Book review: The New Small by Phil Simon

Not too long ago, small businesses were at a terrible disadvantage when they wanted to implement information technology. Big companies had access to pricey software and other tools that the little guys just couldn’t reach.

Today, everything has changed. And in Phil Simon’s terrific book, The New Small, you can learn how small businesses can attain amazing success by using technology smartly.

What I like about Phil’s book is his clear and interesting way of writing, and his ability to avoid jargon and vagueness. Too many business books are wishy-washy when they share examples, but not Phil.

In the first section of The New Small, Phil outlines current technology trends and what he calls the five enablers: cloud computing, SaaS (software as a service), free and open source software, mobility, and social technologies (social media and social networking).

Then, in the meat of the book, he gives us detailed examples of how diverse small businesses have used technology to improve their internal processes and their relationships with customers, while boosting the bottom line. The case studies are really interesting, from Voices.com to Torrance Learning.

Of course we shouldn’t be surprised that Phil has produced such a useful book, because he makes a living by consulting with companies on how to optimize their use of technology, and speaking on this topic.

Phil is also the author of Why New Systems Fail and The Next Wave of Technologies, and he writes for a number of technology-oriented media outlets.

One more thing: Mitch Joel has written a blurb for the cover of The New Small, and Chris Brogan has penned the forward. Phil’s in good company.

Check him out online:

• Main site: http://www.philsimonsystems.com/
• Book site: http://www.thenewsmall.com/
• Twitter: @thenewsmall and @philsimon

Comments

[Stephanie Ciccarelli]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Phil's book, Donna! I appreciate the Voices.com mention and am glad that you enjoyed The New Small.

Cheers,

Stephanie Ciccarelli
Co-founder of Voices.com

[Megan Torrance]

I agree, Donna! I've enjoyed reading the book as much as I've enjoyed getting to know Phil and his passion for really effective technologies.

Interestingly enough, I learned of Voices.com through The New Small and it's exactly the type of tool that helps my small business. TorranceLearning builds custom online training... nearly all of which uses a voiceover. I've recently used Voices.com to search for new voice talent for a major national client. Technologies and connectors like this help us little guys immensely!

Megan Torrance
President, TorranceLearning

[Donna Papacosta]

Stephanie, I was happy to see Voices.com in the book, since I know you and David.
Megan, that is a great story of connecting through The New Small. Love it!

[Philsimon]

I hope that I can connect a ton of like-minded folks!