The Toyota model was based on training by a business expert from the U.S. (Peter Drucker), after WWII.  Toyota configured these concepts, tools and methods into their model for world domination of the auto industry.  The model and concepts are still used today.  Other businesses that tried to clone the model had difficulties, especially when they only used portions of the concepts.  These other businesses culture and business models were different.  However, businesses that were successful, understood and maintained the basis of the Toyota model.  The Toyota model came back to the U.S. in the form of "Six Sigma", 20 year objectives and the tools of "Lean Transformation".  Their basis is still the teachings of Peter Drucker during post WWII reconstruction of Japan.  Japan became the second largest economy by being disciplined in maintaining the basis of these teachings and methods and tools!

Google did not clone Yahoo!  Google understood the internet search model and how Google could capitalize on it.  Google was or is not Yahoo!  But now, Yahoo may have to learn from Google to survive.  Google had an understanding of two key aspects - the needs of their customers and the power of this new vehicle, the internet.

Hologic and Gilead are medical technology businesses.  Their business model is successful because, they have unique products no one else has.  They understood the needs of their customer.  If you clone their business model without a unique product, you probably will not achieve the same results.

Urban Outfitters is a retail business model that also includes the Anthropology retail chain.  Their product concept is not that different from the original Limited or GAP product concept of the 1970's and 1980's.  However, Urban Outfitters has developed a business model for the 2000's.  Their customer base is different and their locations are different!  Therefore, Urban Outfitters and Anthropology is different.  In retail, success is providing new, fresh, latest trend products and experiences, in new type locations.

Networking!  There are two aspects to networking.  First, networking can create business contacts.  Secondly, the power breakfast or power lunch can help you learn about other business' successes.  The second aspect can be the most misleading.  Because another business was successful in doing X, Y, and Z does not mean you would be successful!  When you attend these functions, you need to hear why they did what they did.  Not what they did!  Other businesses were successful because, they understood their customers and their own business model.  Then, they changed, adapted, or evolved appropriately.  If you return to your business and attempt to do X, Y, and Z, you will probably have short lived results.  You need to understand why should attempt to do anything!  Then use whatever is appropriate to improve.

Finally, always remember your business has a culture!  Your people (business) needs to understand how to improve satisfaction of your external, internal and indirect customer!  Also, when attempting change, improvement, or evolution of your business, your employees and management must own and relish in the change, improvement or evolution to better customer satisfaction.  When adapting business ABC's success your people (business) need to understand why business ABC improved.  Then, champion your own improvement of satisfaction of your external, internal and indirect customer!

ADDITIONAL WISDOM

You can't fail by trying

You are not the Cause the Cause is the design of the business model, product or process.

Books

• "RE-Imagine" Tom Peters (make yourself a most sought after professional services firm)

• "Good to Great" Jim Collins (put the right people on the bus and then determine where to take the bus)

• "Fifth Discipline" Steven Covey (listen, understand, then talk)

• "MAD MONEY" James J Cramer Cliff Mason (do your homework before executing)

• "CHANGE WHY ...." Christopher R Hassold (understanding change before changing)

Wisdom -

• "I can't not try" Scott Dalgleish Quality Magazine September 2004

• "Give me the ready hand, not the ready mouth" Guiseppi Garibaldi

• "The difference between WINNING and BEATING someone is - WINNING means your best is better than your competitor's best; BEATING someone means you made your competition look worse than you" Chris Hassold

• "It isn't always being fast or accurate that counts.  It is being willing." John Wayne ("It is willing to be fast and accurate" Chris Hassold)

• "What touches your heart, your soul, your spirit is most important.  All else should promote what is most important."  Chris Hassold

• "Success is a result of a 'Can Do' attitude." Falk Corporation Maintenance Department

• "Adapt Improvise Overcome" United States Marine Corp

Movies -

• "The Replacements" (there is not another day, today is your opportunity)

• "The Thomas Crown Affair" (what you see may not be what is there)

• "Tin Cup" (tenacity always achieves a result)

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