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130th out of 155 books
—
112 voters
The Experience Economy: Work Is Theater & Every Business a Stage
Future economic growth lies in the value of experiences and transformations--good and services are no longer enough. We are on the threshold, say authors Pine and Gilmore, of the Experience Economy, a new economic era in which all businesses must orchestrate memorable events for their customers. The Experience Economy offers a creative, highly original, and yet eminently p...more
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published
April 1st 1999
by Harvard Business Review Press
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A good concept, but as it is 1999, far from ground breaking now. The economic concept of the value of "an experience" (as opposed to a "commodity"; or a "good"; or a "service") is novel and the many ways your business can move towards the "experience economy" is thought provoking. However I became bored when the discussion changed to "work AS theatre" - performing your many "roles" dependant upon your audience; wearing the appropriate "costumes" with the appropriate "props". OK, OK, I get it; st...more
This book will stretch your head in new dimensions. It takes a very logical and reasoned approach towards the theoretical next steps of economic expansion. The concept of the book is simple and the logic is understandable. If you're looking for a lesson on the difference between commodities, goods, services and experiences, then this book will provide it. It's a nice book to read.
I really enjoyed this. It made me think about, not only what I was doing for other people, but what I actually experience when I go to a restaurant or store. The Experience Economy will stick with me for a long time.
For people and businesses who operate in increasingly-intangible spaces like the creative and social sectors, this book is a godsend. The authors posit a class of businesses--indeed, an entire emerging economic sector--based on *experience*, which resembles services in the way services resemble goods. Obvious examples of experience-based businesses include travel, Disneyworld and its ilk, and tourist destinations. But less obvious examples abound, and considering how these theories apply to one'...more
This book is an odd grab bag of ideas: many that are interesting and some that are downright bizarre. The heart of the book is “Chapter 8 Now Act Your Part,” which tells how to run your enterprise like improvised street theater or the Commedia dell’arte. I found the why you should do it a little harder to swallow. It seemed to be how to be a success in business by being so entertaining that people should want to pay you an admission price just to browse in your store. Eventually you’ll build you...more
This book should be a must read for anyone that has a brand or service and needs to fight commoditisation and declining prices. It is more theoretical than directly practical but in a way that allows you to apply the concepts to a wide range of businesses. It takes its concepts a bit far towards the end trying to predict the future but still more than worth a read.
Ground-breaking ideas! Provides a vocabulary for individuals and businesses seeking to move from selling goods or delivering services to the next level of economic offering...Staging Experiences! Have almost worn out my original copy of this book--having re-read so many times. I highly and heartily recommend.
Great book to get one thinking about the future of business. The experience economy concept makes sense especially with the level of noise in the market place today. If you aren't creating a complete experience for your customers/audience...then expect trouble as you begin descending into commodity.
Several people have made fun of me for my "light" summer reading.... From a marketing perspective, this book is very interesting, I just wish the delivery of the information was a bit more stimulating. The authors talk about the service industry, and how to truly stand out, you need to be in the experience business (a unique experience vs. your competitors) and/or the transformation business (think of "transforming" someone by helping them to lose weight or become a singer). So, if you are inter...more
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A marketers "must read". If you have a brand that falls into the traps of a commodity, this is a worthwhile read. Somewhat fundamental, but a healthy reminder that any brand can be differentiated.
Read by ACRL Member of the Week Melissa B. Bennett. Learn more about Melissa on the ACRL Insider blog.
Aug 09, 2011
Ryan Fisher
added it
This was a pretty good book with a challenging perspective, at times the theater analagy was stretched a little far though.
Pine gives an excellent framework with which to understand more thoroughly the economy in which the western world finds itself.
Jan 04, 2011
Paul Moberly
added it
Essential paradigm shift for consumer retailers, real estate developers and anyone who cares about experience.
This book sees the future of business with vibrant clarity! This is a must-read business book.
Although many of the examples used in this 1999 book are outdated (think Rainforest Cafe and America Online), its concepts are still very much relevant today. I have no doubt that I will keep this book in mind both as an employee and in community leadership roles.
This book was included in my book: The 100 Best Business Books of All Time. www.100bestbiz.com
Work is Theatre and every business is a stage
Good book, but highly repetitive
The last chapters are the best part of this provacative business/marketing book from Pine and Gilmore. The book is primarily an argument for how we as a economy have moved from deriving economic value from services to experiences, and then unto transformations. The customer is the product, and the transformation of the individual is the mission of the business. There is much insight here from an economic/ business/marketing perspective and for sociological/psychological/philosophical perspective...more
illustrative.
Outstanding book! Avoid having your work and products commoditized! Create a unique experience for your customers.
8
I enjoyed this book, but it very easily could have been condensed by 50%. The book is far too long, and labors endlessly establishing some of the metaphors between work and theater. This is a book worth reading, and keeping as a reference tool as many of the examples presented are very interesting, but it gets very repetitive towards the end.
Enjoyed. Great updated examples in this edition. Very applicable to business.
The message of the workplace as a theater is definitely transferable to anyone who deals with people on a regular basis
My review in The Star:
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story....
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story....
Oct 11, 2011
Eric K.
marked it as to-read
From The Ten Must-Read Books in Love Is the Killer App
Feb 13, 2008
Emily
added it
Had to read this book for a class I took.
Great. Easy to read. First real book about what experience economy
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