It's Not About You: A Little Story About What Matters Most in Business Hardcover – September 20, 2011

I rated "It's Not About You" by Bob Burg and John David Mann five stars.A well-written business parable which tells the story of Ben, newly promoted to Mergers and Acquisitions by his company, and in charge of securing the takeover of a chair manufacturing company, Allen and Augustine. Ben begins this negotiation thinking it's a win or lose situation. But then he meets the wise Aunt Elle, who teaches Ben that both sides can win if the negotiation is handled correctly.This book is packed with lessons about Culture, Leadership, Negotiation, Integrity and Trust. Try doing business in the long term if you are deficient in any of these attributes. It teaches that business is about people long before a product or service ever enters the mix.Ben begins by trying to win over the company. In the end, the company wins Ben.Read it. You won't be sorry.Gary Pittard@garypittard

Wow, another great book by Bob Burg and John David Mann. Bob knows how to tell a story and his writer John puts it into a great story. I like the size of the book, it's an easy read, very hard to put down as the story tells of a lesson of a young man who thinks he's all that and realizes that unless something happens he's seeing his biggest deal ever won't close. But through the story and having a mentor, friends, and experiences throughout the story he becomes authentic, caring about a company, it's people, and it's future more than the commission he will earn. Just like the Go Giver, these stories are how we to aspire to be like, to practice, to implement, and our purpose in our life on a business level and personal level is bigger then we ever thought. Through these books we have built our companies purpose, company culture, and it's more than the money, it's all about serving others. Thanks Bob and John for another great book and being an influence in my life.

Informs you in a guided tour that every human is a part of bigger machines called life. The smoother you make your specific machine work, the better this dynamic ever changing will work. The machine will profit and you. The machine has a way to enhance the better functioning parts. Proper, practical, realistic and proven ways to make yourself feel valuable and add value in every sphere of your life. Should be a book to teach life skills at schools.

I think Bob Burg and John David Mann come up with some very winsome characters. Having read both The Go-Giver and Go-Givers Sell More, I enjoyed this latest salesman saga as well. Confronted by folks with real heart for what they do, the lead gets driven to the breaking point and that is where the refreshing transparency unfolds. And, the salesy maneuvering ends - with some gut level honesty. That is what I loved about this story. Probably because personally, I really dislike being maneuvered by salespeople myself.

When we got the offer to download the first two chapters of this book, I immediately did just that. I have to say, I ordered the book as soon as I finished reading them. My business has a book of the month club & I have developed a habit of reading a book per week so of course I have read both of their previous books. Throughout our entire business organization, these books are spoke of often during seminars, major leadership conventions, & daily conversations. Being a cyber "student" of Bob's, I read his blogs, comments & of any books he & John David Mann produce. In being a student, I have seen the consistent level of integrity, business knowledge & sincerity in their living by examples.I'm in a "people" business & the practical applications of what is taught by these books are invaluable to the success of my biz. "It's Not About You" will be a asset in helping me continue to be others focused.Thanks to both Bob & John for another amazing read.Geneva Murphy

John David Mann and Bob Burg have once again collaborated on an AMAZING book. The story was well written, easy to read, and filled with incredible lessons for everyone in their businesses AND their lives.This is one of those books that you should buy for yourself (today, if you are reading this review), and then buy for others as well. Read it now, then again in a few months so you really get the insights.

After reading, The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olsen, we accepted his challenge to read at least 10 pages a day in a good (life improving) book. This is just such a book. It is written like a novel, telling a fun to read story following a man moving up in his company through the process of a semi-hostile business acquisition where he ultimately learns how to serve others to accomplish his heart's desires and so succeed in business and life.The book has a couple of storied links tying it to the authors book, The Go-Giver; which is also an excellent book written in the same novel style. We keep both of these books in our personal library of self-mastery books and use them both as part of our home school curriculum and as tools to help others discover self-mastery.

I didn't realize it was possible to REALLY fall in love with a book...up until now! I would suggest clearing your calendar before you begin reading, because you won't want to leave. The characters are so real and endearing and they leap from the page right into your heart. The lessons this parable teaches go straight to the heart as well and seriously have the potential to improve businesses and relationships around the globe. 5 Stars are not nearly enough for this gem.

Builds on the concepts in Go Giver.Give to give.People follow you as a result of emotional engagement and this book gives practical tips on how YOU need to be modified to achieve great leadership.

Great book thanks.

The book delivers strong messages through an easy to read and simple story. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to sharpen their leadership axe, we all need a reminder of good leadership principles and this book provides that in a short enjoyable read

As good as the Go Givers. Narrated with a story makes enjoyable to read

Very well written business novel. Catches the attention all along and it's been a terrific page turner.It shows that leaders shall have the gut to put their reputation, their whole persona on the table and in so doing, they 'give' more than they ask. As a result they achieve their goal with the support of their team member.Very nice and well written book.