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Summary: A powerful message clouded by too many examples.
Review: It is easy to see how others have gone astray for lack of focus, it is much harder to apply the message to your own stew. By the end of the book, I had become a believer. His many examples, sometimes outdated, eventually forced me to confront my "yes, but..." rationalizations and look critically at my business.
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Summary: You can't afford not to focus
Review: It is so easy to try to have your business go in five directions at one time, especially when you are starting out and need the revenue. Read this book before you try the shotgun method of business development. If you are starting out in business you know that the truth is there is more opportunity than you can handle. Without focus you won't do justice to any of the opportunities you have before you. This book is simple and convincing.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, basic advise
Review: The basic points are driven home repeatedly, but they make for good advice. I am glad I ran across this book as it has had a positive impact on my 7 year old export business. Also, I have spoken with a number of people in their late 50s who were career corporate types. Many of them were forced out or retired early and are very cynical about corporate America. This book could serve as a handbook for understanding these people's grief as legions of managers who were hired in the 60s were let go by companies who obviously did not head this book's message.
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Summary: Very Good data, but poor presentation
Review: The book is full of valuable information. But Al Ries does not know how to use facilitators to reading. Such as the use of short paragraphs, sections in each chanpter, short chapters etc. The books written by the duo (Ries and Trout) where much better.The team was very good. It brought us The 22 immutable laws, Positioning, marketing Warfare etc..., But alone I think Ries lacks flare and and trout lacks substance. Get back together and show us more of the Old stuff.
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Summary: Anyone from CEO to manager should read this boook!
Review: The concepts are clearly explained and quite insightful. As head of a software company, I realized mistakes I was making because of what the book points out. Great for anyone looking to better their company!
Rating:
Summary: Either You Love It Or Hate It!
Review: Too many CEOs & businessmen did and are still doing the opposite. "Focus" is easy to be convinced and same easy to be forgotten. You should this book read at least once per quarter. To remember "focus". Great book, great author.
Rating:
Summary: Either You Love It Or Hate It!
Review: Too many CEOs & businessmen did and are still doing the opposite. "Focus" is easy to be convinced and same easy to be forgotten. You should this book read at least once per quarter. To remember "focus". Great book, great author.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, witty, humorous, Al Ries is a genius!
Review: What new markets and synergies can we build through corporate diversification and brand extensions? This, Al Reis contends, is a loaded question, one that companies repeatedly answer and act on to the detriment of stock market success and earnings growth. Reis argues that all to often the focus of a company is lost as acquisitions are made that have nothing to do with the core area of expertise. Strong brands are often diluted through ill-conceived extensions. The wrong extension serves to distract the company, and confuse the consumer as to what the brand stands for. V8 Splash anyone? The loss of focus, and the accompanying deterioration of market share and competitiveness are illustrated though countless examples from virtually all industries. "Focus" is engaging to read, clearly illustrates the authors' arguments, and weaves just the right amount of humor throughout, to keep you smiling. Focus is a simple but powerful concept. Not only does it make for spectacular business strategy, but investment choices, and the structure of your personal/professional life as well. If you ever feel like weight of your ambitions and varied endeavors is detracting from your achievements, a little focus must be in order. Read this book, you'll be glad you did!
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