Creative Reaction

This Signal vs. Noise post, Finding the natural size for your company, reminds me of one of my favorite business books, Small Giants, (subtitled, Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big).

David of 37Signals speaks of the “perception that companies must always be growing or they’re dying”. He continues, ”I think that’s a harmful dichotomy that leads to the death of perfectly viable companies in their quest for constant growth”. I’m sure the author of Small Giants would heartily agree.

While the main theme of Small Giants is outstanding customer service, what I find refreshing is its relentless focus on relationships. Quoting (possibly paraphrasing) a passage on some of the characteristics of a Small Giant, “the businesses exhibit exceptionally intimate relationships with customers and suppliers, based on personal contact, one-on-one interaction and mutual commitment to delivering on promises. The founders/leaders take the lead in this regard. They are highly accessible and absolutely committed to retaining the human dimension of the relationships.”

Small Giants is nothing short of inspirational, as it reminds business owners, myself included, of the positive impact we can make on both the individuals with which we come into contact and the communities we serve. In fact, I’ve purchased at least three or four copies to give to clients and business associates.

Perhaps 37Signals will find it’s way into a future edition of Small Giants.