The Mesh

Why the Future of Business Is Sharing

By: Lisa Gansky

Narrated by: Lisa Gansky

Length: 4 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Traditional businesses follow a simple formula: create a product or service, sell it, collect money. But in the last few years a fundamentally different model has taken root—one in which consumers have more choices, more tools, more information, and more peer-to-peer power. Pioneering entrepreneur Lisa Gansky calls it the Mesh and reveals why it will dominate the future of business.

Mesh companies use social media, wireless networks, and data crunched from every available source to provide people with goods and services at the exact moment they need them, without the burden and expense of owning them outright. Gansky reveals how there is real money to be made and trusted brands and strong communities to be built in helping your customers buy less but use more.

Consider the explosive growth of Zipcar. By exploiting the latest technology and making it easy and affordable to have a car whenever you need one, this young company is helping to redefine personal transportation - and deeply worrying its established competitors. Gansky shows how the same pattern is playing out with less famous Mesh companies that are reinventing an enormous range of industries.

In the tradition of The Long Tail, The Mesh illustrates a huge opportunity that’s already driving new businesses and renewing old ones. It’s your essential guide to the next wave of information-enabled commerce that’s also improving our communities and our planet.

©2010 Lisa Gansky (P)2010 Gildan Media Corp

Critic reviews

“This audiobook offers a timely introduction to the reality and importance of Mesh companies—ones that provide products and services through sharing, via community participation and a culture of trust—in a way that really matters.” (Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist)

This book has made me sleepless with endless possibilities

I was reluctant to get this book when I saw it was read by the author, but that would have been a mistake. I'm now on my third round of listening. My mind is dizzy with the shear volume of possibilities. A must have for any social entrepreneur.

The Social Era Is Upon Us

Where does The Mesh rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

This is one of the best books I've read all year and I read quite a bit.. Chalked full of practical insights and keen observations about how social is leading to much needed innovations and creating a new kind of shared economy. Unlike most books that are mostly mediocre fluff with a few nuggets here and there this one offers solid goodness from cover to cover. Highly recommend to anyone interested in business and economics.

Interesting insights but poorly narrated

In this book the author has given quite some insights into how the internet/connectivity would shape our lives in the next few years and introducing us to "the mesh" concept where business would thrive on each other in a close knit fashion - thus enriching every ones lives. Some of the scenarios on how "the mesh" would work are very interesting and it is for sure we are heading in that direction. Author gives many good examples and also lays down a set of principles for succeeding in a mesh. However, at times, I find the book being repetitive and harping on the same concept in different ways. Unfortunately, I find that the author has shown no vocal variations - thus making it very difficult to stay focused.

Interesting concepts in a boring presentation

What made the experience of listening to The Mesh the most enjoyable?

Lisa Gansky presents a new business concept that is exciting in many ways.

What did you like best about this story?

My head is filled with good ideas after listening to this book.

What didn’t you like about Lisa Gansky’s performance?

The book is read like a boring lecture that is only redeemed by the quality of the information presented.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It is difficult to listen to this book in one sitting because there is no story to grab your attention. The information is presented more like a series of case studies.

Any additional comments?

Buy this audio book to be informed about the subject. Do not buy it if you are searching for entertainment.

it works for me this boos is great for I was look

it works for me this boos is great for I was look for glad i read it