Think Big, Act Small

How America's Best Performing Companies Keep the Start-up Spirit Alive

By: Jason Jennings

Narrated by: Jason Jennings

Tradition says there are three ways to grow a company's revenue: fire up the sales team with empty promises, cut costs and downsize, or cook the books. But what if there's a better way, a way that nine amazingly profitable and well-run companies are already embracing.

Jason Jennings and his research team screened more than 100,000 American companies to find nine that rarely end up on magazine covers, yet have increased revenues and profits by 10 percent or more for 10 consecutive years. Then they interviewed the leaders, workers, and customers of these quiet superstars to find the secrets of their astoundingly consistent and profitable growth.

Jennings discovered that consistent high performance takes more than locker-room speeches to the sales team. What these companies have in common is a culture based on a shockingly simple precept: think big, but act small. It works for retailers like PETCO and Cabela's, manufacturers like Medline Industries, service companies like Sonic Drive-In, private educational companies like Strayer, and industrial giants like Koch Enterprises.

In Think Big, Act Small, Jennings reveals the unique power of combining the strengths of a big organization with the hunger of a start-up. Any company, no matter what its size or industry, can benefit from following these examples.

©2005 Jason Jennings (P)2005 Simon & Schuster, Inc. SOUND IDEAS is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Critic reviews

"The latest insightful and inspirational title from Jennings again demonstrates potential profitability in contrary concepts." (Publishers Weekly)

Good book

A good book based on proven companies. It gives you a new perspective on growth. It can be slow and steady or fast and dangerous. I really enjoyed the book. A second listen is deserved as well.

Cultures Succeed Again and Again

I liked how the author built each story as to integrate to what the title states.
Fun to listen to as I felt part of the story in my current work. It gave more confidence to what I was doing and what I do in business.
A positive outlook from the doom and gloom the media sheds on business today as pontificating oppressors of the human spirit.
If you are down on your business or work read this quick book and keep it handy for reference.

Interesting book, good narrator

Stories were good. Simple things you can implement in most businesses. A good listen, would recommend.

Success the Right Way

I had all but lost faith in Big Business. I knew there had to be some companys "doing it right"... but I didn't know where or how. Here is a book that showed me there are decent people in business... and in the process what makes them successfull. A must for anyone interested in business.

Worthwhile Read

What did you love best about Think Big, Act Small?

The stories about these small companies and how they managed to have great success despite having times where they were on the brink of collapse.

Have you listened to any of Jason Jennings’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

N/A

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it in pieces during various commutes. I think I enjoyed breaking it into parts so I could think about the lessons learned and really try to absorb more of the critical advice.

Good information

This book was interesting to consider while working for a large company going through great growth. The concept of thinking small is novel.

Good insights

This is an interesting book with some useful insights. The data and thoroughness of the approach could have been more convincing but the concepts presented can be applied to most businesses. It is a down to earth appoach to business and does not use any complex formulas or concepts. It would be virtually impossible to apply all the principles effectively at the same time but it is useful nevertheless.

Great read, great content!

this was a great book! easy read and very informative. a lot of great lessons and will read again!

Physician learning business

As a physician learning how to run a business, this book was invaluable. They don't teach these things in medical school. These concepts were broken down in a very concise manner that will allow me to I apply these pearls to my business.

A must read for daring entrepreneurs

If you are obsessed with the stories behind big brands, then this is the book for you. Fascinating details about some of the wealthiest founders and CEO’s, their companies and how they think big and act small.