Product Description

This book emphasizes how the future manager can use strategic management of innovation and technology to enhance firm performance.

This book covers the evolution of technology, meeting consumer needs, capturing values generated from investments, development of technology strategy, and implementation of the strategy.

This book is designed to teach professionals in business, engineering, and science how to use the strategic management of innovation to enhance firm performance.

Customer Reviews (2)

Good for someone interested in managing a high tech company
This is a good textbook for teaching people how to manage a high tech company.It covers all of the relevant topics and is clear and easy to understand.

Review of Technology Strategy for Managers and Entrepreneurs
As someone who teaches Technology Management at the MBA level, the publisher of Scott Shane's "Technology Strategy for Managers and Entrepreneurs" sent me a free copy in the hope I would adopt it for my course. I won't be using this text and can't recommend it to others.

Almost any book on technology is out of date by the time it is published, but ones with "strategy" in the title should offer ideas that transcend the dynamic nature of technology. This book doesn't.

It starts in the preface (p. xvii) with "Why Do We Need This Book?" - a question that signals we probably don't need "this" book. His answer is, "... this book ensures that students develop an accurate understanding of the current state of the field" (p. xvii). "Ensure" and "current" are high standards and the author certainly fails to meet the latter. Social media, a pretty "current" theme and arguably the most disruptive technology of this decade, is given less than two pages. Should entrepreneurs be using Twitter, for example, as a component of their search engine optimization strategy? You won't find the answer in "Technology Strategy" - there are only two of almost 400 pages devoted to what the author calls "social networking". Twitter is not in the index; YouTube is mentioned once in a manner unrelated to its strategy. Instead the author shares that "research has shown that information tends to flow between people who are connected to each other ..." (p. 341). Wow. I'm glad I didn't have to pay over $60 for that wisdom.

The best part of the book is the information shared on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets so that entrepreneurs can benefit from their innovation. But for this price, that alone cannot justify buying this book.
... Read more

Product Description
Called well worth reading by The Economist and earnest and entertaining by the Financial Times, Tarun Khanna s Billions of Entrepreneurs is an elegantly written book that mixes on-the-ground stories with thorough research to show how Chinese and Indian entrepreneurs are creating change through new business models and bringing hope to countless people across the globe. Khanna juxtaposes, on a variety of levels, China and India; explores how the future depends on understanding the yin and yang of these two nations; and emphasizes the increasingly important links between China, India, and the West. Khanna embraces what he calls a big tent view of entrepreneurship going beyond typical stories of high profile, young executives taking companies public and focusing on social and political entrepreneurs who are redefining the norms of daily activity.

In the book, Khanna sets out to demystify many of the questions that confound foreigners (BusinessWeek), exploring subjects that include each nation s treatment of multinationals, Chinese and Indian managerial talent, and state vs. grassroots approaches to business and entrepreneurship. Khanna s insightful analysis draws on history, economics, and political science, and is humanized by vivid portraits of the lives of individual entrepreneurs, politicians, and activists whom the author has met during his regular visits to each country. He argues that hope for prosperity in both countries lies in the hands of the billions of entrepreneurs who are alleviating social problems and historic tensions, benefiting both countries and the world at large.

According to the Financial Times: What Khanna does do, and does well, is cover vast sociopolitical and economic ground, and provide meaty information derived from conversations with people who have done business in India and China. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

No earth shaking ideas
I am from India and have lived in USA for more than 30 yrs. I keep in touch with business news of India. It contains less important historical aspect of India.
I was disappointed by the book.

Not Worth Your Time
I know nothing about India, but I have lived in China for 5 years and read scores of books on China. I was hoping for a great book comparing/contrasting the two cultures. I am still looking for that book. Based on the book's insights into China, I question whether the author's scholarship on India is useful. His China perspective was lackluster and his knowledge was obviously shallow, as evidenced by the purposeless and cavalier use of pinyin. There are numerous books I would recommend over this one for perspective on China.

In addition to being boring and lacking perspective, this book should have been edited down by at least 50 pages. There were far too many comments that were unrelated to his discussion. There were Chinese phrases spelled wrong, poor grammar, and sentences without capital letters. Is this Harvard scholarship?

Billions of Entrepreneurs with Millions of Typos!
Good account of history and context. Well researched. Great book for those trying to learn more about India and China. Impressive...

But, one thing dismayed me - it was the number of typos, calculation mistakes and grammatical errors! Poor job of editing.

India and China: Alike and Different
"Billions of Entrepreneurs: How China and India Are Reshaping Their Futures-- And Yours" by Tarun Khana is an in-depth look at the cultural, social, historical and economic forces that make India and China both alike and different.

Khana examines these forces using anecdotes, case histories, statistics and personal observations and makes the point that General Electric succeeded in both India and China by avoiding the temptation to treat these two as mirror images of each other.

Khana will make some readers uncomfortable by challenging assumptions often mistaken for truths. Khana argues that good government and private enterprise, if combined to work together, can overcome the shortfalls of both countries.

The author's objective in the book is to bring an end to the ignorance of the great majority of the Western world toward India and China. I am impressed by the author's research and analysis and insight into the multinational corporations and subsidiaries succeeding in both nations. And Khana's descriptive and illuminating case studies are but one more reason to invest time and attention in reading this book.

