The Little Red Book of Family Business - Softcover

David Bork

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0963702815 ISBN 13: 9780963702814

Publisher: Sampson Press, 2008

Synopsis

As a consultant in service to families who own businesses, I always thought I needed to be grounded in some sound set of theories. I still think that is important, but not once, never in forty years, did someone in a family business say to me, What is the theoretical foundation for that idea?

Clients always wanted an unvarnished, pragmatic solution. What will work?
Because of this, I learned to practice the art of the possible. This book is about what works.

You won t find complex theories here, nor will you find everything about family business. This is a little book, not a big one. What you will find are clear, common sense tips, advice and direction that will be useful in your family business. Implementation of even a few of these ideas is certain to decrease concerns about your family and your business and increase your contentment in life.

About this title

About the Author:

David Bork is one of the world s leaders in the field of family business counseling. Since 1968 he has served as an advisor to more than 400 families in business, re-shaping the course of history for those families and for the businesses they own. His keen insights and understanding of complex cultural, business and family matters have contributed to his record of accomplishment as the consummate family business professional. He is a proponent of the Family Systems Approach to family business and pioneered the integration of Family Systems Theory with sound business practice.

Bork is the author of Family Business, Risky Business - How To Make It Work, and co-author of Working With Family Business, a Guide for Professionals, the first and only book of its kind in the field.

Bork has appeared on NBC s Today Show and been featured in Fortune magazine. He has been a regular resource for Young President s Organization (YPO) since 1984 and has spoken at many YPO Universities, including Venice, where he was named Best of the Best, a designation for the most highly rated speakers. Since the late 80s he has had a concentration of clients in Turkey.

The Family Firm Institute awarded Bork the coveted Richard Beckhard Practice Award in October 1998.

Review:

A book of 'quick hits' and commonsense advice
To resolve many nettlesome family business issues, you're likely to want a detailed account of what has worked for other families, and how you can adapt it to work for you. But sometimes all you need are a few bullet points.

David Bork, who has advised more than 400 family businesses - including some of the world's largest - provides a selection of these "quick hit" tips in his Little Red Book. The pocket-sized book, written on the suggestion of one of Bork's clients, is divided into 28 alphabetized sections, each containing several morsels to ruminate over (from "Attitude" to "Wills, Testaments, Bequests," plus a section listing "10 Keys to Success in Family Business").

"If the business does not prosper, the family will not be prosperous," reads one entry. "Money is a tool, but it should never be used as a hammer," says another.

Though each point is brief, not all of them are fortune-cookie length. One of the longer entries, for example, describes the purpose of a family constitution; another explains "criteria-based decision-making."

Several of Bork's tips will be most valuable as conversation-starters with family members. (Example: "If the family ownership is used in marketing, then it is important for all family members to practice the values the family claims to have.") Others might spark some solitary soul-searching. (From the section on wills: "Don't try to legislate from 'the other side.' Nobody wants to see your bony hand pulling the strings.") Space is provided for readers to jot down notes should one of the points spark an idea.

Bork's red book doesn't provide a solution to every problem, nor does it claim to. "This is a little book, not a big one," he writes. But if a pithy phrase will do the trick--or if you're looking for a quick, easy and enjoyable read that will also make you think--you may want to invest a little time to check out the Little Red Book.
--Barbara Spector, Editor
Family Business Magazine

I like this book. You condense everything down to 280 points. This will be a handy reference guide and beacon for all who are connected with a family business. There is no question in my mind that David Bork played an important role in getting our family and our business to where we are today.
--Richard Kelley, Chairman of the Outrigger Hotels, Honolulu, HI

The Little Red Book of Family Business is an insightful and simple guide to living and working in a family business. David Bork, summarizes his vast experience in an easy to use format, that is a must have for people who want a successful business, but more importantly a successful family life.
--Joe Durnford
Senior Managing Director & CEO
JD Ford & Company Investment Bankers

A book of 'quick hits' and commonsense advice
To resolve many nettlesome family business issues, you're likely to want a detailed account of what has worked for other families, and how you can adapt it to work for you. But sometimes all you need are a few bullet points.

David Bork, who has advised more than 400 family businesses - including some of the world's largest - provides a selection of these "quick hit" tips in his Little Red Book. The pocket-sized book, written on the suggestion of one of Bork's clients, is divided into 28 alphabetized sections, each containing several morsels to ruminate over (from "Attitude" to "Wills, Testaments, Bequests," plus a section listing "10 Keys to Success in Family Business").

"If the business does not prosper, the family will not be prosperous," reads one entry. "Money is a tool, but it should never be used as a hammer," says another.

Though each point is brief, not all of them are fortune-cookie length. One of the longer entries, for example, describes the purpose of a family constitution; another explains "criteria-based decision-making."

Several of Bork's tips will be most valuable as conversation-starters with family members. (Example: "If the family ownership is used in marketing, then it is important for all family members to practice the values the family claims to have.") Others might spark some solitary soul-searching. (From the section on wills: "Don't try to legislate from 'the other side.' Nobody wants to see your bony hand pulling the strings.") Space is provided for readers to jot down notes should one of the points spark an idea.

Bork's red book doesn't provide a solution to every problem, nor does it claim to. "This is a little book, not a big one," he writes. But if a pithy phrase will do the trick--or if you're looking for a quick, easy and enjoyable read that will also make you think--you may want to invest a little time to check out the Little Red Book. --Barbara Spector, Editor
Family Business Magazine

About this edition

• Publisher: Sampson Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0963702815
• ISBN 13: 9780963702814
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 115