An extraordinarily new business slant on how companies can generate greater profits. Presented in 23 compact lessons, "The Art of Profitability" features an ongoing tutorial between two fictitious individuals.
The Art of Profitability
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
This compact tome from consultant Slywotzky (The Profit Zone) offers 23 business lessons via the tale of a manager's quest to learn the "art of profitability" from David Zhao, a wise master. It's an attractive and refreshing concept that taps into the Zen of business. The author cautions readers to "please read only one chapter per week... Think about it. Let it stew." His advice, centered around the mantra that the path to profitability lies in fully understanding the customer, is valuable- e.g., watch out for cracks in a business's foundation, because they can quickly lead to a collapse. Slywotzky has tried to make his text seem ancient, even timeless, by featuring the cliché of the wise sage and the eager pupil, and this forced effort may frustrate some readers looking for a quick fix. But those seeking a new alternative to tired business manuals should revel in Zhao's fable-like teachings.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Adrian Slywotzky lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is focused on explaining 23 different models of profitability that different firms have followed. The author uses the realtionship between a wise mentor and an eager mentee to take the reader through the process of understanding the different models. The book is aimed at describing and giving the reader some insight into each model; it is not an in depth analysis of profitability. Given its aim, it is well written.
It is not a step by step process to apply at a business. This is a book to make a manager reflect, not follow. Each chapter is one story that describes a model; the style seems to follow the general outline of Harvard Business School cases, which, given the author's professorship there, is not so surprising.
I highly recommend it to someone looking for an entertaining read that will make one reflect. However, disregard the recommendation that you go through one chapter per week. It is too little, I think I would probably lose the book by the 3rd week. It is, instead, a book to be read in 3 days, and be referred back for ideas.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As a recent MBA graduate, I found this book to be far more valuable than most strategy texts I had read in school. While the focus is on explaining different profitability models, the lessons learned are easily applied to new ways to think about your enterprise. The book encourages the reader to read a chapter a week and suggests other books to read and thought exercises to do. While I'm sure this would be the ideal way to go through the material, I found the book suitable and enjoyable to read quickly. The writing is clear and to the point. And while comparisons to "The Goal" are unavoidable, I found the balance of storytelling and teaching in "Art of Profitability" to be skewed toward teaching. As a result, Slywotzky provides the reader more bang (quality insights) per page without compromising the books readability. Highly recommended.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Brad Shorr
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The author weaves a story into his rundown of 23 profit models by having a young executive learn at the feet of a mystical guru over a year-long period. As the student gains insight, he grows in confidence and ability--good thing, too, since the company he works for is hopelessly messed up.
This highly accessible book is helpful on several levels.
First, it provides solid overviews of 23 important profit models: what they are, how they work, and why they work. Case studies and anecdotes provide illustration in case some of Master Zhao's explanations aren't sufficiently clear.
Second, it reminds us that profit is at the center of everything in business. The dialog between teacher and student illustrates how easy it is for business leadership to ignore that seemingly obvious principle.
Third, Mr. Slywotzky gives us a learning model we can apply to any problem, business or otherwise. He teaches the arts of listening, holding back, asking the right questions, analzying numbers, and extrapolating sound conclusions from particular facts, even small and seemingly unrelated ones. If you're interested in further study, he supplements his book with a reading list you won't see in an ordinary business book bibliography.
Probably the learning model is the most valuable aspect of the book: teach a man to fish, etc... Fascinating reading for entrepreneurs and executives in organizations of any size.
This highly accessible book is helpful on several levels.
First, it provides solid overviews of 23 important profit models: what they are, how they work, and why they work. Case studies and anecdotes provide illustration in case some of Master Zhao's explanations aren't sufficiently clear.
Second, it reminds us that profit is at the center of everything in business. The dialog between teacher and student illustrates how easy it is for business leadership to ignore that seemingly obvious principle.
Third, Mr. Slywotzky gives us a learning model we can apply to any problem, business or otherwise. He teaches the arts of listening, holding back, asking the right questions, analzying numbers, and extrapolating sound conclusions from particular facts, even small and seemingly unrelated ones. If you're interested in further study, he supplements his book with a reading list you won't see in an ordinary business book bibliography.
Probably the learning model is the most valuable aspect of the book: teach a man to fish, etc... Fascinating reading for entrepreneurs and executives in organizations of any size.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
never goes outdated
I bought it first as an audiobook, and after taking lots of notes, I decide to get the printed version because it;s simple, to the point and manages to explain complex concepts in... Read more
Published 10 days ago by resurreccion jimenez
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy Read
This book was very easy to read and understand. The highlights of each chapter make it easy to put things in perspective and easy to identify with most of the concepts.
Published 20 days ago by Robert Bintu
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Read for all business leaders
This is an excellent book about structuring your business to be profitable and aligning your products to create the highest margin possible.
Published 1 month ago by tw
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review
The book is good, the only thing I am not satisfied is I received the book 3 weeks later since I ordered it...It was a long time.
Published 20 months ago by Grace
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
This is a wonderful little business fable in the style of "Who Moved My Cheese" and "Five Disfunctions of a team" which tells the story of a young man and an old man. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Antonio Canas
4.0 out of 5 stars
Before You Plan Your Business, Prepare for Profits.
Without profit, there is no business. No business equals a hobby. A hobby means you pay instead of someone paying you. Read more
Published on February 5, 2011 by Mel Hopkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
awesome
Ive been listening to and rereading this book for years. it is the best profit book ive ever read
Published on October 1, 2010
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Insightful and Educational Look at Profit Models
I originally purchased this book as I've been looking into starting my own company (on my spare time), and wanted to learn more about profitability, how to actually make profits,... Read more
Published on July 4, 2010 by Randall Degges
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not Mr Slywotzky's best work
i am a big fan of Adrian Slywotzky. The Profit Zone and The Upside are two of the most powerful business books I have read. The art of Profitability was a waste of time. Read more
Published on August 7, 2009
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great reference book
A thought provoking read. The book is structured around twenty three distinct profit models, presented in a story-telling fashion as a conversation between a student and a guru. Read more
Published on July 11, 2009 by Ilya Grigorik
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