Offers a fact-based strategy development process for managing issues and controversies. The book shows practitioners how to ground their strategic advice on empirical research that reveals the socio-political dynamics of the issue. It is the first book to approach issues management from a blended application of advances in stakeholder theory and social network analysis. Readers learn how to track the socio-political environment in order to (a) avoid risks and crises, (b) obtain essential environmental scanning information for strategy development or adjustment, and (c) secure the organization's reputation and access to vital resources.

"Advice for entrepreneurs looking to build a business people actually want to invest inDesigned to reduce waste by testing the market for a product early and often, the concept of the lean startup has been embraced around the world, and successful entrepreneurs and authors Brant Cooper and Patrick Vlaskovits join the conversation with their own personal experiences. The Lean Entrepreneur is designed to make lean startup and customer development principles immediately actionable no matter what the industry, size, or stage.This must-read book presents a lexicon of concepts and a universally applicable road map to success, as well as illustrative examples of innovative approaches to industry-specific disruption ranging from technology startups to consumer packaged goods to music to investment and finance. Providing a step-by-step approach to best practices, and giving readers a business model analysis guide, the book is rich in cases studies, illustrative graphics, worksheets, and exercises for a truly immersive guide to starting or improving a company. Invaluable reading for all readers in all businesses, the book teaches entrepreneurs how to approach risk head-on and test market ideas immediately, foster stronger customer relations, test different business model risks, and create a customer funnel based on buyers' process in order to eliminate unnecessary time and effort.A lean entrepreneur has already bought into lean startup, customer development, design thinking, and other iterative, customer-centric methods of product development. The lean entrepreneur wants to know how to apply these to their business. In other words: how to get started tomorrow. This book shows the way. Expands on the core ideas of the "Lean Startup" concept, adding the use of powerful, low-cost analytics to the mix Explains how earlier, more frequent market research can save a business time and money Incorporates cases studies, graphics, worksheets, and exercises to help readers better understand the key concepts expounded in the text Packed with information that can help business at all levels of development--from initial ideas to established companies looking to innovate--The Lean Entrepreneur is the field guide for creating innovative businesses"--

Is your company a storyteller or a storydoer? The old way to market a business was storytelling. But in today's world, simply communicating your brand's story in the hope that customers will listen is no longer enough. Instead, your authentic brand must be evident in every action the organization undertakes. Today's most successful businesses are storydoers. These companies create products and services that, from the very beginning, are manifestations of an authentic and meaningful story, one told primarily through action, not advertising. In True Story, creative executive Ty Montague argues that any business, regardless of size or industry, can embrace the principles of storydoing. Indeed, our best-run companies, from small start-ups to global conglomerates, organize around a coherent narrative that is then broadcast through every action they take (from product design to customer service to marketing). Montague shows why storydoing firms are nimble, more adaptive to change, and more efficiently run businesses.

"A one-stop resource for delivering great customer service across any cultural boundary. As the economy globalizes, cultural boundaries in commerce are being erased -- which makes your customers an increasingly diverse group. In order to stay competitive, you need to be able to communicate with them clearly and effectively. Please Every Customer helps you create an environment in which everyone is recognized as a valuable component of the customer-provider chain. No other book addresses the issues as thoroughly or provides the kind of direct advice you need to ensure success. Please Every Customer teaches you how to: Communicate effectively Build trust across cultures Serve different genders Understand cultural nuances Provide service to customers of any age who speak English as a second language or has special needs Demographics are changing before our eyes. You need to prepare now for the future . . . because it's already here. Please Every Customer is your roadmap to the new world of customer service"--