Business Book Club: The Performance Papers

Last week Creative Shift met with a selection of clients both past and present for our first ever Business Book Club. Have you ever read a book that has inspired you or changed the way you think about your business and wish that you had a room full of people who felt the same way to discuss it with? Well, that was the idea behind our newest event.

The book in question was the Performance Papers (Available from Amazon), by Andrew Bass, and we were lucky enough to have the author, Andy, as our guest of honour for the inaugural Business Book Club Meeting.

The Performance Papers is based upon a collection of essays (some of which are available to read on the Bass Clusker website) that were written in response to genuine business challenges faced by Andy’s clients. There is a focus, to some degree, on strategy, but everything from how to delegate to how important charisma is in a leader is covered.

Our discussions were wide ranging (and we have to admit, occasionally a little off-topic, but all part of the fun!) but as the majority of the attendees were from small businesses or worked on a freelance basis (and as a freelancer myself!) I particularly enjoyed being able to discuss with Andy how the lessons in the book, which were for the most part aimed at larger businesses, could apply to everyone. You don’t have to be a multinational company to need a short, mid and long term plan for your company, and everyone can benefit from being able to tell an ‘Investor’ story, whether your investor is a venture capitalist providing you with millions, or your husband providing you with emotional support.

I also have to underline just how much fun the evening was – meeting with an inspiring group of people, all at different stages in their business, over a few glasses of wine and some great food. I personally can’t wait for the next meeting!

The next Creative Shift Business Book Club will take place in October, and we’ll be announcing the book and date very soon.