I know I’m in the minority here, but I found myself somewhat disappointed by the book. I felt that many of the observations were superficial and there wasn’t enough practical information for people who weren’t used to showing off to get them started.

I also felt that some of the observations were not well thought out. I disagree with his advice to make snap decisions. He cites 7up as an example of being different because they marketed themselves as “caffeine free”. That’s true and it was successful for a while, but 7up didn’t take into account what would happen when their competition introduced caffeine free soft drinks. They had so much invested in a single idea, that they were vulnerable. Once Coke and Pepsi introduced caffeine-free versions they regained market share and 7up had to try to reinvent itself again–something that it has not yet been successful at–their most recent failure being the “Make 7up Yours” campaign.

They are simply amazing

Merrill

To Merrill’s musing about what this does to long term planning, I think a true long term plan stays above the fray and withstands the day-to-day fluctuations by focusing on the enduring mission and high-level goals. But that’s another book…

About Chapter 22 and making decisions quickly - I took from this chapter that he meant we need to be flexible, think on our feet, expect the unexpected. Sure, we can have long term plans but the process may have to be changed along the way to allow us to get there.

Preconceived notions - difficult to ignore. It would be nice to be able to drop these and approach every situation with a more open mind. I am usually pleasantly surprised by what I learn when I do. Broccoli was one of those things that was the most disgusting things in the world until I tried it - turns out it’s really very good and good for me. Who knew?

Sometimes I think I am nuts judging by the number of times that I change my opinion about something - I just cannot land in one place or another with the issue. And I am OK with that. Lots of times, given a rational argument, I can be swayed to change my position.

The dealership that I use for car maintenance is an example of showing off. I had several bad experiences with them last December. Because they are the closest to me, I went back to have maintenance performed on my car. They really took care of me this time- took a full 10% off the bill, washed and waxed my car and was done in about 2 hours. I was impressed to the point that I won’t consider going elsewhere.

Joe’s ending was so simple but so important and I would agree that most people probably do not do those things (Be quick. Do it now. Be on time. Keep your promises). I believe we have so many other priorities in our lives, that they get lost in the shuffle. Daily affirmation of the concepts might help. I think I will post these on my monitor along with my “Life isn’t an emergency” note.

A great book, I hope to reread it within the next month. Thanks for the opportunity.

I think people hold onto preconceived notions because it makes us feel safe. Joe makes a good point that not only do we need to let go of preconceived notions, but we have allow ourselves the opportunity to change our minds. The point he makes about “changing your opinion on a significant issue” to me is one of the best points he makes to being better tomorrow than you were today.

I don’t fully agree with Joe’s takeaway “Be Quick. Do it now. Be on time. Keep your promises.” I think a better directive is “Be Timely or Be Responsive”. Quick is not always better. And I think he should have added one more thing, “Do it with a smile.”

You’re absolutely right about chapter 24 being basic concepts to live your life by. I always understood timeliness to imply integrity and courtesy, but he points out in this chapter that it also requires a sense of urgency.

Today I was invited to be a friend on a social networking website with an old roommate who I really didn’t get along with. This was 10 years ago. I’ve changed, I bet he has to. This is a “preconceived notion” I get to reevaluate.

Thanks for letting me be a part of this group. I’ve really enjoyed the book and everyone’s comments.

As I was traveling back to Dallas earlier in the week I finished the book and I must say I really enjoyed it. The book had so many life lessons that I probably will try to read it every year.

In chapter 22 Joe discusses making decisions very quickly and than making the next decision very quickly. Because everything in the world appears to be changing so fast does that mean all company and executives are making only short term decisions?

What does that do to long term planning?

Letting go of preconceived notions is very hard. Most people can’t do this – not sure everyone (including myself) thinks they are doing this but clearly most people do. This happened in a meeting yesterday when we were discussing an employee who used to work at M/A/R/C. This person was here over 7 years ago – shouldn’t preconceived notions be tossed out of the window?

Please describe a preconceived notion that you have regarding a food, activity or person that maybe you should evaluate a little closer and perhaps your thought would change.

Very powerful statement by Joe – “if you haven’t changed your opinion on a significant issue in the past few years, you might want to see your doctor for a check up. It’s possible that you’re brain-dead.”

Joe described NetFlix as a company that shows off – please give an example of a company that shows off in your mind?

Joe ends chapter 24 with this statement – “if you take one idea from this book, I’m happy if it’s this one. Be quick. Do it now. Be on time. Keep your promises.” Aren’t these basic concepts to live your life by? Didn’t our parents and teachers pound these things into our head?

It is my belief that most people don’t do these things.

Do you agree?

Why is that?

In one of the last chapters Joe talks about asking for the business – he is SO right. This has had an impact on my career. A basic concept that few people will actually do can really improve sales.

Was I the alone when I think chapter 26 has great ideas! The 12 ideas he lists and explains are all terrific points.

I hope you enjoyed the book and experience. I would appreciate if you could post your comments on the link below by November 21st.

Enjoy the holiday.

Merrill

Thanks for your comments and the link to the video. It is a great example about showing off when you aren’t showing off. For those of you who haven’t watched it - certainly worth the time commitment.

Merrill

The three words that (I hope) my friends would use to describe me are: jovial, passionate and sincere.

As far as athletes go: David Ortiz, certainly, but I’ve also got some examples from UMASS. I was an undergraduate at UMASS during the Dr J years (we were actually in the same Biology lecture, along with about 498 other people). The slam dunk was “illegal” in college basketball in those days, but that didn’t stop the Dr from doing them in the pre-game warm up. My other choice is a bit more obscure: Lou Roe from the great UMASS teams of the mid-90’s. Dick Vitale used to refer to him as “TV Lou” because he always knew when the camera was on him and he played accordingly. The funny thing, though, is I met Lou in person when he played for the Pistons and he’s one of the shyest people I’ve ever encountered. Get him on the court, though, and he’s a monster.

My idea of happiness, as I think I’ve posted before, is walking through the woods with my family and dogs during a magnificent New England Autumn. After more than 50 years on this earth, I’m still not exactly sure what happiness is, but I know it when I feel it.

As for hanging out with different types of people–hey, I am a Northeastern Liberal Baseball fan who lived in Texas for 25 years– I had to hang out with different types of people! I do enjoy the company of others and can usually find some common ground for friendly discussion.

Finally, I have a little present for the members of the club: the musical number “Show Off” from the Broadway musical “The Drowsy Chaperone”. It’s a catchy tune, and I think you’ll enjoy the actress singing “I don’t want to show off no more” when that is exactly what she is doing. Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ5G6FoX1sg

Ok I admit it. I teared up when Rudy was carried off the field on the shoulders of his team mates, I remember Nadia scoring her 10s at the Olympics and cheered out loud when the Giants beat the Bills in Super Bowl 25.

I cheered louder when by son made a basket in a game where they didn’t even keep score and was thrilled when he faced his fear and performed the most ungraceful belly flop off the diving board. It didn’t matter if he won or if it was the most graceful routine, the point is that he did it. He committed to it and did it.

So why is there always a sports analogy? I think it is because we also need to think about how we measure success. Sometimes being a show off is your commitment and dedication to a job as well as you making that connection. I hope I can be a show off! I really enjoyed the book. Thank you Merrill for including me in the group!