Book Reviews

Creating Competitive Advantage By Jaynie L. Smith

Creating Competitive Advantage was published in April 2006 by Doubleday and hit Amazon’s best-sellers list within two months of being released. Jaynie Smith’s first book is in its 13th printing and still receives commendable reviews and praise. Select reviews are listed below.

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  • Relevant Selling very effectively reveals that a company’s self-image can blind it to the realities of the marketplace, and that customers are attracted to (or repelled by) features that the company may not consider to be important. You need to look outside of yourself and make a proactive effort to learn what your marketplace demands, and respond to it. To me, a business book really resonates when its message goes beyond the narrow intention of the book. This one does.

    Thomas Hauck
  • Jaynie Smith was extremely helpful in directing the executive team of Zurich Specialties in
    identifying and articulating our competitive advantages. She helped us get over a very big hurdle…

    Seraina Maag, Former President, Zurich Specialties, Zurich North America Insurance
  • Relevant Selling is a playbook for all times, all geographies, and all products and services. It is universal in its wisdom and makes that wisdom crystal clear.

    Richard A. D’Aveni
  • I found Jaynie Smith’s book to be very informative and practical. It inspired me to DO something, rather than just contemplate theory. That is why I called her to engage an activity for our company. We so often talk about what we do right – why we are special – but it is generally from our own internal perspective. This activity forced us to realize that what our customers think is truly our ‘reality’ – and we need to meet their expectations regardless of whether we agree with them or not. I have found this exercise to be incredibly helpful in explaining a ‘marketing’ concept to the rest of my company. I am very pleased with the tremendous support and effort I have seen from all departments and leadership toward making changes based on the results of Jaynie’s work.

    Mary Ann Tournoux
  • Smith’s elegant little book should be mandatory reading for all entrepreneurs.

    Richard Pachter
  • Jaynie Smith’s Relevant Selling is the perfect complement to her first book, Creating Competitive Advantage. She challenges you to think like your customer.

    Matthew R. Dionne
  • Jaynie’s presentation was one of the top-rated presentations at our meeting, both in terms on content value and presentation effectiveness

    Kate Seward, Senior Director of Program Management – Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS)
  • Having spent the morning at Jaynie’s presentation today at Newcastle, im so pleased i have at least 10 hours to calm down otherwise i would not sleep.
    I have never, ever received a presentation that has pricked so much inspiration. You mention the AHA moments, well, i found lots during your presentation. I cannot wait to purchase your books as I feel I can learn so much more. 25 years thinking i was good at my job only means after I read you books and indeed implement what you say will make better. I often read, “Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with”, my answer now is Jaynie Smith, i could listen to you for ever.

    Nick Megson, Commercial Director – Reprotec Uk Limited
  • In a world where most and I mean MOST selling is irrelevant selling, Jaynie Smith’s Relevant Selling can mean the difference to you between profit and loss. My head is spinning with the wisdom in her book.

    Jay Conrad Levinson
  • So many companies think that differentiation is the key to success. It isn’t. The key is knowing how to articulate what’s different or better about your product. Creating Competitive Advantage is a must-have for any CEO’s library.

    David Neelemas
  • Outstanding! Jaynie L. Smith provided a memorable speech to the graduate business students by sharing her unique views on creating a competitive advantage, as well as her real industry experience. Ms. Smith encouraged students to relate to the topic by focusing on how they can create a competitive advantage for themselves when starting their careers. The students really appreciated her time and have come to understand the value in creating a competitive advantage!

    Catalina Victoria, President, Graduate Business Student Association Nova Southeastern University
  • Jaynie’s presentation was one of the top-rated presentations at our meeting, both in terms of content value and presentation effectiveness.

    Kate Seward; Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe 2014 Marketing Leadership Conference
  • Compelling! The clarity in which Jaynie presents her message is particularly valuable. Finding and using your competitive advantage is the key to not only survival but more importantly, profitable survival.

    Chuck Lillis
  • Thank you for your presentation at our conference… The comments from speakers, exhibitors and attendees were overwhelmingly positive. One letter summarized it up this way, ‘I would like to congratulate you both on an outstanding CME program. I have been practicing medicine for over 10 years and I have to rank it up there with one of the best.’ It takes a team of people to plan and execute such success. And, it takes a great roster of speakers delivering value that meets or exceeds attendee expectations in order to receive the kind of comments we are receiving.

    Jeffrey and Cher Zavick – Immuno Laboratories
  • Jaynie was articulate, focused and gave high level advice to over 100 New York City CEOs. The audience stayed engaged and interacted throughout the entire presentation. It was impactful and all walked away with tangible action items that could add value to every company, if implemented.

    Alan Goodin, Executive Director, Kellen Company – EANYC Harvard Club