I’ve just read What Would Google Do? by Jeff Jarvis and published by Harper Collins. I got my copy direct from Amazon where I ordered it six weeks ago. How I ordered the book is important because it is, in part what WWGD About – how business has changed and how consumers are more in control than ever. Whereas years ago I’d have heard about the book and had to wait at my local bookstore, now friends who buy books I like at Amazon can alert me to this and other titles, friend I never knew I had.
What Would Google Do? is not about Google at all. It is about disruption brought about by technology intersecting with and driving consumer demand where one is more powerful than ever before. It is about conversations rather than sermons, connections rather than advertising. Being part of the story more so than just consuming the story.
This is a book full of ideas for Australian newsagents because it challenges us to break free from a business model created more than 100 years ago and to pursue a model relevant to today. There are excellent examples of how to Google thinking to bricks and mortar businesses like ours. His comments about the music industry apply to us and some core products we sell in our 4,600 retail stores.
For another perspective of the relevance of the book check out the interview Jarvis with with Newsweek. Also read Jeff Jarvis’ views (published in Business Week) on how the Google approach to business could help US auto companies.
Jarvis and his publisher are demonstrating how to stretch a traditional model with the release this week of a video book version.