Competitive Intelligence : How to Gather, Analyze, and Use Information to Move Your Business to the Top

by Larry Kahaner

In the first book designed for businesses of all sizes and managers at every level, Larry Kahaner explains the increasingly vital practice of competitive intelligence and how American companies can use it for success.

Competitive Intelligence : How to Gather, Analyze, and Use Information to Move Your Business to the Top is a practical guide to turning raw information into priceless knowledge and winning business strategy.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

This is my bio. If you're in a hurry, read about me on Wikipedia.
If you've got time, read on. 


I am what some people might call a successful author. I've had published more than 15 non-fiction books under my name, pseudonyms and as a ghost writer. I'm also a journalist and writer.

Several of my books have won awards and made me semi-famous. I've been on NPR, C-SPAN, CNN, USA Today, CBS, Evening News, Fox TV News, Bloomberg Business News, Voice of America, and my articles have been published by the Washington Post, LA Times and others. 

I don't like to brag (well, a little maybe) but  beat out all my cousins for the domain name Kahaner.com and I'm pretty proud of that. 

For many years, I also was a licensed Private Investigator which is very much like being a reporter except you get to show people your cool ID issued by the state government.

After making my living as a non-fiction writer and author for many decades, I've turned to fiction, taking what I've learned about writing real stories to writing fake stories. (No snickers, please) I write a blog (you're already here) and it's designed to help non-fiction writers (like me) to become novelists. It's a different ball game for sure but many of the same habits, thought processes and lessons are transferable.

My first thriller "USA, Inc." has just been published by Bay City Publishers.

Here's the cutline: "If the U.S. were for sale, would you buy it?" Pretty provocative, right? I highly recommend it.

Through the years, many people have asked me what it's like to be a writer. For me, it's been a great job and career. I wouldn't want to do anything else.

Unfortunately, I also tell them what they don't want to hear. It's hard work, and unless you have luck and perseverance, it's difficult to make a living at it.

Talent? Yes, that helps, but good writing can be learned if you're willing to make the effort, have a thick skin about criticism and take it seriously as your life's work.

If you just want to write as a hobby or for fun, that's cool, too, but too many folks tell me how frustrating it is for them, how they'd rather do anything else than write and I always respond: "Maybe you got something there."

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a how-to guide for those interested in becoming corporate spooks. Want to know the capacity at the competitors production facility accross town? Try counting the cars in the parking to estimate employee head count or use any of the widely available infared satellite photos to measure heat emissions from the plant. This book is filled with all kinds of great ways to obtain information on your competitors from resources available in the public domain. Best of all, the methods described are completely ethical so you can sleep soundly at night as you gain the competitive edge over your competition.

[Bob Kosovsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice overview. Was hoping for some more details, particularly on analytic practices.

[Keith Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old but worth a read if you are in the CI space

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave a really good concept of the structure and utilization of this type of analysis. The only complaint is that it is from 1996 and a lot of the sources and laws have changed since then. I think this is like the grandfather of the concept, and the later generations can update as needed. I am glad I read this and will continue researching this area of business for my self development.

[Lori Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read book on competitive intelligence for knowledge workers who want to be in executive role and entrepreneurs.

[Lori Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read book on competitive intelligence for knowledge workers who want to be in executive role and entrepreneurs.

[Nate Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read but a little "light". Perhaps a good intro on the topic, along with some additional reading.