Driving Social Change. How to Solve the World's Toughest Problems

Praise for Be the Solution «In the past, many believed you either went into 'public service' to do good, or you 'went into business' to make money. Few realized that the long-term success of business depends on serving people, not making money. Few realized that perhaps the best way to serve the public was through free enterprise. Whole Foods Market founder John Mackey, visionary thinker Michael Strong, micro lender Muhammad Yunus, and a few others understand these truths. Be the Solution is the best single book to read to understand the emerging ways in which entrepreneurs can change the world.» —Gary Hoover, serial entrepreneur, founder of Hoover's Business Information Service, Hooversworld.com «Michael Strong speaks the truth. A must-read for our new American government.» —Sam Wyly, founder, Green Mountain Energy; author of 1,000 Dollars and an Idea «This book is totally fantastic. Treat your mind to a feast. Use it to tune your vision towards what really works.» —Charles Harper, Senior Executive VP, Chief Strategist, John Templeton Foundation «Perhaps more than ever before, young people today are motivated by the desire to make the world a better place. Unfortunately, many have little idea about how to do it, and their educational studies provide them with little direction. In contrast, this book is a road map about how we can get from where we are to where we want to be—to a more peaceful, more prosperous, and more environmentally sound world. Plus, it is exciting, uplifting, and adventurous. Indeed, it provides the recipe for a better world.» —Dr. James Gwartney, coauthor of Economic Freedom of the World: 2007 Annual Report; Gus A. Stavros Eminent Scholar Chair at Florida State University «This is a very thoughtful and timely book that asks us to look around—and to look within—the amazing opportunities that entrepreneurship offers to the world. I recommend this book to anyone interested in finding solutions to the current crisis.» —Giancarlo Ibarguen, Executive President, Universidad Francisco Marroquin «At last, a book about the heart of capitalism as a force for creating good in the world for solving many of our tough societal problems. I hope our political leaders read it.» —R. Edward Freeman, Olsson Professor of Business Administration, Academic Director, Business Roundtable Institute for Corporate Ethics, University of Virginia

At the beginning of the new millennium, the social sciences discover an epochal “turn” making it necessary to revolutionize their theory-building: As a response to what they call the globalization of the social, they find the need to globalize their theorizing as well. It is odd to discover after two centuries of colonialism and imperialism, after two world wars and several economic world crises that there is a world beyond the national socials; it is even more strange that the social sciences globalize their theorizing by comparing theories about nationally confined socials and by creating all sorts of, preferably, “local theories”, just as if any national social was a secluded social biotope. Discussing how to globalize the social sciences, they argue that globalizing social science theorizing means finding a way of theorizing that must, above all, be liberated from “scientism” in order to allow a “provincialization” of thinking. Not surprisingly, the globalizing social sciences also rediscover mythological and moral thinking as a means for a “true scientific universalism”. Michael Kuhn’s new book presents many thought-provoking arguments on the oddities of the globalizing social sciences and on how these oddities are not accidents, but a consequence of the nature of how the social sciences theorize about the social.

Don't just make money…make a difference. As a social entrepreneur, you can build a business that changes the world. But you will face some unique challenges. This book will prepare you for them. Packed with advice, inspiration and real-life stories, it will help you: Define what you want to do and why you want to do it Find the right kind of funding Build a brand that makes you unique Find a team as motivated and inspired as you are Measure the impact you're having How to be a Social Entrepreneur is the only social enterprise start-up guide you'll ever need. «This is the seminal book on social enterprise» —Martin Murphy, Network 2012 «An essential read for any aspiring or existing social entrepreneur. Full of practical examples of real life social enterprise scenarios and written in Robert's usual uncomplicated format» —Marc Davies, Wales Co-operative Centre Limited, walescoop.com «Social enterprises need social entrepreneurs. This book will help you decide is you've got what it takes to be one» —Peter Couchman, Chief Executive, Plunkett Foundation, plunkett.co.uk «This very practical book will guide you as to what it takes to be a social entrepreneur. Enjoy it and then do it!» —Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, author of The Social Entrepreneur: Making Communities Work, amawsonpartnerships.com «I was genuinely impressed by how comprehensive it is!» —Peter Holbrook, CEO, Social Enterprise Coalition, socialenterprise.org.uk «A treasure trove filled with practical insight and knowledge that will give you the edge to start, grow a sustainable and successful social enterprise» —Stephen Gyasi-Kwaw, CEO/Founder Youth Enhancement Int.Ghana «I particularly enjoyed the section on sales, which is a fundamental topic too often neglected» —Andy Brady, '3rd Sector Futures', Anglia Ruskin University, anglia.ac.uk Robert Ashton is a leading small business troubleshooter, entertaining small business speaker and the bestselling author of many business books including How to Start a Business for Entrepreneurs, Instant Entrepreneur and The Entrepreneur's Book of Checklists.

Could Wal-Mart offer a better solution to healthcare than Medicaid? Could GE help reduce global warming faster than the Kyoto protocol? Social Innovation, Inc. declares a new era where companies profit from social change. Leading corporations like GE, Wellpoint, Travelers and Wal-Mart are transforming social responsibility into social innovation and revolutionizing the way we think about the role of business in society. Based on four years of measuring the social strategies of America's leading corporations, Jason Saul lays out the five strategies for social innovation and offers a practical roadmap for how to get started. Explains the fundamental shift in the role of business in society, from social contract to social capital market Identifies the 5 social innovation strategies: submarket products and services, social points of entry, pipeline talent, reverse lobbying, and emotive customer bonding Offers step-by-step guidance for creating economic value through positive social change Social Innovation, Inc. is about making social change work for the business, and in turn staying relevant in the new economy.

