Shockproof! 6 Essentials for Business Success in Good and Bad Times

Shockproof! examines six business essentials - strategy, business plan, people, culture, marketing and cash flow - which every business owner or manager must master if they are to succeed in a competitive environment. As a business consultant, I have found this book very useful in working with clients to help them understand why I ask the questions I do. It provides a framework for discussing the financial, marketing, and strategic objectives of the business owner. It focuses everyone who is associated with the business on the core qualities and key factors that will determine their success.On several occasions, I have recommended Shockproof! to financial institutions to use as a supplement to their credit training programs for lenders, relationship managers, and credit analysts, in order to better understand the stressful decisions faced by their borrowers. Both bankers and business owners have reported improved communication as a result of discussing how the Shockproof! essentials apply to the borrower.Clients who read the book tell me that they find Shockproof! enjoyable because its humorous anecdotes about the trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship have the ring of authenticity. Anyone who has tried to grow a business will relate to Rex's stories as they reveal the thrilling rewards and painful losses that are common to all who pursue such endeavors.

The book is a quick study that brings out the basics of business in a down-to-earth simple approach. The book contains everything from cash-is-king to business is about solving customer's problems. The consistent layout of each chapter makes referring back to the book a fast and painless refresher. You can be in business for a while without following these six essentials, but you need them all to stay in business for the long haul.

Substantive, quick & to the point. More than a very good checklist. Mini case studies provide concrete examples of concepts. Focus on just one or two concepts or underlying examples & this book is a winner. A great reference which I plan to consult every six months to maintain focus & not drop the ball in some other area of operations.

Substantive, quick & to the point. More than a very good checklist. Mini case studies provide concrete examples of concepts. Focus on just one or two concepts or underlying examples & this book is a winner. A great reference which I plan to consult every six months or so to maintain focus & not drop the ball in some other area of operations.