By: Sam Walton
Pages: 334
Biography, Business, Sales
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 25th Oct'17
Brief review: Walmart is the largest retailer in the world having over 11,000 stores spreading over more than 25 countries. It's sales were over US$485 billion in 2016. It all started with a single store in 1962 and within 25 years, Sam Walton became the richest American. How did he do it? What were the core philosophies, regrets and high points in the life of Sam Walton? The book is the inside story of Walmart and Sam Walton himself. It is rich, engaging and inspirational. I would recommend this book to everyone - from CEO of a fortune 500 company to someone considering a startup and from a seasoned business person to young adults.
By: Adrian Slywotzky
Pages: 272
Business, Sales
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 11th Sep, 2017
Brief review: What do Barbie dolls, Nokia phones and American Express cards have in common? Well, you will be surprised to know when you read this book. It's a book on 'how companies can generate greater profits'. It gives an insight on what strategies are used by companies to increase profitability and what are the mistakes many do. All in all, the author discusses 23 ideas on profit enhancement by giving easy to understand examples. I was apprehensive to read this book as I thought it to be purely mechanical and commercial. However, I am glad I read it as I can now co-relate strategies several multi-nationals use to increase their sales and profits. You must read this book if you are a CEO, a marketing head or running your own business.
By: Chet Holmes
Pages: 245
Business, Sales
My recommendation: 6 / 10
Date read: 28th Apr'17
Brief review: A routine book for sales people. The big ideas in the book are 1. 1. Focus on key areas, not a thousand things. 2. Spend maximum time on the most important works every day. 3. Followup well with clients to increase profits. A lot of big claims are made in the book to increase your sales and profits multi fold which, though possible, seems far fetched. I would say, it is mostly a motivational sales book.
By: Edward de Bono
Pages: 229
Business, Sales
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: It's a brilliant book. It talks about moving beyond competition. That's sur/petition. The message in the book is loud and clear - move out of arrogance, complacency and 'I know it all' attitude, focus on innovation and creativity and think differently. Edward is my favorite author. He gives excellent examples and rationale of differential thinking. Though it was first published in 1992, the principals told in the still holds good. I will strongly recommend this book to all (specially business people and professionals).
