Simon Calver

Success the LOVEFiLM Way (eBook, PDF)

How to Grow A Fast Growth Business in Fast Changing Times

• Format: PDF

Produktbeschreibung

As you might expect from a company responsible for renting somany thrillers, there's rarely a dull moment atLOVEFiLM. From start-up, through mergers and fast paced growth,culminating in a takeover by an internet giant, few corporateadventures encapsulate the archetypal modern business story asneatly as that of LOVEFiLM. In the 6 years frominception to the defining deal with Amazon, the company underwent anear constant process of change and evolution. They simplydidn't sit still for a minute. As the chief executive who guided LOVEFiLM through thesefast-paced times, Simon Calver tells the story of how they grew thecompany from a series of small start-ups into a multi-million poundenterprise and well-love household name. Calver offers hispersonal insights and key lessons on everything from how to managespectacular growth, to the importance of taking big risks and howsmall entrepreneurial companies can benefit from big companiesthinking. Success the LOVEFiLM Way is an essential read for anybodywho wants to start and grow a successful business, and learn how tostay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing and growingindustry. "The LOVEFiLM story offers interesting insights intothe way modern businesses, and particularly those backed by venturecapital, succeed. There are useful lessons for anyone looking tostart or grow a business using this route. Simon Calver explainsboth the challenges and opportunities that VC funding raises.Calver is right to describe this as the classic modern businessstory." Alex Mitchell, Head of Influencer Relations, IoD "The LOVEFiLM story was a great read. It'shonest, insightful and very entertaining. It shows most importantlythe power of leadership to create an exceptional company. Frankly,everyone in the UK needs to read this book rightnow." Julie Meyer, Managing Partner, ACE Fund "I met Simon at the annual Real Business awards in2009, and was delighted when he asked King of Shaves to become afounding member of The Consumer Forum - an association ofSME's that put the customer first. The success of LOVEFiLM,and his leadership of this disrupting business, was entirely downto his 'putting customers first' - by giving themwhat they wanted, when they wanted it, always embracing the latestin cutting edge technology. Firstly by sending the latest filmreleases through the post, and now by it streaming on demand.I've been lucky enough to spend personal quality time withhim, and now you can learn how he helped LOVEFiLM grow soastonishingly, in a constantly changing digital environment. If youLovefilm, and LoveCustomers, then you'll Love thisbook!" Will King, Founder, King of Shaves "The LOVEFiLM story shows the importance oforganizational agility, trust and the relentless focus of takingcustomers, stakeholders and employees with you on your journey.Above all it demonstrates the importance of understanding what youdo and why you do it, and why it's important to have abusiness model that delivers for the customer and thebusiness." Jo Causon, CEO, Institute of Customer Service "It took Simon's dedicated hard work bringingtogether a series of smaller businesses to make LOVEFiLM one of thetrue internet success stories. In Simon Calver's book, heshares his business philosophies that led LOVEFiLM to thesuccessful takeover by Amazon. The book is not just a compellingnarrative, but lessons that all businesses and entrepreneurs canbenefit from." Mark Florman, CEO, The British Private Equity and VentureCapital Association (BVCA)

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: John Wiley & Sons
• Seitenzahl: 224
• Erscheinungstermin: 24. April 2013
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9780857083852
• Artikelnr.: 38399106

Autorenporträt

Simon Calver was CEO of LOVEFiLM, the online DVD and Digital Entertainment company from 2005 to 2012 when it was sold to Amazon Inc. He previously worked with Unilever in brand, marketing and key account roles and PepsiCo where he was Vice President in charge of the UK business launching Pepsi Max, Pepsi Blue and the development of the Pepsi Music activity. With PepsiCo he was also VP Sales Operations managing worldwide franchise partners and best practices selling and operational skills globally, specializing in developing and emerging markets. After Pepsi he was GM and VP for Dell Home and Small business operations based in Ireland and also COO and President of Riverdeep Inc., the interactive digital education company where he led the turnaround after a management buyout. In April 2012 he became Chief Executive of Mothercare plc the global mother and baby retailer. He has led businesses in London, New York, Dublin, San Francisco and currently lives in West London with Cathy and their son Monty and their new arrival Nieve.

Inhaltsangabe

Introduction 1
Part One: Pre-Production 7
1. Open All Hours 9
2. Learning the Multinational Way 19
3. Becoming a Dell Boy 35
Part Two: The LOVEFiLM Years 51
4. 2003-4: Three Men and a Baby 53
Why success has many fathers but failure is an orphan
5. 2005: Towering Inferno 69
How to stop your business going up in smoke
6. 2006: Sleeping with the Enemy 83
How to keep your friends close and merge with your enemies
7. 2007: Braveheart 97
Bet big or go home
8. 2008: The Godfather 107
Kissing frogs and kicking tyres
9. 2009: Groundhog Day 119
Why there's no substitute for hard graft
10. 2010: Sleepless in Seattle 131
How to make sure you get what you want from a deal
11. 2011: Jerry Maguire 143
How much work it takes before you see the money
12. The LOVEFiLM Years Post-Production 153
Part Three: Lessons from LOVEFiLM 159
13. The Role of Technology 161
14. The Role of Performance Management 167
15. The Role of Recruitment and Culture 175
16. How to Select and Manage Investors 185
17. The Closing Credits 193
77 Lessons and Learnings from Life and LOVEFiLM 197
About the Author 207
Acknowledgements 209
Index 211

Rezensionen

'The book is written in a lively and engaging way that envelopes film into its core...creative and highly engaging.' (Start Your Business, March 2013) '...hints and tips there are aplenty, summarised in easy-to-read boxes at the end of each chapter. Among them are tidbits such as "bet big" and "have positive cash conversion"....a sunny self-help manual' (Financial Times, April 2013)