Stop Paddling and Start Rocking the Boat Author:Lou Pritchett Wake Up, American Business The first and last words of "partnering" and other hot new business practices, by the man behind the billion dollar sales partnership between Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart. In 1987, Lou Pritchett, the vice president of sales for P&G, had a revolutionary idea. He invited Sam Walton, the president of Wal-Mart, to join ... more »him on a two-day canoe trip, during which he made a surprisingly practical proposal. This now legendary trip led to one of the most successful corporate partnerships in American businesss Since leaving P&G, Pritchett has delighted corporate audiences nationwide with his wit and wisdom on such issues as partnering, leading, selling, marketing, and managing. Now Lou Pritchett captures his refreshing, no-nonsense, management and sales strategies in Stop Paddling & Start Rocking the Boat. Pritchett tells hundreds of stories from his 36 years at P&G to show how companies can initiate and maintain a "love affair" with their customers. He writes about: the lessons of partnering; the changing market environment and its effects on customers, suppliers, and employees; how success can be the greatest enemy of inovation; how to work on the system rather than in it; and entrepreneurial management- new ways to develop and utilize individual talents This eye-opening book helps both individuals and companies take advantage of new- but proven- strategies that will help them meet their customers' needs most efficiently while driving out excess costs.« less