E051 - Lessons Learned from Jeff Bezos' Annual Letters with Steve Anderson

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has been writing annual letters to shareholders since 1997. These letters provide a unique insight into his thoughts on Amazon's successes and failures and his vision for the future. They also offer valuable advice to entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to build their own successful businesses. Join this conversation where a business analyst, Steve Anderson, unlocks the key lessons, mindset, principles, and steps Bezos used and continues to use to make Amazon the massive success it is today.

Steve Anderson, M.A., is a trusted authority on Risk, Technology, Productivity, and Innovation and has over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. He holds a master’s degree in Insurance Law. Anderson is a professional speaker, consultant, and “futurist.” From business management systems to social media, Steve analyzes what’s happening now and explains its implications for the future. His speaking portfolio includes presentations on the future of technology, how businesses can leverage the online world, and how any business can assess and use strategic risk to its advantage. He was chosen to be one of the original 150 “thought leaders/influencers” on LinkedIn and has over 340,000 followers. Steve currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee. In this podcast episode, we talk all about Jeff Bezos, how he was able to be so successful, and tips & tricks we can take from Amazon for our own businesses.

Key Highlights from the Show
[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Steve Anderson
[02:13] Steve’s backstory and how he got interested in Amazon
[06:21] Jeff Bezos’ obsessions with writing things and how he structures his meetings
[12:09] How to train a new employee in the culture of memo writing in your business
[15:08] Examples of places you can find well-written memos
[17:41] The power of writing
[19:34] What can be applicable in other businesses from Jeff Bezos’ letters
[28:48] How you can approach expenses as opportunities like Jeff Bezos
[33:06] Speculations on what Jeff Bezos wishes to have put more resources in his
entrepreneurship journey
[36:08] Best ways to reach out and connect with Steve Anderson

Notable Quotes
● Even if you are not good at something, you gain skills and get better by just doing it.
[17:16]
● Sometimes you only know your thoughts once you write them out. [17:44]
● Amazon is the best place for an employee to fail. [20:56]
● The problem with most companies is that when they become successful, that is their
biggest risk because they start getting complacent. [23:15]

Steve’s Book & Other Resources Mentioned
1. The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazonby Steve
Anderson:
https://www.amazon.com/Bezos-Letters-Principles-Business-Amazon/dp/1642793329
2. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott:
https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-Instructions-Writing-Life/dp/0385480016

Connect With Steve Anderson
Website: https://thebezosletters.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveanderson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevetn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveAndersonNetwork/

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