Books n Brew

Books n Brew is an opportunity for Your Planning Partners' community to get together and discuss business books .... and drink beer. The rules are lenient; you don't have to drink beer; you can drink wine, martinis or even strawberry milkshakes.

There was lively discussion at the Books n Brew on April 21st. The book in question was Pour Your Heart Into It ~ the Starbucks Story by Howard Schultz. Even those people who had not read the book had strong views about the coffee giant. What follows are some of the key points discussed ..... along with pictures.

Howard writes - when you start a business it is critically important to recognize that things are going to take longer and cost more money that you think.

You don't just give your customers what they ask for. You offer them something they are not accustomed to; something superior.

In business the front stage is what people see but the back stage is where you win. The efficiency of the back stage is what makes for financial success.

To quote Howard Schultz ~ If you are building an organization you can't do it alone. You'll build a much stronger company if you find a colleague you trust absolutely; someone who brings different strengths to the mix but who still shares your values.

Nobody has a greater need to reinvent themselves than successful business owners. As the business grows it needs different management skills. Many business owners find it tough to adjust to this transition.

A strategic plan is worthless if the people in your company don't buy into it.

And the last words go to Kelly Burnett of Calyx Consulting Group (www.calyz-consulting.com). From this book she learnt:

• Be passionate and committed to what you do
• Have a vision that is bigger than you
• Never listen to naysayers - trust you own judgment
• Involve your employees in your dream
• Hire the best people for the job - even if they are better than you
• Never compromise under crises - always retain quality
• Under promise and over deliver
• Put people first and profits last
• Be open to new creative ideas, even if they don't fit your preconceived plan
• Believe unswervingly in what you are doing - others will too

PROLOGUE
Care more than others think wise
Risk more than others think safe
Dream more than others think practical
Expect more than others think possible

The next Books n Brew is on July 28th 2009. The featured book is What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith. The book was selected by Rob MacGregor, owner of Koyana Inc. For more information call 416 429-2415.