The Bear Necessities of Business

Praise for The BEAR NECESSITIES of BUSINESS "Maxine Clark has written a powerfully effective book that will help you build an organization that's more competitive, more inventive, more productive, and simply more fun to work in. It takes a tough-minded entrepreneur to create such a warm-hearted business. I can't 'bear' the thought that you won't read this book." --William C. Taylor, Founding Editor, Fast Company magazine "This book not only shows how to get customers to spend more time with you, it comes with a heart--Maxine Clark's heart for her business, associates, and Guests. Few companies both mass-customize their offerings and stage a compelling experience. Of those that do, Build-A-Bear Workshop(r) is the beary best." --Joe Pine and Jim Gilmore, authors, The Experience Economy "The Bear Necessities of Business is pithy, accessible, fun, and very smart. Maxine Clark is the twenty-first century's Walt Disney. The knowledge she shares on building a global business and creating customer evangelists is as infectious as the enthusiasm evident around every corner of her empire. Whatever business you're in--or dream of building--this chock-full-of-wisdom guide is a must-read." --Susan W. Bird, founder and CEO, Wf360 "The spirit and passion Maxine Clark has for bringing dreams to life is now in your hands. Every chapter is stuffed with the secrets of what has made her so successful in every aspect of business. Her mentoring and the words in this book are a big part of the magic of my success." --Denise Chapman Weston, President and Director of Imagination, MagiQuest "As price, convenience, and customer service become 'table stakes,' firms have to depend on innovation and personalized, co-created experiences for sustained value creation. Maxine Clark is a pioneer in this area. Now she shares her insights in an eminently readable book. A must-read not just for aspiring entrepreneurs, but for seasoned managers as well." --C. K. Prahalad, coauthor, The Future of Competition "This book provides a 'how-to manual' for all those budding entrepreneurs with an idea they want to see blossom into a booming business." --Martin Sneider, Adjunct Professor of Retailing, Olin School of Business, Washington University Maxine Clark will donate 100 percent of her proceeds from the sales of this book to¿the Build-A-Bear Workshop(r) Bear Hugs Foundation, which supports meaningful philanthropic efforts for children and families through financial and in-kind support for health and wellness causes and educational and literacy programs.