In this groundbreaking book, T.J. Waters has turned his experience collecting and analyzing competitive intelligence for the CIA into effective strategies for businesses wanting to stay on the leading edge of their industries. The book describes a practical process from planning (identifying competitive threats and determining the resources needed to counter them) through implementation (creating an organizational strategy) to execution (collecting key information and turning it into bottom-line results). The book is filled with illustrative examples of companies from start-ups to multi-nationals that have used similar strategies successfully. * Offers a key resource for gaining competitive advantage in tough times * Outlines a proven strategy for planning, implementing, and executing a strategic plan for bottom-line results * Written by T.J. Waters who has combined his intelligence expertise with his years of business experience

This book clearly shows that it's no longer a question of becoming the next Google, IBM, or Coca-Cola-it's all about knowing what your competitors are doing.

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Part One: Understanding Intelligence and Strategy.

1 The DNA of Competitive Advantage.

2 Leadership s New Benchmark.

3 It's All About Networks.

Part Two: Fieldwork.

4 Collecting Data; New School and Old School.

5 All the World s a Trade Show Stage.

6 Denial, Deception, and Other Forms of Flattery.

Part Three: Back Office Research.

7 Psychological Forensics: CSI of the Mind.

8 Negotiations: Mastering the Evil Art.

9 Social Network Analysis and Communities.

Part Four: Three Stages of Conflict.

10 Tactical Advantage: The Who.

11 Operational Advantage: The How.

12 Strategic Advantage: The What.

Epilogue: A Look Back at the Next Twenty Years.

Appendix: Psychological Assessment Tools.

Notes.

Acknowledgments.

The Author.

Index.

Author Biography

T. J. Waters is a senior consultant at the United States Special Operations Command with twenty years of private sector and government service in the intelligence field. He is also an adjunct professor in the intelligence management and analysis program of Eckerd College. He worked for the Central Intelligence Agency and wrote the book Class 11: Inside the CIA's First Post- 9/11 Spy Class. He previously served as vice president of an intelligence consulting firm serving Fortune 500 corporations, law firms, and military units.