The Art of Profitability

This compact tome from consultant Slywotzky (The Profit Zone) offers 23 business lessons via the tale of a manager's quest to learn the ""art of profitability"" from David Zhao, a wise master. It's an attractive and refreshing concept that taps into the Zen of business. The author cautions readers to ""please read only one chapter per week... Think about it. Let it stew."" His advice, centered around the mantra that the path to profitability lies in fully understanding the customer, is valuable- e.g., watch out for cracks in a business's foundation, because they can quickly lead to a collapse. Slywotzky has tried to make his text seem ancient, even timeless, by featuring the cliche of the wise sage and the eager pupil, and this forced effort may frustrate some readers looking for a quick fix. But those seeking a new alternative to tired business manuals should revel in Zhao's fable-like teachings.