This proved to be infinitely interesting reading. Its sociology at its roots but the interface of the stories--and their application to the world we know, a world surprising more full of epidemics that I had ever considered, makes this very palatable sociology. The book is full of descriptions of the kind of people I know. They are the market and social mavens--the 20% that do 80% of the work--thanks to their charisma and their genius. Market mavens--those wonderful busy bodies like my sister that clip coupons and search four stores to track down the cheapest price are the primary regulators of consumer good pricing. Without them, artificial inflation would be rampant. (insight #1).
Next. The social connectors. My late mission President Carlson is one of these. A conversation at lunch with him would be something like this: Do you remember Jimmy's daughter Pam, Bro. Anderson? She used to date a man that came into our sales office frequently. His name was Charles. Charles sold by wooing. He'd always walk into the office with a crocodile smile and tell Janie at the desk how beautiful her hair was....names names names. People centered people connect us to 90% of the people we know! (insight #2)
Last. The golden number 150. A friend told me about this years ago--probably about the time this book his the market. We were talking about how our ward in Ogden was too big. With 250 students one always felt lost in the crowd. The secret number of successful social institutions is 150. Beyond that the benefits of social responsibility that grow naturally out of intimacy are lost. If you want to build a massive thriving business--keep it to groups less than 150. (insight #3)
What is hopeful though--and this is what I like best about the book--is that it doesn't end with simply analysis. Along the way is shows how average Joe's Jim's and Steve's can change the world as they know it. Like the good book says--a great vessel is guided my a small helm. This book gives practical insights on how by 'small and simple things are great things brought to pass."
1 comment:
Sounds like an interesting read. Keep up the book reviews- I'm always looking for thought-provoking books. Hope all is going well in Korea, sounds like a few threats have been flying- jut hope you get out of there before anything else does. We have two months left here in France and will see you on the other side.
Post a Comment