I loved this book. Little Bets by Peter Sims is a simple explanation for how little ideas and incremental changes can become big. Using examples from businesses like Pixar, Google, Starbucks, and even military leaders from Iraq, Sims points out how almost all big ideas start small.

What I especially liked about the book is how it illustrated experiences that I’ve had in business and ministry start-ups. PathLight is a perfect example. We didn’t have a big idea, a grand plan, or strategic initiative. We just listened to what people wanted, then took small incremental steps to make it happen. The Teacher Training Conference is the perfect example; it started at the request of a handful of Belizean teachers. The risk was minimal — just a few days of volunteer time. Then it took off and grew into a Ministry of Education approved seminar that has had over 150 Belizean teachers involved!

Too many people think you need to start with a big idea before pursuing something. Problem is that too often these ideas and grand strategies get tossed out the window when reality hits. So it is often better, and simpler, to make small bets on an idea.

Have you ever read a book and heard the wisdom of the book and said, “Aha! I knew that all along and have seen it happen, but this is the first time I’ve heard somebody put it in writing!” Well, this is that kind of book for me. It’s going on my list of books our entire staff at Goble Properties will read.

If you are involved in a start-up or are looking for ways to renew creativity within a more established organization, go get this book. You’ll be glad you did.