About the Book
"Nearbound and the Rise of the Who Economy" by Jared Fuller and Jill Rowley is all about how B2B marketing and sales are changing. We're moving away from relying just on data and towards a new way of doing business where trust and relationships are key. The book talks about the concept of Nearbound, a strategy that uses partnerships and network effects to build trust at scale.
My thoughts on it:
This book gets into how business is changing. It's not just about data and numbers anymore. It's about the people you know and trust. The authors came up with this idea they call "Nearbound". It's pretty simple: surround your customers with partners they trust, and your business will grow.
They give lots of real examples and tips you can actually use. If you want to make the most of your network and do business differently, this book is great. One big idea they have is that trust is like a new kind of money in business. These days, when people want to buy something, they ask people they know for advice. They don't just look at random stuff online.
The book also says it's really important to have the same goals as your business partners. You need to be on the same page about what you're trying to do.
This book isn't just giving you information. It's trying to change how we think about doing business. It wants to create a world where businesses work together more and everyone wins.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's clear that the way we do business is evolving, and Fuller and Rowley do a great job of explaining how to make the most of this shift. They talk about surrounding customers with trusted relationships and partnerships to drive revenue growth, and they share some really useful advice and case studies to help make it happen. I was also pleased to see that the 4C Partner Qualification method is referenced in the book - it adds some extra depth to the discussion on building successful partnerships.
What I found particularly interesting is how the book emphasizes the importance of trust in business. It's not just about having the best product or service anymore; it's about being someone that customers can rely on. The authors make a strong case for why trust is the new currency in business, and how we need to adapt our strategies to focus on building relationships rather than just pushing out content.
The Nearbound approach is all about creating a shared vision with partners and aligning goals and objectives for mutual benefit. It's not just about finding new customers; it's about working with the ones you already have to create a flywheel effect that drives growth. I think this is a really important message, and one that businesses need to take on board if they want to succeed in the long term.
Key Highlights:
- From "How" to "Who": The book talks about the shift from competing on information to competing on influence and trust.
- Trust is Key: Trust is highlighted as the new currency in business, with buyers seeking guidance from trusted relationships and proven experts.
- Nearbound Strategy: The book explains how to use the Nearbound strategy to leverage your ecosystem and influence the entire revenue funnel.
Who Should Read This:
I think this book is a must-read for anyone in business who wants to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're a leader, a marketer, or a sales professional, there's something in here for you. It's a practical guide to making a real impact in the market, and it's full of useful advice and insights to help you get started.