The Next Level [Paperback]

Jim Wood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 7, 2000

Most organisations - whether large or small, public or private, profit or non-profit - have one thing in common: they want to grow. But why do some companies experience phenomenal growth year after year, regardless of changes in the marketplace, new technologies, fierce competition, and demands from shareholders, while others seem to hit a plateau or find themselves scrambling to keep up with the pack? Employing a powerful, field-tested diagnostic tool -the Inc Growth Strategy Analysis - and showcasing dozens of colourful case examples, the author shows entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike how to analyse their organisation's growth potential, identify the internal constraints to future growth, and put into practice th strategies that will enable them to break through to new levels of expansion and profit generation.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

As most CEOs eventually discover, the process of maintaining long-term corporate growth may be the most difficult professional task they ever face--and one that is far more complicated than almost any other aspect of running their businesses. After studying hundreds of real-life efforts of this type over much of the past decade as director of Inc. magazine's Business Resources Growth Strategy Consulting Group, James B. Wood has developed a systematic approach to implementing successful growth in companies of all types--large or small, public or private, for-profit or non-profit. In The Next Level: Essential Strategies for Achieving Breakthrough Growth, written with Larry Rothstein, Wood reviews the common stages of corporate growth, and presents an interactive Growth Strategy Analysis so readers can assess their companies' own strengths and weaknesses. He then details his five so-called critical Growth Drivers (market intelligence, strategic leadership, clarity of purpose, strategic planning, and internal infrastructure) that just about any company can follow. --Howard Rothman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

James B. Wood is Director of Entrepreneurial Consulting Services for Ernst & Young in New England. Formerly Director of Inc.'s Business Resources Growth Strategy Consulting Group, he consults and speaks widely on the issues of strategic planning, leadership, organizational development, and managing and financing growth. He lives in Rowley, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (January 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738201596
• ISBN-13: 978-0738201597
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #927,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Road Map., July 10, 2005

By 

Joseph E. Sniezek "josephsniezek" (CA , United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Next Level: Essential Strategies For Achieving Breakthrough Growth (Hardcover)

This book aims straight at the roots of growth. In the beginning of the book, the author first helps you determine at what stage of the cycle your company is in, then he tells you what your focus should be, such as sales for a start-up, and establishing systems once sales are stable. Very sensible.

The author then goes on to explore general strategy themes, but each chapter has at least a few gems.

I recommend the book for your library shelf. Each re-read will provide you with helpful wisdom.

5.0 out of 5 stars The most practical approach to achieving growth., May 10, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Next Level: Essential Strategies For Achieving Breakthrough Growth (Hardcover)

Jim Wood's book is for every person who has considered, is considering, or should consider taking themselves and their business above and beyond. Wood approaches the topic of "how to grow" as if he and you were sitting next to one another on an airplane. Casually talking about his experiences, all the while drawing you in to details only someone who has "been there, done that" can do. Read this book and expand your business and personal horizons. -- C.H. Mackey

4.0 out of 5 stars Hits the nail on the head., March 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Next Level: Essential Strategies For Achieving Breakthrough Growth (Hardcover)

From startup to INC 500 to FORTUNE 500, this book is a good first step in identifying what other pieces of information are needed to move up the ladder. Feels like a bird checking out the economic landscape. When you need to descend to the ground, this book will help you find which spot you have missed. Quite valuable as an entrepreneurial roadmap!