Bo Burlingham, Inc. Magazine

I came across a book a while back that had ‘Great Work’ stamped all over it.  It’s by my interview guest, Bo Burlingham, and its title and subtitle says it all: Small Giants: Companies that chose to be Great Instead of Big. Bo’s book didn’t disappoint as it shared stories, insights and tactics from companies that were finding their best fighting weight and resisting the temptation to grow for the sake of growth. That’s in part because the material was in the hands of a masterful business writer.  Bo Burlingham has three other books under his belt, including his first one The Great Game of Business and his most recent, The Knack: How Street-Smart Entrepreneurs Handle Whatever Comes Up, which stems from his regular column of the same name he writes with Norm Brodsky. Bo’s also an editor-at-large for Inc. Magazine.  Bo and I talk about the various strategies and tactics these ‘small giants’ employ to do great work – regardless of the line of business they’re in.  I particularly love Bo’s reason for why you build relationships with your customers and employees – and it’s not particularly about retention or ‘monetization’.

Bo’s on Twitter – @BoBurlingham or check out his Small Giants website, where you can get a free except from Bo’s book here.

Listen to my interview with Bo Burlingham

0:16    Michael introduces Bo Burlingham
0:21    Books written by Bo Burlingham
2:24    New book coming out in October
3:24    The various strategies and tactics these ‘small giants’ employ to do great work – regardless of the line of business they’re in.
9:23    Running a business as if it’s forever
12:39  Never badmouth a competitor, treat them with respect
14:26  Why you build relationships with your customers and employees – and it’s not particularly about retention or ‘monetization’
21:39  The importance of ‘mojo’ and things to watch out for so you don’t lose it
27:18  How to find out more about Bo Burlingham
28:24  Michael closes the interview

If you enjoyed this post, you'll also like:

1. My moment of glamour: front cover of Productive! Magazine
2. John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing
3. Scott Allen, The Virtual Handshake
4. Jonas Ridderstrale, Funky Business Forever