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I’ve just finished listening to the audio book version of Rework again. For me it was worth listening to a couple times and I’ve enjoyed it.
If you’ve followed 37Signals at all over the years you’ll be hearing some things again, but much of it bears repeating. You’ll also be getting more of what you’ve liked in the past.
To me a lot of what this book says is common sense. The kind of common sense that seems simple when your hear it but that you often wouldn’t have thought of before you heard it. The kind of common sense which for some reason so many companies seem unable to comprehend or follow.
As a small software developer and member of a startup it’s reassuring to hear someone who has succeeded and know that they share your views. I can’t tell you how frustrated I’ve been in the past watching employers do things because “that’s what big companies do”.
You undoubtably need to share some views with Jason and David if you’re going to appreciate what rework has to say. It has the same tone as much of their previous writing and speaking. That is, a head on, no punches pulled, ‘tell it like it is’ style. If you don’t agree with what they say it’ll probably piss you off a little, but don’t let that stop you. Even if you don’t agree I’ll bet you this book will make you think.
The overriding message?
Conventional business wisdom is not what you need to worry about. Do what works for you. Improvise, make decisions based your needs not because it’s what some expert told you to do.
Rework isn’t a formula for how to run your business to me it’s really a statement. It’s telling you it’s ok to run your business your way. You don’t have to listen to the stereotypes and cliches about business anymore. Just go out there and do it and don’t forget to learn some of the lessons that Rework passes along.
They make a lot of great points but here are a few of my favorites:
- Planning is guessing so be prepared to improvise
- You don’t have to fail to succeed
- Don’t be insecure about aiming to be a small business
- There’s always enough time if you spend it right
- Workoholism isn’t worth it
- Be yourself - don’t pretend to be something you’re not
Like I said when you hear them you’ll think ‘ya that makes sense’ but I know there were lots that I had never really thought about before. With the amount of business advice out there it’s easy to get caught up looking for a method that you can apply to become successful when in reality we’re all on different paths.
Breaking the mould
In the end to me Rework is trying to break the mould of small business thinking. From railing on the term ‘entrepreneur’ to telling you it’s ok not to grow the message is there. Are you listening?
The most important point for me personally:
It’s not about how much time you have it’s how you spend it.
- Paul
