My friend and Entrepreneurial Investorco-author Dean Zatkowsky is writing a book about his experience at Kinko’s, and what he believes were the 10 key success factors that allowed Kinko’s to grow so dramatically for 25 years. He has asked me to participate by kibitzing, providing commentary in areas where I disagree with his point of view or can offer alternative viewpoints.

When Dean led marketing seminars for Kinko’s coworkers, he began by asking each attendee what he or she wished to get out of the session.  Then he would tailor his presentation – on the fly – to make sure he addressed those questions. At the end of the session, he would review the list with his guests to make sure each student got what he or she came for. He wanted each attendee to leave with a sense of satisfaction.

Dean wants to approach his book in the same way, so he’s asking readers of this blog what each of you would like to learn about the early Kinko’s culture and business model. He also wants to know what you consider the three greatest challenges to small business today, to see if lessons from our experience still apply. We like business books that offer at least one tool we can use immediately. What tool are you looking for?

Thanks, PO