Fix This Next by Mike Michalowicz Summary
Overview of Fix This Next
Struggling entrepreneurs: stop fixing the wrong problems. Mike Michalowicz's "Fix This Next" introduces the Business Hierarchy of Needs, saving companies like Mark Oliver's from failure. Shelved 81,000+ times, this Wall Street Journal columnist's approach makes prioritization simple in a chaotic business world.
Similar books to Fix This Next
Feel the book through the author's voice
Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way
Key takeaways
The Business Hierarchy: Your Path Out of Chaos
Ever felt like you're drowning in your own business? You're not alone. When entrepreneur Dave Rinn found himself short-staffed and overwhelmed, he discovered something revolutionary: not everything deserves equal attention. Most business owners start each day in firefighter mode-frantically putting out one crisis after another. Even when you find time for important projects, you question whether they'll truly make a difference. Sound familiar? The biggest problem isn't lack of experience or resources-it's not knowing what your biggest problem actually is. We rush to address whatever seems urgent while disregarding the most impactful issues, creating a "Survival Trap" where we take panicked actions to survive today, then repeat the pattern tomorrow. Mike Michalowicz experienced this firsthand, battling constant cash shortages and crushing debt. Despite increasing sales, his debt actually grew. His breakthrough came from an unlikely source-a jammed printer. After repeatedly trying the same ineffective fix, he discovered the real problem was a tiny crumpled paper. This became his business epiphany: what if his company's problem wasn't where he thought? Perhaps his sales issue was actually a profit issue. This realization led to 45 consecutive quarters of profit distributions. Just like hikers lost in the wilderness following instincts down one wrong path after another, entrepreneurs need a compass to guide their business decisions.
The Five Levels That Transform Your Business
Finding Your Business's Vital Need
The OMEN Method: Turning Insights Into Action
Building Your Foundation: Sales and Profit
Creating Systems That Scale and Matter
Building Your Forever Legacy
Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Fix This Next Summary in 9 Minutes
Break down key ideas from Fix This Next into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from Fix This Next in a Nutshell
Distill Fix This Next into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.
Fun Mode - Fix This Next Lessons Told Through 22-Min Stories
Experience Fix This Next through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.
Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Fix This Next Summary in 0 Minutes
Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Get the Fix This Next summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.