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Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business Audiobook
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(3.14) - 88 listener ratings
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"What we have to offer can be boiled down to one concept: the power of zero. We get more done with less of just about everything, from our people to our workplaces to our vendors. Zilch is what drives us to be more innovative, more passionate, more creative. So stop whining about your budget cuts and start asking yourself what you'd do if you had zilch. You'll be surprised just how powerful that is." After years of being told to emulate the corporate world, not-for-profit CEOs like Nancy Lublin now find the shoe on the other foot. Tough times have forced businesses to slash their headcount, marketing budgets, and other resources. Managers at small startups and Fortune 100 companies alike are now expected to do more with less—but how? No one is more qualified to answer that question than the leaders who always thrive on a shoestring. Take Nancy Lublin, for instance. She learned firsthand how much you can accomplish with zilch (or close to it). As the founder of Dress for Success, which provides low-income women with interview suits and career development training, she turned a $5,000 inheritance into a global franchise. Then, as CEO of DoSomething.org, she helped turn a struggling startup into one of the largest and most successful youth volunteer groups in the world. Now she draws on her experiences as well as interviews with other "rock star" leaders of flourishing not-for-profits-including Wendy Kopp of Teach For America, Darell Hammond of KaBOOM!, Greg Baldwin of VolunteerMatch.org, and John Lilly of Mozilla. Their examples prove the power of zero in business by teaching us how to: * Motivate and retain good people without offering huge financial incentives * Use the power of bartering to leverage every asset and minimize your liabilities * Create cherished brands without throwing money at studies and focus groups * Market your goods or service without paying a penny Lublin's tone is a unique mix of "let's have some fun" and "here's the straight dope." Her expert advice will help any business or organization to get ahead through the power of zero.
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"An easy, pithy read. I appreciate Lublin's informality, and the way she chose to use questions instead of directives as a way to get readers thinking. While there wasn't any one part that really jumped out as particularly useful, the book will be one I will reach for again and again."
— Charles (4 out of 5 stars)
Zilch Listener Reviews
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" Quick read, good insights and some thought provoking ideas I'd like to try. "
— Alissa, 12/17/2013 -
" Surprisingly well-written book on growing a non-profit without bags of money. Most chapters can also be useful to for-profit business, but a little reading between the lines is sometimes required. "
— Kurt, 11/14/2013 -
" I am always interested in finding ways to help nonprofit organizations achieve their missions more effectively. The new catch phrase in all organizations is "do more with less"...nonprofits have always had to do this and this book is filled with some great ideas from the frontlines! "
— Lana, 4/23/2013 -
" Definitely one of the more interesting business books I've read. I've never worked at a non-profit, so it was eye opening -- and inspiring -- to read Lublin's insights and suggestions. Lots to take away from this one. "
— Terri, 3/30/2013 -
" recommended by Seth Godin. A must read for those who work with children, non profits, for profit, business who have boards, people who market products, all graduates from college. "
— Wendy, 1/24/2013 -
" Really enjoyed this book and the ideas listed are great reminders for non-profits and also really creative ideas for "corporate america". Would also classify as an "easy read". "
— Jessica, 8/13/2012 -
" I could see how for-profits would take the advice in this book too far. "
— Catarina, 5/28/2012 -
" Great read for boot strappers and those who lead not for profits. Insight on management, marketing, delivering exceptional service, hiring and getting things done. "
— Eliot, 5/8/2012 -
" I stopped reading about halfway through after I got the point. The information is good but I think it could have been conveyed in a little bit more interesting way and in fewer pages. "
— Kevin, 10/27/2011 -
" Too often businesses are trapped believing that money is always required to solve their problems. This book is a reminder of all the low-money solutions that scrappy non-profits have learned by necessity. "
— Joel, 2/10/2011 -
" I liked this book. Nancy Lublin has a great sense of humor and is very innovative, which made this book more pleasure than work. I recommend this book to entrepreneurs. "
— Keri, 1/21/2011 -
" I liked this book. Nancy Lublin has a great sense of humor and is very innovative, which made this book more pleasure than work. I recommend this book to entrepreneurs. "
— Keri, 12/16/2010 -
" Surprisingly well-written book on growing a non-profit without bags of money. Most chapters can also be useful to for-profit business, but a little reading between the lines is sometimes required. "
— Kurt, 12/12/2010 -
" I stopped reading about halfway through after I got the point. The information is good but I think it could have been conveyed in a little bit more interesting way and in fewer pages. "
— Kevin, 8/18/2010 -
" Quick read, good insights and some thought provoking ideas I'd like to try. "
— Alissa, 8/14/2010 -
" recommended by Seth Godin. A must read for those who work with children, non profits, for profit, business who have boards, people who market products, all graduates from college. "
— Wendy, 8/4/2010 -
" I could see how for-profits would take the advice in this book too far. "
— Catarina, 7/21/2010
About Nancy Lublin
Nancy Lublin is the CEO of DoSomething.org, which uses technology and pop culture to help young people “rock causes they care about.” Previously, she was founder and CEO of Dress for Success, which she started at age twenty-three. Lublin is a contributing columnist for Fast Company and an adjunct faculty member at New York University and the Yale School of Management. She lives with her family in New York City.