Unabridged Audiobook
Horrible dated book, this book is so dated and the information it provides so lacking in depth that it is truly a waste of time to listen to. The author has one of the largest egos out there has so little talent that the business he lead (and uses for many of the examples) is no longer in business (and went out of business shortly after the book was published)
Its a good book, with good lessons - however,it is an old book - written in 2000 - for the internet, this is just too much time - too many things have changed since then, so many of the players mentioned and the events and just history. But I enjoyed it.
Some great ideas about running a fast paced business. How to control departments, how to handle email, meetings and many other tips. I'm going to use them in my business. A good book.
For all those interested in internet management, read this book as a history lesson on how not to repeat the mistakes of the author. This book is an ironic glimpse into the heady go-go days of the internet boom and dot.com culture. It's hard to believe this book was written only seven years ago. Looking back, it really is quite laughable.
It was interesting, giving you a behind-the-scenes look into how many dot coms operated, and their speed and methods of doing business. Listening to their business practices and using common sense you can weed through the parts that led to the demise of the author's company, and things you should avoid for your own eBusiness. Some great advice includes e-mail management, tips for effective meetings, and using e-mail for more efficient and honest communication within the company. About the author's voice, he speaks way too fast, but at least it's not boring and monotone as other authors.
He (or the publisher) should have followed his own advice and done it in two CD's
This guy need serious help. It is all about being efficient, but he constantly talks about ways they kept things light by playing games in the hallways, etc. He had some good ideas about running meetings. Some of his time saving advice was the most ANAL stuff I've ever heard (ways to save SECONDS every day). I'd hate to be his wife as I'm sure foreplay was scheduled weeks in advance. Nothing but a giant commercial for buy.com. Mark should look into the phrase "Decaf." He is seriously wired tight.
I enjoyed a lot of the simplicity of the One Minute Manager, and was looking forward to listening to something similar that was specific to the Internet. Sadly, I was expecting too much. I lost count how many times he mentioned the fact that he was the CEO of Beyond.com -- a relic in the dot-bomb dustbin -- or that he was the VP of Marketing with Amazon. Enough, we get it, you've got cred -- now get on with the book already. Except even the "sage" advice he dispenses is asinine. "If you have 10 seconds, you have time to check your email, redesign a product line, and interview 14 job candidates who want to be just like me, Mark Breier, former VP of Marketing at Amazon and CEO of Beyond.com." Ugh. Please, if I have 10 seconds free in a busy day, I'm going to hit the can and rejoice the fact that I have some free time to relieve myself. Do yourself a favor -- keep the several hours of your life you might otherwise see go the way of Beyond.com.
Just recommended it to a friend. It’s primarily about streamlining everything you do in you normal work day so you’re moving at light speed. I also didn't know until I started reading the book, Mark Breier used to work at Amazon.com and is now working at Beyond.com. So it's not a bunch of babbling... it's real world, proven experience in book form. I'm Glad I "read" it, and would concider picking up a copy to read again in the future.
I thought it was a good easy listen. It is true to its word with quick tips and tactics for you to use. Some of the advice is obvious, but good none the less. Give it a try it is worth the read.
This book should be where beyond.com is right now - in the trash. A perfect example of the smug "there at the right time" internet millionaire espousing common sense, and uncommon nonsense as business practice. The tone of the book clearly broadcasts the authors ego and self importance. The content, however, reveals the truth; the bubble was always just full of hot air. If you are searching for a reference to help improve your management skills, look elsewhere.
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