The Story of Purpose: The Path to Creating a Brighter Brand, a Greater Company, and a Lasting Legacy

by Joey Reiman

A proven methodology for building a purpose-powered organization Some ideas are bigger than others, and the Master Idea―your company's purpose―is the biggest. Whether addressing communication between leadership and associates, suppliers to manufacturers, sales force to customers, or brand to consumers, The Story of Purpose details a proven methodology for businesses, small to large, how to build a purpose-inspired organization to positively impact employees, customers, and the bottom line. It reveals the process for uncovering what makes a company distinctive and guides you to discover the fundamental force behind the organization that no competitor can replicate or replace. The Story of Purpose will leave you asking yourself "what gets me up in the morning?" instead of "what keeps me up at night?"

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction

252 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Equal parts inspiring and in need of an edit. Joey Reiman is indeed a forefather of the modern movement towards purpose in business--and like other founders, his vision can outpace reality. His confidence is winsome and essential, even if it leads him to quote himself at the top of every chapter. He references lots of business heroes as exemplars of purpose, even if the real-life people are more complex (even iffy). But his compass is pointed in the right direction.

The purpose industry has matured since this was published in '13, including many challenges to the corporate optimism Reiman preaches. I've been around for much of it. And I remember how revolutionary it really was, the idea that business could exist for more than profit. How dark the rest of the world seemed by comparison. My life has brightened significantly because of Reiman and others like him.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about finding your organization's purpose -- or rediscovering that purpose. Joey Reiman is a legend in the Atlanta advertising community. His book Thinking for a Living is a must-read. Here are some takeaways from The Story of Purpose.

* When members of organizations employ greater meaning, people don't get fired. They get fired up.

* Focus on the next quarter century and the next quarter will be fine.

* Most organizations today are overmanaged and underled. Purpose leaders don't manage; they mesmerize. They don't execute initiatives; they lead crusades.

* The purpose of business is not just to create value but to add value to people's lives.

* When purpose and business unite, companies see a new ROI: return on inspiration.

* People remember how you make them feel.

[Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is literally the only book I've ever read where the author was so enamored of his own ideas and zippy quips that he quotes himself at the start of every chapter (with proper attribution, no less). The first time I encountered this, I thought it must be an odd but singular indulgence on the part of his editor; subsequent chapters showed that it was not a one-off quirk, but a serious and deliberate practice. Amusement gave way to shock, which in turn made room for deep annoyance. A lot of room was needed.

The self-assurance and certain tone underlying his ostensibly pithy writing is guaranteed to bother the ever-living shit out of you, if you are burdened with the habit of persistently applying a BS filter to what you read. He's got a couple pages' worth of things you can learn, but you'll find it hard to stomach the delivery.

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes the market economy as a default. The market supposedly is always benevolent. Bless. But parking that caveat, this book is interesting. It is a strong analysis and application of branding. It also creates innovative analyses of 'purpose.' This book has value in its discussion of values...

[Grace Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read. A little boring but when it comes to business you can’t expect a roller coaster of plots 😎

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey Reiman, the original famillionaire has shared some extraordinary wealth with us in publishing his book, The Story of Purpose. He has uncommon sense and the rarest ability with words, reflecting his unusual depth of understanding.

When I was first introduced to the notion of the "master idea" I was hooked on Joey's perspective. This book takes that concept to a new level and is a must read for leaders and followers alike.

We live in an age of popularity contests and sound bites, as we measure financial results with the wrong rulers. Joey has stepped up and made many great points to which we all should sit up and listen. You won't be disappointed. Thanks Joey for making a difference.

[Clint Engel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it. Filled with so many plays on words it got highly annoying. Page 48, where I finally stopped (on Lego): "But building the company wasn't always a snap. From 1998 through 2004, the company suffered financial decline, as Lego was not the only choice on the block." First line was annoying enough. The second was just wedged in; doesn't add anything except the thought of an author thinking this is clever.
Couldn't take it anymore.

[Dean Millson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about a concept that is driving more and more brand strategies these days, and will continue to do so - purpose. Easy to read, with nice little purposeful reminders at the end of each chapter. There is lots to take away.

[Romael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proposito para empresa é igual a fé para a religião

Criar momento wow ( work on why)

[Duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is written fine, but the material is weak.