I like books that tell a story, use examples and create benefits that is I can use. "Beans: Four Principles for Running a Business in Good Times or Bad" is that kind of book!

The authors choose the "Ps" of Passion, People, Personnel and Product. They lead us through the success of Jack and Diane's coffee shop. It is an easy read. It will urge you to understand your workplace journey. It doesn't matter if you are an employer or the employee.

"Beans" is a journey from employment for a major airline (working for money), the unfulfilled entrepreneur step of self-employment selling martinis, and arriving at a passion for selling a cup of coffee. The realization that the "Ps" of Passion, People or Personnel will not make up for a quality Product leads Jack to develop the "best" cup of coffee! It takes all 4!

If you liked "Fish!" - you will like "Beans."

You might like to buy extra copies and give them to your personnel!

Every time I think there are too many of these fable books out there, along comes one that totally charms me. This one starts with a great story but it was the four principles that really grabbed me. Though they may seem basic to some people, I think it's always good to be reminded of how important it is to stick to the basics of treating people right and running an honest business. The characters seem like real people (are they?) and really captivated me from the very beginning. Jack Hartman is a natural-born leader. Would that there were more out there like him!

These fable/parable books would not be so maligned if they had believable characters (like this one), great stories (like this one) and real lessons that can be used in your own company (like this one). I have been having problems with one of my team leaders (his attitude stinks) and I gave him this book with nothing more than a "please read this and see if others in the company might learn something from it." He came back two days later and said, "You're right, Anne. I think we should use it as the basis for a staff meeting discussion" -- never even guessing I meant for it to improve HIS own attitude! He's been walking around smiling, saying hello to everybody, and calling customers we haven't been in touch with for months. I think this book can be a real motivating factor in improving morale and attitude.

in my opinion, the views of this books are quite up-dated but not very special when it is compared with other books which talk about management it is good for those who don't know marketing and management but for marketing specialist, it is a summary of some views

An excellent, well organized primer on the P&G system and culture - a great demonstration of how best to build brands and people in an organization. Can apply many of these principles to other organizations, large or small.