Rating: 
Summary: looking at 'taking care of business' differently
Review: The Pine and Gilmore book about work and theater is a different, but not unique, way of looking at business. By concentrating on employees' ROLES instead of jobs and functions, this book encapsulates new thinking about: -how a company presents itself to the customer -internal customer service -the need for aggressive change management -differentiation of products -dynamic strategic planning [no more five year plans] -where actual economic value is found A very quick and dirty overview of their concepts can be accomplished by looking at their definitions: [cast=employees]must take on [roles = responsibilities] by each making choices to develop compelling [characterizations=representations] that form(s) a cohesive [ensemble = organization] to engage [guests = customers] in memorable ways workplace = theater drama = strategy script = processes producer = shareholders, investors director = leader Perhaps the most memorable section in the book that resonated with me was the statement that for every piece of work, one must describe his [or her] intention using the phrase "in order to" what a powerful way to keep the focus! It brought to mind the story about the cathedral builders that I have seen in so many places.... And I was left with a solid suggestion on how to recognize the role of support departments -- those people who get left out when the sales incentives and bonuses are given out but without whom the entire organization will falter -- see the chapter on movie and stage credits!
Rating:
Summary: looking at 'taking care of business' differently
Review: The Pine and Gilmore book about work and theater is a different, but not unique, way of looking at business. By concentrating on employees' ROLES instead of jobs and functions, this book encapsulates new thinking about: -how a company presents itself to the customer -internal customer service -the need for aggressive change management -differentiation of products -dynamic strategic planning [no more five year plans] -where actual economic value is found A very quick and dirty overview of their concepts can be accomplished by looking at their definitions: [cast=employees]must take on [roles = responsibilities] by each making choices to develop compelling [characterizations=representations] that form(s) a cohesive [ensemble = organization] to engage [guests = customers] in memorable ways workplace = theater drama = strategy script = processes producer = shareholders, investors director = leader Perhaps the most memorable section in the book that resonated with me was the statement that for every piece of work, one must describe his [or her] intention using the phrase "in order to" what a powerful way to keep the focus! It brought to mind the story about the cathedral builders that I have seen in so many places.... And I was left with a solid suggestion on how to recognize the role of support departments -- those people who get left out when the sales incentives and bonuses are given out but without whom the entire organization will falter -- see the chapter on movie and stage credits!
Rating:
Summary: The basis for the future of business
Review: These guys GET IT. The ideas presented in this book have proven extremely influential in proving the value of experience design to clients. All they need to see / understand is the value chain and they are hooked. This is an instant classic and should be on everyones shelf. Awesome!
Rating:
Summary: The basis for the future of business
Review: These guys GET IT. The ideas presented in this book have proven extremely influential in proving the value of experience design to clients. All they need to see / understand is the value chain and they are hooked. This is an instant classic and should be on everyones shelf. Awesome!
Rating: 
Summary: Insightful Look at Business Today
Review: This book definitely makes you stop and think about what today's consumer wants and expects. (In fact, it's easy, just ask yourself what you would want - what you're offering or what Walt Disney is offering). Businesses that don't make a lasting impression, offer an experience for the consumer will eventually go the way of the dinosaur.
Rating:
Summary: a fresh and novel view of the current business trends
Review: this book is definitely out of the ordinary: it proposes a novel (to me at least) view of the current economy trends and well illustrate an equivalence between the work environment and the stage of a theatrical play.
Worth reading it.
Rating:
Summary: BE A PRINCIPAL ACTOR!
Review: This book is the begining of a new concept for me. As businessman I have to say that thanks to Pine and Gilmore my difference regarding the competence is now very high. I have created a new service based on the very insightful ideas and philosophy of this book. As being never before I enjoyed so much as reading a business book.
If you are a businessman worryed about your future (and you must in this times!) then no doubt. Read it. But if not, don't waste your time, forget it and continue being only another business more(or secondary actor).
Thanks Mr. Pine & Mr. Gilmore.
Rating:
Summary: The ultimate product differentiator
Review: This book really opened my eyes, and made me see my service offerings from a customer perspective. I've become incredibly passionate about the experience economy concept, and am constantly looking for real life examples or potential applications.
When I stand in a queue I'm thinking about how I would go about offering the service or product I'm queueing for.
When I speak to the beauracracy that provides me banking or insurance services, I'm forever demanding that they change the impersonal and inflexible way that they engage with me.
If you're looking for a new paradigm in selling what you have to offer, then this is the book for you.
I love it.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific - very stimulating
Review: This is a very important work addressing the core issue of: What business are we in?, What do we intend to deliver of value to our customers? Customers don't buy products, they buy benefits. The authors have shown that the benefits of most value to customers are experiences, especially those that are transforming. This book should be a starting point for any managment thinking about how to create more value for customers, especially those considering how to use the Internet productively. This is a leadership work which will stand up for a long time.
Rating: 
Summary: Over-rated
Review: This is something new?! Tell that to Shakespeare, Barnum and Disney. Pine is confusing the "experience" economy with the "entertainment" economy.
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