The Little Big Things cover art

The Little Big Things

163 Ways to Pursue EXCELLENCE

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The Little Big Things

By: Tom Peters
Narrated by: Tom Peters
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About this listen

Years ago, I wrote about a retail store in the Palo Alto environs—a good one, which had a box of two-cent candies at the checkout. I subsequently remember that 'little' parting gesture of the two-cent candy as a symbol of all that is Excellent at that store. Dozens of people who have attended seminars of mine—from retailers to bankers to plumbing-supply-house owners—have come up to remind me, sometimes 15 or 20 years later, of 'the two-cent candy story', and to tell me how it had a sizable impact on how they did business, metaphorically and in fact.

"Well, the Two-Cent Candy Phenomenon has struck again—with oomph and in the most unlikely of places.

"For years, Singapore's 'brand" has more or less been Southeast Asia's 'place that works'....But as 'the rest' in the geographic neighborhood closed the efficiency gap, and China continued to rise-race-soar, Singapore decided a couple of years ago to 'rebrand' itself as not only a place that works but also as an exciting, 'with it' city.

"Singapore's fabled operating efficiency starts, as indeed it should, at ports of entry—the airport being a prime example. From immigration to baggage claim to transportation downtown, the services are unmatched anywhere in the world for speed and efficiency:

  • The entry form was a marvel of simplicity.
  • The lines were short, very short, with more than adequate staffing.
  • The process was simple and unobtrusive.
  • The immigration officer could have easily gotten work at Starbucks; she was all smiles and courtesy.
  • And Yes! Yes There was a little candy jar at each Immigration portal!
"Ask yourself now: What is my (personal, department, project, restaurant, law firm) 'Two-Cent Candy'? Does every part of the process of working with us/me include two-cent candies? Do we, as a group, 'think two-cent candies'?

"Operationalizing: Make 'two-centing it' part and parcel of 'the way we do business around here'."

©2010 Thomas J. Peters (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers
Management Marketing Motivation & Self-Improvement Business Singapore Career Transportation
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Packed full of goodies

If you could sum up The Little Big Things in three words, what would they be?

Bursting with goodness

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Sadly the narration lets it down.I found myself zoning out quite often and all because of the narration. There are some great readers out there but sadly this gent should have just stuck to writing the book.

Any additional comments?

This book is full of great information and tips. Some are obvious but then I often find that these are the most useful. We sometimes don't see the wood for the trees when we are swamped by 1001 things that need doing when we work for ourselves.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Worth sticking with...

Too many "quote-unquotes" for smooth listening but if you can get past that, there are some useful nuggets and definitely food for thought for business owners and individuals alike. Tom borrows from lots of areas which is enriching but that's what causes the "". Keep at it and you will learn something. I listened twice and the "" didn't jar so much the second time around. I'm considering buying the print version for future reference.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

The Guru's Guru; worth every penny and then some

I just want to redress the balance and give an alternative perspective.

Firstly, this is based largely on re-edited collected blogs and as such it can repeat many core subjects. Many of these key messages bear repeating. Sure, Tom Peters has a distinctive no nonsense, cut through the BS, why aren't you doing this - are you stupid? attitude and fans love him for it.

There are quite literally hundreds of gems within and I have bought the 'real' book for reference on the back of listening to the audiobook. This is not just inspirational, it is a call to arms for all of us, relevant to all organisations. As Tom (frequently) reminds us, we are all sales people, we are all selling something.

If you are serious about constant and never-ending improvement and out-of-this-world service, then this is a great source of thought-provoking ideas, kick-up-the-pants chiding and passionate treatise to accompany you on the journey. You'll be in masterful company.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Best Business Book of 2010

I have seen the last 2 reviews but must respectfully disagree. This is and remains one of my favourite business books of all time. Every one of the 163 Little Big Things has the power to move, to reshape a company and I would love to see a business embrace just 1% of what Tom talks about. There are also some fantastic videos and PDF downloads to accompany the book. If you want something that will gather dust and look pretty then this book is not for you. It is an ACTION MANIFESTO.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing read

I listen to many business audio books but made two bad selections this month. This one was hard to listen to and really didn't encourage new thinking.
I'm sure there are great facts in there but I just couldn't keep going.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

Dissapointing

Dissapointing, long winded, repettitive, tiresome and bullying - I regret buying this book there is so much more I need for my money - this did not deliver.

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1 person found this helpful