Rob Smorfitt
Rob "thinking" ?
About Me
- Dr Rob Smorfitt
- Have an MBA and a PhD in entrepreneurship.
Author of 6 books. Written articles for various magazines, newspapers and websites.
Have three other blogs in the form of an African blog at http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1492/summary.php and an entrepreneurship and innovation for large business blog at http://innoveur.blogspot.com and a SMEs in South Africa blog at http://smesinsouthafrica.blogspot.com
Three key areas of ongoing research are entrepreneurship and innovation in large businesses, the impact of legislation on SME's, and SME finance.
I have been self employed since 1982. I have started in excess of 50 businesses since then. Most were sold again and a few were shut down because of a lack of profitability.
Blog lists
Book List
- Jim Collins - Good to Great. An excellent read for the entrepreneur wanting to grow a big business.
- Starbucks - This book investigates Starbucks. You come away with a good insight into the company, but you are also left with the feeling that the author suspects but cannot prove that their almost perfect track record is due to manipulation of one sort or another. You do not feel that there is an Enron brewing, but their is fire somewhere. A good read and some excellent insights into the Starbucks strategy and marketing. Well worth the read..
- Donald Trump - Think Big and Kick Ass. A very good book for entrepreneurs. While I do not endorse his litigious suggestions, I thoroughly endorse his points about limiting ourselves. Even made the kids read this book. The book has two people writing of which the one is Trump. The other writer simply endorses and adds little value. An annoyance in fact.
- Woz - Biography by Steve Wozniak of Apple fame. For anyone in IT from the early days it provides an interesting insight. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but an independent editor would have made it a brilliant read. Still worth reading however.
- Your Emerging Business … Make Sure It Survives! – The Hexagon Stairway To Success - T Ek & J Kusik **** This is the best book I have ever read for the entrepreneur wanting to understand the implications of growth in her/his business. If you need a how to manual for growing your business read this book.
- The E-Myth - Michael E Gerber **** This is one of the few books that I have read where so far I agree with everything said. Great read for every SME owner.