Based on a five-year, 7,000-company study
The vast majority of small businesses stay small–and not by choice. Only the most sav... read full description
The vast majority of small businesses stay small–and not by choice. Only the most sav... read full description
reviews
Oct 03, 2011
Franco
rated it: 
GREAT; as a betting man myself, i loved Chapter 4 'Upping the Ante'. It covers the psychology of betting, why gambling gives betting a bad name and physics of bets, types of bets (i.e. market bets, process bets) and the art of linking bets together to build reald advantage over your competitors.
GOOD; The author chose companies from the Inc 500 list in order to analyze the key features of success, i.e. becoming a breakthrough company. Here the author chose well since most of the books c More...
GOOD; The author chose companies from the Inc 500 list in order to analyze the key features of success, i.e. becoming a breakthrough company. Here the author chose well since most of the books c More...
Jul 25, 2008
Robert
rated it: 
The Breakthrough Company: How Everyday Companies Become Extraordinary Performers
Keith R. McFarland
Crown Business
During a casual conversation with Jim Collins several years ago, McFarland wondered aloud what could be learned about great companies closer to the time of their entrepreneurial breakthrough. "What a great research question," Collins replied. Later, McFarland formulated three questions that would guide and inform research for The Breakthrough Company: More...
Keith R. McFarland
Crown Business
During a casual conversation with Jim Collins several years ago, McFarland wondered aloud what could be learned about great companies closer to the time of their entrepreneurial breakthrough. "What a great research question," Collins replied. Later, McFarland formulated three questions that would guide and inform research for The Breakthrough Company: More...
2 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Apr 06, 2008
Gene
rated it:
This book offers insight into what it takes to grow a business. It does not target start-ups, but rather companies of moderate size that wish to continue to grow. Anyone in a leadership position in a moderate-size organization can benefit from the principles outlined in this book.
Based on meticulous research, the author compares nine companies that displayed long-term growth with industry competitors that stalled. Similar in structure to Jim Collins' business classic Good to Great More...
Based on meticulous research, the author compares nine companies that displayed long-term growth with industry competitors that stalled. Similar in structure to Jim Collins' business classic Good to Great More...
Dec 01, 2011
Thoria
rated it: 
I read this at the behest of my boss. There's really nothing terribly new here, but it is a good compilation of the things that we all "know" about what makes groups of humans successful, but seem to forget.
May 08, 2011
Allison
rated it:
Good business book. Some interesting points, some less-interesting points. If you're entrepreneurially minded you may enjoy this more.
Jun 17, 2009
Errol
rated it:
The author hits this topic squarely. He delivers valuable insights for mid-market managers wanting to step up their business.
Feb 23, 2009
Kenny
rated it:
Great look at a few companies that are doing things "right". Right by they workers and right by their shareholders.
Aug 05, 2011
A well-written and well-researched guide on how to make a growing company stay successful through its transition to major player. Keith McFarland is clear and thorough. Very informative.
Mar 20, 2009
Todd
rated it:
While I am not a big fan of carrying over trendy corporate practices into the church just becasue they're "successul," I must admit I found a lot of good ideas in this book that will help me lead better, as well as equip our ministry teams to function even more powerfully. A great read; very informative; many tools for one to use in any organization.
Mar 23, 2008
Jeff
rated it:
I loved this book...but most people will not. The reason that I loved it was because of it's relevance to my everyday business life and the challenges I perpetually confront. I would bored out of my mind if I had read it a couple of years ago...but it struck a chord during this time in my life.
Aug 24, 2011
AMAMAM
rated it:
I took away some GREAT and major points from this book, but it wasn't really applicable to me as a super SMALL business owner. Maybe if I intended to own a huge world renowned company one day, I would give this 5 stars. And not skim half of it.
Jul 21, 2008
Pam
rated it:
This was a great business book for a business owner or company leader. It had really interesting examples and easy to follow. Very similar to Good to Great but the research has a different objective.
Jan 04, 2010
Catharinec
rated it:
I checked this out from the library and definitely plan to buy it. I LOVED Good to Great. It was one of the most useful books I studied in graduate school. This is closer to my family's small business life.
Sep 02, 2008
Darrin
rated it:
This was more of an educational endeavor to support my own efforts. Excellent case studies from other companies that found incredible success.
Mar 17, 2008
Dimpleslala
rated it:
So far, so good. But, while the book is long on research methodology, it is short on revelations.
Aug 19, 2008
Michelle
rated it:
Not bad. Same stuff as a Covey book, but interesting still in some of the models presented.
Feb 07, 2012
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Dec 27, 2011
