Book Review: Small Giants by Bo Burlingham

Small Giants: Companies that Choose to be Great instead of Big

I had a chance to read this book a little while back and I’ve been singing its praises since.

Bo’s book follow the path of a handful of highly successful companies (eg. Righteous Babe Records, Clif Bar, Anchor Steam Brewery etc.) and illustrates how these companies had the potential to go ‘big’ and rake in more cash yet made intentional decisions to be great, model companies from a more holistic viewpoint.

These companies chose to plow money into their communities, into their employees, into environmentally friendly practices and into supporting a lifestyle of their choice.   They kept their quirkiness, their spirit, and their integrity while still remaining highly successful.

This was an inspiring read for me.

This book helped make something very clear to me that is affecting my choices now.  I want to be part of business that supports my lifestyle, not just my bank account.  For instance, my top priority is to be able to spend my time as wisely as possible. Time with my family, time by myself, time surrounded by inspirational people, time to play, and time to work my butt off are are central to my happiness.

For that matter, I achieve to earn a healthy income and become financially independent.  I have no desire to stop ‘working’ until I am physically unable but I do have an acute aversion to wasting time.

As someone who spent many years advocating for social justice, environmental protection and good government, I found it refreshing to find models in Small Giants that would allow you to use the power of the dollar for GOOD!  Models that allowed for financially successful business that promoted loyal customers, employees and community members because the businesses cared about the big picture, not just the small (bottom line).

To be honest, ‘progressive’ businesses like these are the future as far as I’m concerned.  Focusing the entrepreneurial spirit on business models that make environmental protection, a just society and exciting human advances possible is where our business schools and leaders should focus their time.

Speaking from experience with my effort to launch two businesses, I can speak that this isn’t easy, but it is required.  The old model where Wall Street and government aid, abet and reward traditional business models has been an ongoing disaster in so many ways.

The rise of intentional, sustainable business models is long overdue and one of the more exciting trends the future holds.

Please do take some time to check out this book, it is an inspirational read.