservice to mainstream  conservatives.  Most of his arguments have very little sound logic.  His  savaging of evolution and what he calls "radical" individualism  are two good examples.  He's way too emotional here.  Yes, let's forget  about evolution and accept the creation story -- eventhough 100 years of  scientific evidence would indicate otherwise.  Also, the themes of the Bill  of Rights are largely due to a strong and proud individualism that has  always existed in our country  -- but I guess we should just throw that  document away.  Be warned: Bork's bitterness shines through.
3668348
Long before the outcry against WalMart and all its' supposed ills, there was the A&P grocery chain. Though the exact circumstances are different, the main thrust is the same. In both cases, small(er) independent locally owned grocery stores were undercut and overwhelmed by a larger and more focussed competitor.

You didn't know the importance of small grocery stores and their contribution to prosperity in America from 1770 to 1960?  Of course you didn't!  You never can know what you don't know. Yes!  Read and learn, children, read and learn.

"The more things change, the more they stay the same."
810373
Since I already have "Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals", this book doesn't go much further. If you don't want to spend so much money with the big one, buy the little one. It's fine.
1242193
This book compares a decentralized (leaderless) organization to a centralized one, how to recognize one, and how they operate within our society through the analogy of the starfish and a spider.  A starfish, when its legs are cut off will just grow new legs or the leg may grow into an entirely new starfish.  This is decentralization.  A spider, which has a head (centralized) can easily be killed by chopping off the head.  These two analogies are compared in the book to eBay, GM, Al Qaeda, AA, Craigslist and others.

The authors believe that in order to identify a "Starfish" organization, 10 questions must be answered.  Some are:

1. Is there a person in charge?

2. Are there headquarters?

3. If you thump it on the head, will it die?

4. Is there a clear division of roles?

5. If you take out a unit, is the organization harmed?

. . . and others.

In identifying the "Starfish" organization, the key to understanding its makeup is to know it's "5 Legs".  These are:

1. Circles.  Many smaller groups of people with each group maintaining its own particular habits and norms.

2. The Catalyst.  The person who initiates a circle.

3. Ideology.  The common glue that holds the circle and organization together

4. A Preexisting Network.  Infrastructure to launch from.

5. A Champion.  A relentless promoter of the new idea.

These "Starfish" organizations also follow 10 certain patterns or Rules.  Some are:

1. Diseconomies of Scale.  Small size combined with a large network give flexibility and power.

2. The Network Effect.  The increase in the overall value of the network with addition of new members.

3. The Power of Chaos.  Anything goes. Good ideas attract more people.

4. Beware the Hydra Response.  If you cut off one head, two more will grow in its place.

I enjoyed this book, and it is worth the read even for a casual reader.  At times this book reminded me of Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point" although I liked that book better (since I'm comparing).  But that doesn't mean this book is bad.  It is not.  It is easy to read and follow and provides great insight into these types of organizations.
3098357
It helps to determine how to get involved in the social marketing media and how to make a first step .To be focus un just One  social media before  experience a larger approach.
577284
small bit is a must have to use in places that are a bit more cramped. would be handy if kreg included both in their systems. but then again, they make money out of these
2303676
It's a simple premise.. figure out the limitations in your company's growth and fix it. The author does a good job of making sure that you don't just assume "we just need more people coming in the door". That is actually rarely the issue limiting growth.

The book is laid out as a fable, and it does a good job of distracting you enough so as not to say "my business isn't like that...". Thru the fable, he explains different companies, including consulting clients, that have run into issues, and even after getting them more clients, growth struggled.

Infusionsoft is mentioned, and the author is of the camp of "get your system together before you automate". Automating crap will get reapeated, automatic crap. I.E. More headaches than when you started!
3407860
I am still a little hazy....is a viscount more important or less important than a count?  Or do they have anything to do with each other at all.
2394981
You can't do it all by yourself!  Or if you can, it may just be illegal, immoral, or dangerous to your health!

Sounding trite? but you are only as good as The Team you Lead or are a part of.  I am more fortunate than any other time in my long, storied, legendary, and feverish career to have one of the greatest small Teams ever! Oh, yes;  there is a strongest link and, of course, a weakest link.  It's my job to know where to put them in the chain so that they contribute to the strength without causing a weakness to arise.  So far, so good.  ANd Sinek's book is partly to blame!  Get it; read it, today!

AND remember, when you eat last, no one notices the portion size!  But always be fair!)
4007322
Funny how much a difference a small price item makes. Company also has other items. Lifhts that goes well with my bmw  I intend to purchase more items and they delivered the items earlier than promised. Way to go
2208593
This small size is so much better to manipulate.  The larger ones are very unwieldily for little kids. Makes it much more enjoyable for them.
4589353
Lots of people jumping on this bandwagon, but it takes integrity and hard work to accomplish. This little book does not really stress that.
2427970
Not a lot of leverage. better for smaller jobs.
4478864
Jonathan Koppell has written a fine and subtle analysis of hybrid organizations, ones which combine elements of the private firm with those of the government agency. He shows how such organizations -- Amtrack, the mortgage intermediaries Fredie and Fannie -- can be harder to control from Washington than regular public agencies. He also explores ways in which hybrids can sometimes be very productive instruments for public goals. This is a first-class study of an increasingly important topic.
1823178
Smaller is NOT better.  The small device sits in a cradle where it is charged with 3 small pins.  Those pins are fragile and bend very easy. Once they do you can not charge the device thus it becomes worthless.
2899619
They should really specify just how small. This is like a micro machine. Really looked bigger in the picture.
3424103
While most churches in Australia and the US are declining in numbers and flagging in enthusiasm, a small number seem to be filled with life and new growth. In this book Albert Winseman describes the key contributing factors to a lively church, as identified in research conducted by the Gallup Organization, perhaps America's best-known market research company.

According to the author, the best strategies for improving the level of "engagement" in a church are clarifying the expectations of membership, helping members to discover what they do best, and creating small groups. People are more likely to be committed if they understand clearly what is expected of them. They are likely to be more committed if they are given opportunities to do what they do best, rather than being asked to fill roles which they find demotivating. Other important factors are receiving recognition, being cared about as a person, being consulted on important decisions, having close friends in the church, and having opportunities to grow spiritually.

The 12 items defining "engagement" of church members are really just a rehash of the 12 items defining "engagement" of an employee as set out in earlier Gallup publications such as "First, Break All the Rules" by Buckingham and Coffman. Also, the book is made to look longer than it is by using a large type size and a lot of space between lines. Nonetheless, the central messages seem to be sound, and the book is well worth the read for church leaders.