Companies like Facebook and Twitter have redefined social interaction. But what if “machines” like automobiles, bicycles, health monitors, appliances, instruments, and anything else you can connect to the Internet, could all become members of your social network, collect data you care about, and feed it back to you at just the right time? Nike+ is already doing this for your body, but every major industry, from healthcare to cars to home construction, is now building sensors and digital connectivity into their next generation of products. Companies like Ford, Pepsi, Verizon, and Procter and Gamble are also using “social machines” to reach new markets, improve brand/market awareness, and increase revenues. Social Machines is the first book for business people, marketers, product developers, and technologists, explaining how this trend will change our world, how your business will benefit, and how to create connected products that customers love. Explains how smart phones and tablets enable Social Machines Describes how digital technology is being “baked in” to the most unlikely new products—even wheelchairs. Articulates how the “Internet of Things” is becoming social—and why that’s the foundation for powerful new business models In the very near future, every great new product will be social. The next stage of interaction between people and our environment is upon us.

Proven strategies for harnessing the power of social media to drive social change Many books teach the mechanics of using Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to compete in business. But no book addresses how to harness the incredible power of social media to make a difference. The Dragonfly Effect shows you how to tap social media and consumer psychological insights to achieve a single, concrete goal. Named for the only insect that is able to move in any direction when its four wings are working in concert, this book Reveals the four «wings» of the Dragonfly Effect-and how they work together to produce colossal results Features original case studies of global organizations like the Gap, Starbucks, Kiva, Nike, eBay, Facebook; and start-ups like Groupon and COOKPAD, showing how they achieve social good and customer loyalty Leverage the power of design thinking and psychological research with practical strategies Reveals how everyday people achieve unprecedented results-whether finding an almost impossible bone marrow match for a friend, raising millions for cancer research, or electing the current president of the United States The Dragonfly Effect shows that you don't need money or power to inspire seismic change.

The Networked Nonprofit Connecting with Social Media to Drive Change This groundbreaking book shows nonprofits a new way of operating in our increasingly connected world: a networked approach enabled by social technologies, where connections are leveraged to increase impact in effective ways that drive change for the betterment of our society and planet. «The Networked Nonprofit is a must-read for any nonprofit organization seeking innovative, creative techniques to improve their mission and better serve their communities.» —Diana Aviv, president and CEO, Independent Sector «The Internet means never having to ask permission before trying something new. In The Networked Nonprofit, Kanter and Fine show nonprofits how to harness this flexibility to pursue their missions in partnership with two billion connected citizens.» —Clay Shirky, author, Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations «The Networked Nonprofit uniquely describes the historical context and the current challenges that compel nonprofit leaders to work in networked ways and offers easy steps to help users exploit the potential of social media and 'working wikily.»' —Stephanie McAuliffe, director, organizational effectiveness, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation «A must-read for nonprofit leaders who want to change their organizations from the inside out by embracing the power of social networks.» —Charlene Li, founding partner, Altimeter Group; author, Open Leadership; and coauthor, Groundswell «This is a perfect handbook for anyone who wants to leapfrog their current limitations of understanding and find real-world applications of technology to extend their mission.» —Michele Nunn, CEO, Points of Light Institute, and cofounder, HandsOn Network «Kanter and Fine provide the 'Google Maps' for nonprofits to harness social media to kick butt and change the world.» —Guy Kawasaki, cofounder, Alltop.com, and former chief evangelist, Apple Inc. «URGENT! Read this book. Take notes. Take action. If you work for a nonprofit, you don't have to do every single thing these seasoned authors have to share, but you certainly have to know what you're missing.» —Seth Godin Register at www.josseybass.com/emailfor more information on our publications, authors, and to receive special offers.

Biblical solutions to dozens of the toughest challenges leaders face today. Concise, to-the-point, and highly useable, How to Lead by THE BOOK presents a series of personal and business challenges recognizable to leaders, then deals with each through insight, personal experience, and a discussion of why conventional approaches often fail. Each section then concludes with winning proverbs, parables, or principles that offers applicable strategies to solve the issue. In this practical and inspiring guide, you'll discover proven methods and advice to shape young leaders, stretch veteran leaders, become a better communicator, maintain your work-life balance, deal with dishonesty among competitors, and much more. Shows why typical approaches to leadership problems often fail, while biblical wisdom succeeds Covers both day-to-day dilemmas and larger questions of management, accountability, and vision From the bestselling author of How to Run Your Business by THE BOOK, Up Your Business, and If You Don't Make Waves You'll Drown What is the number one downfall for leaders? When is the best time to make a decision? How do you hold others accountable? How do you survive success with your principles intact? What does the Bible say about time management? Get the answers to these and many more practical business questions when you discover the winning wisdom of How to Lead by THE BOOK.

Discover fundamental principles of high-stakes change and organizational transformation The «primes» are universal and unavoidable patterns of group behavior that emerge whenever people attempt to transform systems or collaborate to solve complex problems. Every change agent has felt their effect, but few can recognize, anticipate, and manage them. Unacknowledged, the primes can put any leadership agenda at risk. Once mastered, the primes become a force that drives intended outcomes. The Primes is a field manual for anyone ready to step up to serious challenges, predict and manage inevitable problems, create a brighter future, and produce extraordinary results. An essential guide for 21st century problem solvers and change agents, The Primes unveils 46 universal secrets of how to: Tackle complex problems successfully and deliver extraordinary results on time Forge lasting consensus among competing interests and keep teams focused and productive Recognize and eliminate the most destructive forces in an organization Establish cultures of integrity The Primes gives leaders the edge they need to succeed. Once the primes are revealed, you'll see them everywhere!