Stone Soup: The Secret Recipe for Making Something from Nothing [Paperback]

This is a wonderful book which reminds of all of the fundamental truth that it is very difficult to achieve anything really significant alone, but by emotionally connecting with others and working together, extraordinary things can be achieved. Bill's writing style is unconventional but it is authentic - this comes from a man who has achieved extraordinary things in his life by connecting with, inspiring and working with others. I was inspired by this book and I will carry it and its messages with me for a very long time.

Inspiring books deserve fulsome praise!

If I had to describe Stone Soup in just 2 words - I would say 'holistic business'. Through a very readable combination of fable reminiscent of Paulo Coelho interspersed with experiences and comments by the author - successful businessman and philanthropist Bill Liao - we are shown complex business problems that have surprisingly simple solutions that we can all incorporate into many or even all aspects of our lives with potentially world-changing benefits.

Not least, through the adventures of the heroine of Stone Soup we have a clear illustration of how by working together, we can all profit in a multitude of ways. I was first introduced to the concepts of win/win and the value of interdependency through reading Stephen R. Covey's Book - 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' - concepts which seemed hugely sensible to me and yet seemed strangely lacking in my workplace!! In Stone Soup we are shown how we can incorporate simple strategies to overcome what may seem to be great difficulties.

More than this, there is the idea that if business achieves a balance then a lot of the world's problems could be solved. Bill Liao does not portray any doomsday scenarios in his book, he merely states that he is not inspired by profit alone, but also has more altruistic goals. I found this totally inspiring and hope that this idea is taken up by a great many businesses and individuals who together can bring about much-needed change. As a result of reading this book, I think it is possible that we can all play a part in helping to create a healthier and happier society locally, nationally and internationally.

I have always cared about the environment,and wanted to alleviate 3rd world poverty and desired a more equal society and now I feel empowered to help contribute to the changes I feel are necessary. I feel that I want to support businesses which embrace the values that are important to me - such as, for example, showing a care for the environment - rather than companies who are just after a quick profit and have no thought for aftersales service or longevity of product. In my work, I wish to find a way to use my creativity to greater effect - and again feel that an employer who is motivated not just by profit but also by a desire to somehow make the world a better place would inspire me to be more creative. I am not an employer at present - but if ever I am, then it would be my intention to be one that inspires a workforce in such a way. I also think that it is highly likely that in the long-term businesses which incorporate ideals besides a desire to be profitable will prove to be far more successful and produce far greater rewards - for both investors and for the world as a whole - as well as for their staff and customers.

In an effort to be brief I would say that Stone Soup shows that whether we are an investor in business - an employer or employee or a consumer, we can all empower ourselves to make choices which will bring about the world we want.

No review of this book would be complete without mentioning the stone soup challenge - which is open to all readers of the book - but for details of that, I think you should buy the book!!!

I read a lot of business books and this is by far the best business book I've read in years. I sat down on Saturday to read it and couldn't put the book down (which is unusual for me). If you're starting 2010 with a new business or you feel your existing business needs to improve buy this book. It's not just a good read, it's an extremely valuable resource for improving profitabily of your business.