Do you know about the Chicago Company 37signals? I've followed this company for years. I've used their product off and on for years. I'm a fan of how they do business. I describe it as Chicago Pragmatic. They are loyal to their business like most Chicagoans are loyal to the Cubs or Sox.

Their new book, Rework, explains many of their ideals. I think most Chicago business, not just internet or technology, see the world this way. Here are some of the ideas from this book that I'm going to talk about in the coming weeks.

• It's okay to say no to your customers. I've said no to potential clients that wanted something I could do, but it didn't fit my way of business. I think my business is stronger because of this.
• Workaholics are not good for your company. Working smarter is always better than working harder. I've known way to many people who work long hours and talk about it. They get a lot of attention, but they are not nearly as good as someone who figures out how to do it gracefully. Results matter.
• Growth isn't everything. In fact, rapid and unctrolled growth, is bad. Growth at any cost is like cancer. Do what you do. Do it well. Don't get seduced that getting bigger will make it better. Make it satisfy you.

These are just some of the ideas I want to talk about with you my customers. These Chicago Pragamatic ideas are how I run my business and Chicago Pragmatic ideas are how you run your business.