Episode #
How to Run Your Company Like Amazon and Why Google and Microsoft Are Laying Off People
March 08, 2024

In episode #2694, we discuss the strategies and practices that have made Amazon a powerhouse in the business world. From their unique approach to meetings—using narratives instead of PowerPoint presentations—to their hiring practices and the Bar Raiser program, discover how Amazon’s methods can be applied to your own business. Gain insights into the current state of the tech industry and the importance of investing in valuable skills. Tune in for all this and more on Marketing School.

 

Don’t forget to help us grow by subscribing and liking on YouTube!

 

Check out more of Eric’s content (Leveling UP YT) and Neil’s videos (Neil Patel YT

 

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

  • (00:00) Today’s topic: How to run your company like Amazon and Why Google and Microsoft Are Laying Off People 
  • (01:02) Eric explains how Amazon replaced powerpoint presentations with written narratives and memos to encourage clear thinking.
  • (01:32) Eric shares his experience implementing the memo-writing practice in his own company.
  • (02:04) Eric gives an example of a memo he recently wrote and how it helped clarify the company’s goals.
  • (03:10) Eric explains the process of reading memos during meetings at Amazon.
  • (04:34) Neil mentions Amazon’s focus on hiring talented individuals with strong systems and processes skills.
  • (06:00) Eric shares that Amazon pays most of its employees in stock and limits salaries to $160,000 to align long-term interests.
  • (06:49) Eric reveals that Amazon no longer relies on traditional reference checks during the hiring process.
  • (08:03) Neil discusses his company’s approach to reference checks and the value of (negative feedback.
  • (08:04) Reference checks can save you from making a bad hiring decision
  • (09:09) Amazon’s Bar Raiser program focuses on hiring people smarter than you
  • (09:57) Amazon’s hiring process is thorough and values-driven
  • (10:33) What works for Amazon may not work for everyone
  • (11:08) Azure’s growth is outpacing AWS
  • (11:57) Google and Microsoft may be cutting costs to increase profitability
  • (12:30) Keep investing in valuable skills and providing value to succeed
  • (12:51) Make a company more money to earn more money
  • (13:14) That’s it for today! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Go to https://www.marketingschool.io to learn more!

 

Leave Some Feedback:

  • What should we talk about next? Please let us know in the comments below
  • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.

 

Connect with Us: 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover Latest Episodes

Episode
Is Storytelling the New Marketing?
December 26, 2025

Neil and Eric break down why “storyteller” is suddenly the hottest corporate job title, from a Wall Street Journal trend to LinkedIn listings doubling in a year and Vanta paying up to $274,000 for...

Episode
What We Would Gamble On
December 24, 2025

Neil and Eric break down smart bets from a work and investment perspective, why crypto still has upside potential, and why hiring great people only works at the right stage of business. They share rea...

Episode
AI Law Firm Hits $100M But…
December 24, 2025

In this episode, Neil and Eric break down the rise of AI hype versus real usage, using Harvey AI, Microsoft Copilot, and ZoomInfo as case studies. They discuss $8B AI valuations, low user adoption, re...