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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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What Would Google Do? summary
Reverse engineering the world's fastest growing company
20 mins
Brief summary
What Would Google Do? by Jeff Jarvis explores the strategies and principles behind the success of Google and how they can be applied to various industries. The book emphasizes the importance of openness, collaboration, and flexibility in today's ever-changing digital landscape.
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What Would Google Do?
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Key idea 1 of 9
The rise of the Internet has made good, fast customer service a necessity.
Most business owners know that the worst mistake they can make is to ignore their customers. The consequences of doing so can be dire, as was demonstrated by the author in 2005, when he purchased a Dell laptop. Disappointed with the customer service he got in response to a support request, the author posted a rant on his blog about his experience. Soon, many other dissatisfied customers started chiming in, and the blog post became highly prominent in Google searches for Dell. Steadily, Dell’s situation worsened. This kind of scenario is exactly where angry customers can do a lot of damage to a brand.
Dell believed its customers should provide feedback only via Dell’s site and on Dell’s terms, but it turned out that customers were already talking among themselves elsewhere on their own terms.
The author later sent an open letter of advice to Dell, telling them that losing a single customer today can have large knock-on effects, as that customer will likely go on to tell all of his or her friends about the poor experience as well. And in today’s connected world, a single customer can have a lot of friends.
This means companies no longer have any place to hide; every mistake they make is made public instantly via the Internet. Leave a customer on hold for too long? Expect to read public, angry rants about it online very soon.
So if you are running a company, what can you do?
The main thing is to ensure you provide excellent and fast customer service, as this can prevent and repair any damage. Talk to unhappy customers and try to understand and fix their problems. Remember, the fact that a customer bought your product indicates he wants to like it. If you solve the problem, he may well spread the word of this good service.
Also, read blogs where your customers talk about your products. This way you’ll stay tuned in to what your customers think of your product without having to spend a fortune on consumer research. Next, you’ll find out about even more ways to involve your customers in your business.
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What is What Would Google Do? about?
The age of the Internet has dawned, but very few companies seem to understand how profoundly it has changed the business landscape and what they must do to thrive. The most obvious exception? Google. What Would Google Do? endeavors to explain what strategic choices fuel the success of Google and other web 2.0 companies like Amazon.
What Would Google Do? Review
What Would Google Do? (2009) by Jeff Jarvis is a thought-provoking book that explores how Google's strategies can be applied to various industries. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides insightful analysis and practical examples that help readers understand how technology is transforming businesses.
- By examining Google's success, the book offers valuable lessons on innovation, customer-centricity, and adapting to digital disruption.
- With its fascinating exploration of the digital landscape, the book ensures that readers are engaged and inspired throughout.
Who should read What Would Google Do??
- Anyone who wants to learn the secrets to the success of Google and other web 2.0 companies
- Anyone who wants to drive more traffic to their websites
- Anyone who wants to emulate Google’s strategy in their own business
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What Would Google Do? FAQs
What is the main message of What Would Google Do??
The main message of What Would Google Do? is understanding and applying Google's principles to modernize and succeed in any industry.
How long does it take to read What Would Google Do??
The estimated reading time for What Would Google Do? is several hours. Reading the Blinkist summary will take around 15 minutes.
Is What Would Google Do? a good book? Is it worth reading?
What Would Google Do? is worth reading as it offers valuable insights into adapting to the digital age and innovating in business.
Who is the author of What Would Google Do??
Jeff Jarvis is the author of What Would Google Do?.
What to read after What Would Google Do??
If you're wondering what to read next after What Would Google Do?, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg
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- Atomic Habits by James Clear
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- Anticipate by Rob-Jan de Jong
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- Winning by Jack Welch with Suzy Welch
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
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