Good Works! by Philip Kotler Summary
Overview of Good Works!
In "Good Works!", Kotler reveals how companies like Toms and Patagonia boost profits while solving social problems. Did you know 94% of customers switch brands to support causes? Discover the triple-win strategy transforming business, society, and your bottom line.
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Key takeaways
When Profit Meets Purpose: The New Rules of Corporate Success
What if the key to business success wasn't choosing between profit and purpose, but discovering how they amplify each other? In 2010, corporate giving hit $15.29 billion-not despite economic uncertainty, but because companies realized something fundamental had shifted. Consumers weren't just buying products anymore; they were voting with their wallets for the kind of world they wanted to live in. When 94% of people say they'd switch brands to support a cause they care about, we're witnessing a revolution in how business operates. This isn't charity masquerading as strategy-it's a complete reimagining of what corporations can be. Remember when Milton Friedman declared in 1970 that businesses had no responsibility beyond maximizing shareholder profit? By 2011, only 6% of consumers agreed with him. What happened? The world became transparent. Social media turned every corporate decision into public knowledge, every misstep into viral news. Suddenly, the distance between boardroom and living room collapsed. Companies discovered that supporting social causes wasn't just morally satisfying-it was strategically brilliant. Research revealed six concrete benefits: increased sales and market share, strengthened brand positioning, enhanced corporate image, improved ability to attract and retain talent, decreased operating costs, and increased appeal to investors. When Starbucks committed to building LEED-certified stores and organizing Cup Summits to address recycling infrastructure, they weren't just being nice. They were building a business model that could thrive in a world where consumers demand authenticity and action, not just advertising and promises.
Six Pathways to Making a Difference
When Customers Become Co-Creators of Change
Changing Behavior, Changing Lives
Strategic Philanthropy and Employee Engagement
Patagonia's Environmental Internship Program
Building Business That Builds a Better World
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"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"
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