Stepniowski Family

**Originally published on www.proqc.com (6/3/09)

What Would Google Do?. Jeff Jarvis. New York: HarperCollins, 2009. 257pp.

WWGD? BuzzMachine blogger and journalist extraordinaire Jeff Jarvis takes a closer look at Google’s actions in his latest book, literally asking the question What Would Google Do?

I admit that if I had a time machine, I would find a way to go back and get my hands on some Google stock. Even considering the economic downturn, the GOOG is still a shining star. So, I had to pick up this book simply based on the title because I couldn’t resist any insight that might possibly come out of it. Reading it, I found myself both laughing out loud and now wondering how I ever made it without Google in my life before.

The first section of WWGD lays out Jarvis’ Google Rules, which he describes as “forty clear and straightforward rules to manage and live by.” And, while some appear to be very simple it’s in the simplicity that you find the “ah ha” in it all. For example, think about the following “rules” for a moment: make mistakes well, collaborate, be honest, be transparent, listen and life is a beta. Or, consider that “free is a business model” in which I actually started to consider all of the Google services I use for free – directory assistance, email, GPS, news, groups, calendar, etc. Jarvis nailed it when he said “Google has spoiled us rotten.” It is a win-win business model because I am getting everything for free and they are still succeeding where others are not. Jarvis’s rules really dig into the Google recipe for success, taking into account new relationships, architecture, society, economy, attitudes, ethics, speed and imperatives.

The second section of the book is entertaining, as it is actually the part that sealed the deal on this purchase. It is simply called “If Google Ruled the World.” And, oh what a world that would be! Imagine public welfare, money, manufacturing, utilities, real estate and retail all operating with a Googly mentality. Companies that are built on people, sharing information, no more middlemen, cooperation and consumer respect. Well, it’s almost too good to be true. Or, is it?

So, whether you are just an avid Googler or someone in business that thinks it is time for a change and sees that Google must be doing something right, this book is a must read. In fact, the book itself is much like Google – witty, funny, informative and comfortable.

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