It's Not What You Sell, It's What You Stand For: Why Every Extraordinary Business Is Driven by Purpose

By Haley Rushing and Roy M. Spence Jr.

Book Overview

"Roy Spence is a brilliant, sparkling gem. True greatness comes in direct proportion to passionate pursuit of a purpose beyond money." -Jim Collins, author of Good to Great Over the last thirty-five years, Roy Spence has helped organizations such as Southwest Airlines, BMW, the University of Texas, Wal-Mart, the Clinton Global Initiative, and many others achieve greatness by obsessing about one big idea- purpose. With purpose as the North Star, employee engagement is higher, competition is less threatening, customers are more loyal, and innovation flows. As Spence writes, "Purpose is a reason for being that goes beyond making money-and it almost always results in making more money than you ever thought possible." Especially during times of great economic uncertainty, purpose is the key to creating and maintaining a high- performing organization, deserving just as much attention as strategy, execution, and innovation. These insider insights and case studies will help you discover your organization's purpose, proclaim it to the world, and apply it to everything you do.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591844479
• ISBN13: 9781591844471
• Release Date: October 2011
• Publisher: Portfolio
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Best business book in years

This is one of the best marketing/business books I have read in years. Roy Spence really makes the point that all businesses should articulate their purpose on such higher ground that each CAN make the world a better place.

Thoughtful Business Book

Roy Spence has a definitive point of view on understanding and defining purpose and he explains it in a logical, engaging way using examples drawn from his experiences at GSDM's Idea City. Perhaps because I was already familiar with some of the examples that he used, they were especially relevant and instructive. I read the book on a business trip (Kindle version) and was sufficiently taken by the concept to apply it at work when I returned. The consideration of how each element of strategy would relate to the group's purpose served to sharpen our discussions and I believe the end product (revised strategy) was considerably improved. I recommended this book as a useful read that succeeds at both conceptual and practical levels, and which will be relevant to anyone engaged in or wishing to understand strategic discussions.

It's Not What You Sell is both entertaining AND informative

It's Not What You Sell is a well writen and delightful, entertaining book that happens to be incredibly informative. Roy Spence uses stories from his interesting and varied client list to create an informative book about the new rules of business. I highly recommend it, especially to those at the CEO level of running a business, be it a large business or just a one man shop. You'll be entetained and amazed while you learn.

A manifesto for the next era of business

If you're a shareholder value evangelist who wants public companies to maximize their financial strength, read this book. If you believe that great companies exist to make a difference for their employees, customers, shareholders and communities, read this book. If you love brands that matter and leaders who inspire; if you believe that businesses can change the world; and if you know in your heart that the future can be better than we can even imagine right now, read this book. Read this book.

An important book for entrepreneurs - and anyone in public relations!

This is clearly a critical addition to the bookshelf of anyone who wants to start their own business and also feel they are doing something worthwhile with their lives, in addition to earning a living. The entire concept of knowing your purpose can make the difference between success and failure and is the core element of all 318 pages. In addition to knowing your purpose (which, in essence, is your position in the marketplace), a critical question asked by the authors is would your customers miss you if your company (or your product) ceased to exist? For all the good intentions you may have, someone out there has to be interested in what you are selling - whether it's a product, a service or even a political concept. PR professionals, especially, should read this book. If the idea behind the product you are selling - or the ideals, beliefs or positions of the person you represent - is not in tune with your own purpose (even your soul), think hard about finding a different client. Being true to yourself, "what you stand for," is step one in truly making a difference in our very complex society. (Reviewed by the author of: Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing YOU and Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command)