Success the LOVEFiLM Way (PDF)

As you might expect from a company responsible for renting somany thrillers, there's rarely a dull moment atLOVEFiLM.



From start-up, through mergers and fast paced growth,culminating in a takeover by an internet giant, few corporateadventures encapsulate the archetypal modern business story asneatly as that of LOVEFiLM. In the 6 years frominception to the defining deal with Amazon, the company underwent anear constant process of change and evolution. They simplydidn't sit still for a minute.



As the chief executive who guided LOVEFiLM through thesefast-paced times, Simon Calver tells the story of how they grew thecompany from a series of small start-ups into a multi-million poundenterprise and well-love household name. Calver offers hispersonal insights and key lessons on everything from how to managespectacular growth, to the importance of taking big risks and howsmall entrepreneurial companies can benefit from big companiesthinking.



Success the LOVEFiLM Way is an essential read for anybodywho wants to start and grow a successful business, and learn how tostay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing and growingindustry.

"The LOVEFiLM story offers interesting insights intothe way modern businesses, and particularly those backed by venturecapital, succeed. There are useful lessons for anyone looking tostart or grow a business using this route. Simon Calver explainsboth the challenges and opportunities that VC funding raises.Calver is right to describe this as the classic modern businessstory."

Alex Mitchell, Head of Influencer Relations, IoD



"The LOVEFiLM story was a great read. It'shonest, insightful and very entertaining. It shows most importantlythe power of leadership to create an exceptional company. Frankly,everyone in the UK needs to read this book rightnow."

Julie Meyer, Managing Partner, ACE Fund



"I met Simon at the annual Real Business awards in2009, and was delighted when he asked King of Shaves to become afounding member of The Consumer Forum - an association ofSME's that put the customer first. The success of LOVEFiLM,and his leadership of this disrupting business, was entirely downto his 'putting customers first' - by giving themwhat they wanted, when they wanted it, always embracing the latestin cutting edge technology. Firstly by sending the latest filmreleases through the post, and now by it streaming on demand.I've been lucky enough to spend personal quality time withhim, and now you can learn how he helped LOVEFiLM grow soastonishingly, in a constantly changing digital environment. If youLovefilm, and LoveCustomers, then you'll Love thisbook!"

Will King, Founder, King of Shaves



"The LOVEFiLM story shows the importance oforganizational agility, trust and the relentless focus of takingcustomers, stakeholders and employees with you on your journey.Above all it demonstrates the importance of understanding what youdo and why you do it, and why it's important to have abusiness model that delivers for the customer and thebusiness."

Jo Causon, CEO, Institute of Customer Service



"It took Simon's dedicated hard work bringingtogether a series of smaller businesses to make LOVEFiLM one of thetrue internet success stories. In Simon Calver's book, heshares his business philosophies that led LOVEFiLM to thesuccessful takeover by Amazon. The book is not just a compellingnarrative, but lessons that all businesses and entrepreneurs canbenefit from."

Mark Florman, CEO, The British Private Equity and VentureCapital Association (BVCA)