Be The Elephant

About the Author

Steve Kaplan is a well-regarded business consultant and author renowned for his practical and motivational approach to business growth. With extensive experience in guiding companies through transformative growth, Kaplan has helped numerous businesses achieve sustainable success. His insights are grounded in real-world experience and are designed to inspire and equip business leaders with the tools needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Main Idea

In Be the Elephant: Build a Bigger, Better Business, Steve Kaplan uses the metaphor of an elephant to represent a business that is large, influential, and resilient. Kaplan emphasizes that businesses need to grow not just to survive but to thrive in a competitive environment. He outlines strategies for achieving significant growth while maintaining a strong, adaptable organizational structure.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Chapter 1: The Elephant Metaphor
• Chapter 2: The Necessity of Growth
• Chapter 3: Planning for Growth
• Chapter 4: Essential Factors for Growth
• Chapter 5: Assessing Risks
• Chapter 6: The Role of Sales
• Chapter 7: Growth Strategies
• Chapter 8: Internal vs. External Growth
• Chapter 9: Creating Value
• Chapter 10: Developing an Action Plan
• Conclusion

Introduction

Steve Kaplan sets the stage for understanding business growth by introducing the concept of the "elephant." This metaphor highlights the attributes of a successful business: size, strength, and influence. Kaplan encourages readers to think about their businesses in terms of these qualities and to aim for growth that will make them significant players in their respective markets.

Chapter 1: The Elephant Metaphor

Kaplan's use of the elephant as a metaphor for business is both evocative and practical. An elephant symbolizes a business that has reached a significant size and stature. Kaplan explains that just as elephants are admired for their size and strength, a business should aim to achieve a level of growth that commands respect and influence.

"In the business world, becoming an elephant is about achieving a level of growth that not only ensures survival but also establishes a significant presence in the market." – Steve Kaplan

Chapter 2: The Necessity of Growth

Kaplan argues that growth is not optional but essential for long-term survival. He asserts that businesses must expand to keep up with rising costs and increasing competition. Without growth, a business risks stagnation, which can lead to decline. Kaplan uses the example of companies that have failed to innovate or expand, illustrating how stagnation can be detrimental.