116. Amazon's Growth Secrets: Insights from 'Working Backwards'

In this episode of the Scuttlebutt Podcast, host Brock Briggs delves into the fundamental principles that propelled Amazon from their first sale in the 1990s to a staggering $575 billion in revenue by 2023. Drawing from the book 'Working Backwards' by former Amazon employees Colin Breyer and Bill Carr, Brock shares key takeaways that can be applied to any business. Key lessons include the importance of detailed documentation, the 'six-pager' technique for pitching new ideas, PRFAQ for execution, hiring principles including the 'bar raiser' concept, empowering leaders with single-threaded ownership, and the value of understanding input metrics to create a business flywheel. Tune in for actionable insights and practical steps to implement in your own business endeavors.

Episode Resources:

Working Backwards

0:00 Working Backwards Presentation

02:13 Introduction to the Book 'Working Backwards'

02:23 The Importance of Reading 'Working Backwards'

03:35 Key Takeaways from the Book

04:36 The Concept of Building in Amazon

07:39 The Hiring Process at Amazon

14:30 The Leadership Style at Amazon

21:31 How Amazon Measures Success

28:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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The Scuttlebutt Podcast - The podcast for veteran owned businesses. Show host, Brock Briggs, talks with veteran owners and operators about specific tactics they're using to start, buy, and grow business. Get the tactics, templates, and case studies from the conversations for free at https://www.scuttlebuttpodcast.co/.