The Power Of Pull: How Small Moves, Smartly Made, Can Set Big Things In Motion (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I was expecting this book to be about technology and/or the future of the digital age. This book is not like that at all. The Power of Pull is rather about how to use the internet, social media and conferences to learn new things and influence others. Fundamentally, that’s not a bad thing to learn. Unfortunately, I got next to nothing from The Power of Pull.There were two main problems I had with The Power of Pull. The first is simply that I am not the target audience. As far as I can tell, The Power of Pull was written for CEOs and middle managers who did not grow up with the realities of online media. At one point, the authors explained that with the capabilities of the internet, a user can learn about anything they want, connect with people of similar interests, and collaborate with people around the world. Really? Gee, I had no idea. I also had no idea that when people collaborate, they get more done. Good grief.My second problem with the book was the tendency to make broad, sweeping statements. I prefer specificity in writing. If you are going to make a statement about how reality works, please at least back it up with an example. The few examples that were used were rife with errors, which also aggravated me. Using an apple falling on Newton’s head as an example of serendipity is not a good way to give yourself credibility, as that never actually happened. It’s condescending to my intelligence and insulting to the brilliance of Newton’s work.This book was clearly not for me. This book is all about a way to look at post industrial economies differently. Modern economics uses a push approach whereby the market tells consumers what they should want. There is some review of the more nuanced business/economic theory as to what is and what could be; for example there is much talk about the Business Administration theory of "the experience curve," along with behavioral models and "scientific management" or *taylorism principles.Contrasting the above, the book emphasizes to the reader that our global economy coupled with niche groups and the internet, has changed market segmentation entirely. The power of pull speculates and with a few contemporary examples, how businesses that pull customers needs and then develop them into products are better suited for the 21st century economy than push based businesses.
What do You think about The Power Of Pull: How Small Moves, Smartly Made, Can Set Big Things In Motion (2010)?
Highly recommended. If you are an edgeling or aspring to be one, read this book.
—Julica
Great insight on how we acquire knowledge and hone skills.
—Megan
