Book Review for Blue Ocean Shift

Blue Ocean Shift: Proven Steps to Inspire Confidence and Seize New Growth
by W, Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne
ISBN 978-0-316-31404-6
Hachette Books
Reviewed by Clint Walker

In this wonderful follow up to Blue Ocean Strategy, the authors of Blue Ocean Shift seek to further plot the course toward reaching undiscovered and undreamed of markets for folks seeking to make their mark on the business world, the non-profit world and more.

First, it may be helpful to understand the language of "Blue Ocean" that the authors have trademarked in their studies of business development and adaptation. Markets that are saturated with customers and sellers are referred to as "red" and "Red Ocean".  Blue Ocean markets are unknown and undiscovered markets that businesses and salespersons can move into.

In Blue Ocean Strategy, Kim and Mauborgne seemed to advocate for the concept of "Blue Oceans", advocating entrepreneurs seek to be in this space. This book, as I understand it, is more about adaptation. How do you adapt your new or established business to move from "red oceans" to blue oceans"

Blue Ocean Strategy is filled with great stories and examples that push the reader toward embracing their viewpoint, and helping people move into open spaces in the buisness world. Thoughtful, inspiring, and smart, many business persons would be wise to read this book and seek their niche.

For me as a pastor, this book applies to church growth as well. In what ways are churches seeking an already saturated market, and in what ways can the church move into new space that are blue oceans full of outreach possibilities? Something to consider...