Book Review - Banned Business Books. Volume 1: Pricing
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Individual Book Review:
Banned Business Books. Volume 1: Pricing
Book Author: David Brown
This book impressed us with how it makes pricing engaging and easy to relate to, David Brown’s work shows that pricing doesn’t have to be complicated to make a big impact, it just needs the right approach. Through storytelling, this narrative it explores the ups and downs of real-world pricing, avoiding overly academic approaches.
In Banned Business Books (Volume 1: Pricing), the author shares the story of Scott Evans, a newly appointed pricing leader at Maplex. Guided by Fran Leverton, a pricing expert, Scott learns the key steps to build a successful pricing strategy. Through this book, you’ll discover both the inspiration and practical steps to design a pricing approach that sets your organization apart. It reveals the challenges of implementing effective pricing strategies, from organizational silos to securing leadership buy-in. Along the way, the book introduces readers to the “Nine Boxes” framework, a practical tool for systematically organizing pricing initiatives.
The Uniqueness of this Book
With pricing identified as one of the most significant yet underappreciated tools for driving profitability, the author builds the book around this compelling observation.
"Pricing is a powerful profit driver but often overlooked in boardrooms."
Too often, leaders avoid diving into pricing strategies, not because they’re not important, but because traditional resources can feel overwhelming or disconnected from day-to-day realities. That’s why we were impressed with this book. It takes a fresh, engaging approach to pricing, breaking it down in a way that’s not just easy to understand but also relevant to professionals at every level. Instead of dense theory, it offers practical insights and real-world examples that make the concepts come alive.
It Makes Pricing Relatable and Actionable: Pricing can feel abstract or overwhelmingly technical, but this book bridges that gap beautifully. By weaving practical strategies into a fictional narrative, Brown makes the subject come alive.
The “Nine Boxes” framework: A standout feature of this book is its practical framework for tackling pricing challenges. It offers a clear and structured approach, focusing on key areas like customer segmentation and aligning internal teams. This adaptable framework makes it a valuable tool for organizations.
Practical Takeaways
- Overcoming Resistance to Pricing Changes: Through Scott and Fran’s experiences, you’ll learn how to win leadership buy-in and encourage collaboration across departments.
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Seeing Pricing as a Profit Driver: The narrative emphasizes that pricing isn’t just about numbers, it’s a key way to boost profits. It encourages readers to see pricing as a chance to create value, not just make adjustments.
Banned Business Books Volume 1: Pricing stands out as a refreshing and thought-provoking look at pricing strategies. Whether you're new to pricing or a seasoned pro, this book delivers practical advice and real-world examples that you can use in any business.
Happy Reading!
Price Beam.
About the Author
David Brown: With years of experience helping organizations unlock the potential of effective pricing strategies, David brings practical insights to the table. In his debut novella, he moves beyond traditional business books, combining storytelling with actionable advice that resonates across industries. He also shares his expertise in the Impact Pricing podcast episode, Mastering the Nine Boxes: A Strategic Approach to Pricing with David Brown, where he explores the nine boxes framework in depth.
📖 Explore the book here: Banned Business Books: Volume 1: Pricing