Citizenship-LB.org - Development & Planning Guides

Updating Business Models   December 22, 2003

Did I learn something? Yes. By the fourth chapter I was applying the principals discussed to how I could change my business model. Overall I found this to be an excellent read. But you must bring something to the table for this book. For example, most books I read are for entertainment. This book is work. Come prepared to learn and this book will teach


Re-Invent Your Business!   December 12, 2003
  2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This book follows a basic principle of re-invention. Going back and looking to see where you can improve to make your business more profitable. The are several examples of companies who have done just that. Giving you a practical model to succeed. Well worth the price to give your business what it needs to compete in the Global Marketplace.


The book your business competitors don't want you to read...   December 10, 2003
  2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Mitchell and Coles successfully present the argument for "why" to focus on continuous business model innovation and then show you "where" and "how" to work the model in your own company...

But don't think that this book is just another dumbed down, hastily written business book from some wishful management guru. It's not. THE ULTIMATE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE is solidly researched and thoughtfully written. It's a serious book for people who are serious about creating a successful business for the long term. The 3rd chapter alone is one of the best examinations of cost-cutting techniques you'll ever find and well worth the price of the book, but happily the entire book is just as useful, applicable, and valuable, which indeed makes it a rarity.

Mitchell and Coles have created one of those infrequent stars in the business book constellation that deserve 'must-read' status. And it's definitely a book you'll want to read before your competitors do.


If you are serious about your business...you must read this!   December 9, 2003
  1 out of 2 found this review helpful

One of the reasons so many businesses fail is due to the owners or managers implementing outdated ideas, systems, marketing practices and business concepts.
The authors of The Ultimate Competitive Advantage have done a great job researching what highly successful companies do and they share it in a very compelling way that will force anyone to really look at, and alter the way they are running their business today. I love the exapmples in the book and definetly recommend it!


Five stars.   November 24, 2003
  2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I always approach business books with a healthy amount of skepticism. I've simply seen too many fairytale business fad books promising everything, only to fall short during implementation, long after the energetic sales pitch has faded.

So, with a lot of hesitation, I sat down a read the ULTIMATE COMPETITVE BUSINESS ADVANTAGE. Fortunately for me, I did. Once I got past the first few chapters I found it difficult to put it down.

The ULTIMATE COMPETITIVE BUSINESS ADVANTAGE, by Donald Mitchell and Carol Coles is different from most books in the genre. Mitchell and Carol researched some of the most successful businesses around over a ten-year period to figure out what they did right, and what made them exceptional companies while their competitors languished. They also interviewed successful CEOs to see what set them apart.

Filled with countless anecdotes, the authors touch on key business ideas and present concrete examples. Along the way there are nuggets of interesting information that you simply won't find anywhere else.

Highly recommended for someone who is starting his or her own business or leading an existing one. Five stars.