I just finished reading the alibaba: The Inside Story Behind Jack Ma... http://www.amazon.com/dp/006167219X/?tag=iwhite-20
That was a nice book. It didn't keep me all that hooked about what happens next, but I blame editor for that. Organization is not that good, especially, keeping in mind that there was quite a story to tell. Anyways, it's a good book.
One point to take from the book: there are markets that can't get owned by foreigners. There is such a thing as mentality, that is a tough competitor for the theory, no matter how good is it. Sometimes you have to live the life of those whom you're working with, and whom you're selling to, to become a leader. You can hire the best minds, however, not having the same mentality will drive you wrong way (or will make you slower than others).
An extra point: there is often a huge sales force behind a thing that gives a first impression as a social platform.
Once nice quote: "Ten years ago, I applied to come to Harvard. I applied three times and was rejected three times. You all didn't even look at my application, I believe - you just turned me down!"
