Yes, I used to work with Jeff Jarvis!  (At Advance Internet in the late 90’s…also our kids were born on the same day, but that’s another story.)

The well-known Internet industry pundit, advisor and professor recently published What Would Google Do? and it is very thought-provoking.

Jarvis thinks that Google is a role model for the new economy and NOT just when it comes to web-based businesses.  (He frequently refers to Google’s own Golden Rules, which are worth reading, too.)

His key points:

• Relationships between a business and its customers have fundamentally changed:  instead of just selling a product, successful firms need to engage customers and interact with them.  Listen.  Respond.  Be genuine, authentic and open.
• Mass markets are irrelevant, its all about niches:  identifying what you do really well and doing it supremely well.
• Information wants to be free.  Make it free, let it grow virally and then make money by selling advertising or other add-ons.  (There are some industries that are exceptions, but not many!)
  
• He has developed Jarvis’ First Law:  Give the people control and we will use it.  Don’t and you will lose us.  (Have you heard his famous Dell Hell story?  (Read about it on his blog.)

How could you add some Googlejuice to your business model? 

What other books are getting buzz?  Email me and I’ll put them on my reading list to synthesize for future newsletters/blog posts.

Thank you for your support!  Your referrals to entrepreneurs and potential speaking engagements are always welcome!

Deborah Gallant, Fearless Leader
Bold Business Works
info@boldbusinessworks.com
805-991-9660