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Alibaba’s World summary
Porter Erisman
How a Remarkable Chinese Company Is Changing the Face of Global Business
15 mins
Brief summary
'Alibaba's World' by Porter Erisman is a firsthand account of Alibaba, its founder Jack Ma, and the rise of e-commerce in China. It offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business in a rapidly changing market.
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Alibaba’s World
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Key idea 1 of 7
When starting a business, reach for the sky.
Entrepreneurship is easier today than ever before. You don’t need a million dollars to get started; all you need is a great idea and some free time. And yet, the world is full of people too afraid to take those first steps.
Overcoming difficulties in your life is only possible if you put in serious effort instead of sitting around complaining. Starting a business is no different.
So then why isn’t everyone an entrepreneur? Many people think it’s too hard. After all, most industries already have a big player, and even if you trust yourself enough to compete with giants such as eBay or Google, there are still many legal and social hurdles to overcome.
Every entrepreneur faces these problems. The only way to succeed is to try.
When Jack Ma started Alibaba in 1999, only one percent of the Chinese population used the internet. And those who did use it could hardly imagine buying anything online. People had enough trust issues when their business partner was standing right in front of them! Online buying was out of the question.
And yet, in the course of 15 short years, Alibaba overcame international competitors and social mistrust, and it now dominates 80 percent of China’s e-commerce market.
Hearing a success story like Alibaba’s might cause you to start doubting yourself. “What can I do that’s so special?” you might ask. Well, you don’t have to be as smart as Einstein to start a business that will one day become successful. In fact, success has more to do with brio than brains.
Before starting Alibaba, Jack Ma was an English teacher earning $20 per month. He sometimes jokes that Alibaba is so successful precisely because he doesn’t really know anything about computers. It wasn’t his computer genius that made him so successful, but his entrepreneurial spirit.
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What is Alibaba’s World about?
Alibaba’s World (2015) tells the story of Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba, which was founded in 1999. Alibaba’s World offers valuable insights into leadership and business acumen that can help you put your company on the path to success.
Alibaba’s World Review
Alibaba’s World (2010) takes readers on an insightful journey into the rise of Alibaba, China's e-commerce giant. Here are the reasons why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a fascinating insider's perspective on Alibaba's incredible growth, providing valuable insights into the Chinese business landscape.
- Porter Erisman, a former Alibaba employee, combines personal experiences with interviews from key figures to present a comprehensive and authentic account.
- Explores the challenges and triumphs Alibaba faced, highlighting the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the ever-changing world of e-commerce.
Best quote from Alibaba’s World
Fact: Alibaba went public in September, 2014, with the largest IPO in history.
—Porter Erisman
Who should read Alibaba’s World?
- Entrepreneurs
- Anyone thinking about starting a business
- Struggling business owners
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Alibaba’s World FAQs
What is the main message of Alibaba’s World?
The main message of Alibaba’s World is the story of how Alibaba became an e-commerce giant and the lessons we can learn from its success.
How long does it take to read Alibaba’s World?
The estimated reading time for Alibaba’s World is several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Alibaba’s World a good book? Is it worth reading?
Alibaba’s World is worth reading for its insightful look into the rise of Alibaba and the global e-commerce industry. It offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals.
Who is the author of Alibaba’s World?
The author of Alibaba’s World is Porter Erisman.
What to read after Alibaba’s World?
If you're wondering what to read next after Alibaba’s World, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Alibaba by Duncan Clark
- The Direct to Consumer Playbook by Mike Stevens
- Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance
- 24 Assets by Daniel Priestley
- Dropshipping by James Moore
- The Seven Tensions of Negotiation by Cash Nickerson
- Buffett and Munger Unscripted by Warren E. Buffett
- You Be You by Drew Canole
- AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee
- The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith