Latest comments for http://www.ababj.com , comment 0 to 4 out of 4 comments http://www.ababj.com Wed, 22 May 2013 16:00:56 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.ababj.com/myblog/what-books-have-you-read-lately-that-have-helped-2587.html#pc_1152 I'm currently reading Blue Ocean Strategy. While it's not about banking, it does definitely give me a better idea of how businesses are run. The book discusses the competition between businesses, and how businesses often make the mistake of competing using the exact tactics as their opponents, which often results in bloody competition or "red waters." The book provides the strategy of differentiating the business against the competition by changing the business' overall perspective. The challenge is really finding out what the target audience needs, overcoming the traditional methods of marketing, and creating "blue oceans," which basically speaks of new, uncharted market territory. Although it's not specifically a banking book, it does provide a clear glimpse into business and it gives a good explanation of why certain businesses succeed and others fail. And for my guilty pleasure, I am also reading Hunger Games. - Emily Dong Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:12:31 +0100 http://www.ababj.com/myblog/what-books-have-you-read-lately-that-have-helped-2587.html#pc_1116 Three books of distinction are very different in their content, but all very insightful for bankers as they try to move into a period of tremendous disruption, risk and opportunity. 'Bank 2.0' by Brett King (founder of Movenbank) is a must read for any banker wanting a very detailed and somewhat controversial look into the future of banking. In the book, King describes an environment in the not so distant future that will leverage the consumer's move to digital technology and the impact on branding, distribution, payments and communication. Even if you don't agree with all of his assumptions or predictions, the book opens your eyes to a banking environment that is very different than today. The second book is no less visionary even though it doesn't focus on the financial vertical. 'The End of Business as Usual' by Brian Solis looks at the impact social media and real time communication will have on every business. Exemplified by the events that surrounded the BofA and more recent Verizon implementation of (and reversal of) a fee that was caused in no small part by the outrage on social channels, this book is an important read for all bankers. In a world where good and bad experiences are shared in real time, it is important for bankers to understand the impact social media will have on marketing, delivery of services, product development and even operations. Finally, for a bit lighter (yet no less important read), I would suggest 'Snarketing 2.0', written by Ron Shevlin from Aite. While written in a very sarcastic tone at times, Ron provides a wealth of marketing insights that every bank marketer should follow. Many are common sense suggestions that we often ignore, while other insights could be considered a bit unorthodox, but no less insightful. These were my favorites for 2011. I am looking forward to new books that will broaden my perspective of what banking and business will become in the future. - Jim Marous Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:12:59 +0100 http://www.ababj.com/myblog/what-books-have-you-read-lately-that-have-helped-2587.html#pc_1115 I read the book too and enjoyed it but Jobs also emerged in the telling as a bully and abusive and disrespectful of his employees and colleagues. Anyone who exhibits incredibly boorish behavior and then says, "That's just the way I am" is seriously disordered. His financial success amounts to little compared to his many behavioral failings in interpersonal relationships. - E. T. OLeary Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:42:31 +0100 http://www.ababj.com/myblog/what-books-have-you-read-lately-that-have-helped-2587.html#pc_1114 I read the book Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, which I thought was instructive. Though the industry Jobs was in is so different from ours, without the regulation, etc., I found it encouraging. Though it sounds trite, he really showed that thinking and acting "outside the box" can have real value. He showed that you can't get bogged down by convention, the so-called "best practices" that get piled on many industries, especially ours. He also showed that you have to be persistent in following what you think will be the best course of action for your company. Jobs also did a great job of protecting his unique products and intellectual property from being used by others. I think we as bankers can learn a great deal from his approach to business. Oh yes. It also doesn't hurt to have a few billion dollars of net worth. - Dale Cleven, chairman, president, and CEO, Community Savings Bank, Chicago, Ill. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:53:44 +0100