Small Giants

Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big

by Bo Burlingham

4.3(304 ratings)

12 min read

Brief overview

This book unveils how certain businesses thrive by staying purposefully small, nurturing deep connections, and preserving an authentic sense of purpose. Instead of chasing endless expansion, they focus on culture, community impact, and excellence in their craft. Ultimately, you discover that greatness comes from knowing what truly matters—and daring to prioritize it over mere size.

Introduction

Imagine starting a business that never sets foot into the frantic race toward global domination. Instead of chasing every growth opportunity, it finds true fulfillment right where it is. That’s the heart of so-called “small giants”–underdog companies that refuse to prioritize size over soul.

They show us that a company can be immensely profitable and influential without sprawling offices or thousands of employees. Their leaders shift the focus from endless expansion to something more meaningful—like preserving culture, taking care of employees, and forming deep personal connections with customers.

As you dive into these stories, notice a shared drive among small giants: They trust in the power of well-rooted businesses, prefer purposeful growth on their own terms, and aim to remain guardians of a unique identity. Let’s see how they succeed at being small, mighty, and true to themselves.

The Allure of Growth

Many entrepreneurs find growth irresistible. Social buzz, media hype, and even investors equate “bigger” with “better.” Cities fill with shiny new offices, headlines boast million-dollar deals, and leaders chase that next milestone. Yet, significant size can come with pitfalls: ballooning bureaucracy, diluted vision, and manager burnout.

Take the story of a small hinge manufacturer, Reell Precision. Its leaders faced collective pressure to expand quickly yet deliberately opted to refine processes, remain close-knit, and keep decision-making shared. By resisting the automatic push to scale, Reell sustained a culture of respect and personal accountability—demonstrating that sometimes the best move is to stay grounded.

The allure of growth still lingers in every ambitious founder’s mind. But small giants eventually realize that chasing every opportunity can overshadow personal well-being, employee gratitude, and genuine product quality. By turning away from the tempting road to bigger markets, they open doors to deeper fulfillment.

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What is Small Giants about?

Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big by Bo Burlingham sheds fresh light on companies that prioritize purpose and quality over blind growth and size. Instead of chasing extensive expansions, these businesses focus on maintaining strong local ties, exceptional craftsmanship, and a genuine company culture. Through vibrant stories and insightful analyses, Burlingham reveals the profound satisfaction and success these 'small giants' achieve by eschewing traditional business norms.

This book matters, as it challenges the contemporary race towards scaling and global market dominance. It serves as a counter-narrative, exploring how businesses can thrive and create immense value, not by becoming colossal but by being truly great in their unique ways. For readers seeking to cultivate a brand rooted in a meaningful ethos and lasting community ties, this book offers groundbreaking lessons.

Review of Small Giants

Bo Burlingham's Small Giants magnificently captures the essence of businesses choosing significance over size. Claimed as a seminal read for modern entrepreneurs, the book excels in presenting the core strengths that make these small companies mighty.

Key among the book's strengths is the vivid illustration of how 'small giants' maintain authenticity while succeeding. These firms adopt unique strategies, focusing on intimacy with their employees and communities rather than succumbing to growth pressures. Burlingham reflects on the practical choices awareness of personal purpose and proficiency can bring, emphasizing how businesses effectively retain founder values even amidst pressures to scale.

The writing combines a warm, accessible, and professional tone, making complex business narratives relatable to a broad audience. Burlingham's approach balances anecdotal accounts with impactful insights, making the book applicable for many—whether seasoned entrepreneurs or small business owners.

In conclusion, Small Giants is a rich resource for anyone valuing deep connection and purpose-driven success within their organization. Bo Burlingham's astute observations and narrative prowess culminate in a powerful recommendation for entrepreneurs seeking a meaningful impact over exponential size.

Who should read Small Giants?

Entrepreneurs and Start-up Founders: Seeking profound insights on leading purpose-focused ventures instead of chasing unmeasured growth.
Business Educators and Consultants: These professionals can benefit from learning and sharing novel, real-world examples of alternatives to aggressive scaling.
Corporate Executives: Especially those steering smaller divisions or contemplating different growth avenues can find value alignment and practical strategies.
Community Business Leaders: Engaged in fostering local enterprises, they can learn how prioritizing community bonds can enhance business value.
Economic Development Enthusiasts: Those passionate about sustainable, ethical development will find extensive concepts for fostering genuine and organic growth.

About the author

Bo Burlingham is an editor-at-large of Inc. magazine and a renowned author on entrepreneurship and small business. He graduated from Princeton University in 1967 with a B.A. in public and international affairs and has written for numerous publications, including Esquire, Harper's, Mother Jones, and the Boston Globe. With over 40 years of experience, he has co-authored several books, including "The Great Game of Business" and "A Stake in the Outcome," and has written "Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big," which was a finalist for the 2006 Financial Times/Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year award. He is also known for his engaging storytelling style and deep industry insights.