By Gunjan Bagla
Author of Doing Business in 21st Century India

highly recommend
Before starting the book, I was suspicious of an Indian man (albeit a scholar) writing about India and China. Many authors tend to be overly negative or unrealistically positive about their native countries, especially when comparing to other countries... It was impressive how Khanna acknowledged certain bias tendencies and while reading the book I came to respect his unwavering commitment to objectivity. I thought he always gave both countries a fair and critical look, admiring and questioning when appropriate regardless if it was India or China.

As an entrepreneur myself, it was fascinating to get a glimpse into the human stories and anecdotal evidence of the statistics that are abound in major news stories. Those exact personal encounters are what made this a page-turner for me...I felt like I got a chance to meet people I wouldn't have met otherwise.

Finally, I loved the overall optimism that Khanna has for China, India and the world. In today's atmosphere of doom and gloom it's remarkable to see an academic looking forward with excitement. I appreciated the thorough observations, intelligent and substantiated analysis in the book; I am waiting for a sequel about Russia and Brazil!
... Read more

Product Description
In the third book in her Entrepreneur Journeys series, Positioning: How To Test, Validate, And Bring Your Ideas To Market, Sramana Mitra offers a close look at the process of sculpting your idea into a sharply defined "go to market" strategy. Clarity, Mitra confirms, is the ultimate tool in building a successful business. But such clarity cannot be purchased or assumed - it requires asking the right questions. Mitra showcases case study after case study of successful entrepreneurs who have answered these questions, analyzed their markets, and defined their value propositions through differentiation, competitive analysis, market sizing, and, among other core elements of a compelling strategic marketing plan, segmentation. The process she takes her readers through is akin to the grilling venture capitalists typically put entrepreneurs through. A grueling test to any business idea, Mitra's book stimulates a due diligence exercise, which no matter if you are bootstrapping or raising venture capital, you must put yourself through to avoid wasting precious years and scarce resources. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

More tools and fewer interviews would make this a better resource
Entrepreneurs should visit her business blog, Sramana Mitra on Strategy, instead. The blog provides timely content and more resources than can be found in this book. I hoped to find strategies and instead found a book filled with outworn interviews (i.e. case studies).

I found more value in the epilogue and appendix (which includes a series of questions to "...help test and validate your idea while building an effective go-to-market strategy...") than from reading her interview with Mattias Miksche about Stardoll, an online community where girls age 8 to 18 dress and design virtual dolls.

The interviews lean more toward the inspirational instead of providing clear-cut business strategies. In each interview, Mitra captures one anecdotal nugget and sets it apart from the rest of the text. You can skip the interviews and simply browse from shaded box to shaded box to capture the highlights. Should you trudge through all the interviews, you will find the book often lacks depth. Here is an example from her interview with Mattias Miksche:

SM: What is your growth strategy?
MM: Keep building a product the users love!

In summary, Sramana Mitra provides excellent resources for entrepreneurs through her blog and as a columnist for Forbes. I recommend you check out those out first before buying this book. Aside from the series of questions in the appendix, this book offers anecdotes instead of tools to help an entrepreneur position their product.

Rating: Two stars.

Interesting, but dated and not instructional
I ordered this book through the Amazon Vine program. I had not read the previous two volumes in the series, so I was coming into the series in "the middle."

I love the interview format of this book. It's personal and revealing about the people being interviewed. It's a personal account of how the entrepreneur moved their product forward. It gives you an "insider's" view of the entrepreneur's difficult journey (and being one myself, I know how gut-wrenching it can be).

HOWEVER, I found the book not to live up to its title. It is an account of the personal journeys of the selected entrepreneurs. But I found the stories to already be dated, and the "How To" in the title implies that it will give you more of an insight as to what to do. Nope. It's not instructional except in the vein of "how I did it." Can the examples of the product launch process for individual entrepreneurs show you what pitfalls to avoid? Maybe. But I believe that these stories are less than a typical case study and more like a "glean what you need from my interview" format. That might not sit well with people who ARE looking for more of an instructional view of a case study format.

Given that the technology business changes at the speed of light, I found the examples a bit old already--even at the initial release of this book. 3 stars out of 5...good, but not great. I'm not running out to buy the other books in the series.

Not Bad, Not Groundbreaking
This is the first book I've read by the author, and it's not bad - but neither is it great. Basically, it's a series of case studies and interviews with various entrepreneurs, talking about what and what they did to get where they are.

It does point out that first and/or best in the market aren't necessarily what makes success, and the examples do provide some insight and can be thought provoking.

But in the end, this isn't much more than a series of interviews reprinted in book form, some of which are interesting, and some of which are fairly pedestrian. There's no real ground-breaking information here; it's more of a dinner conversation than hard-hitting marketing and positioning data.

Like I said, not bad, particularly for someone new to business, but not many "aha!" moments either.

Fascinating interviews, but NOT "Positioning: How To Test, Validate, and Bring Your Idea to Market"
Unlike the book, the title of this review describes what the review is about. The interviews are fascinating, but you will absolutely not learn what the book title promises.

The interviews are quite interesting, in that the interviewees are all company founders and top executives. We hear in their own words what worked for them, and what didn't work for them. As much as I enjoyed the interviews, however, I missed the critical analysis the author has provided. After all, senior executives are quite polished at recasting history as their inevitable path to victory, as opposed to the crap shoot that is so often reality. It takes only a few minutes of web searching to identify where more than one of these executives enhanced reality.

Another complaint about the interviews: the author inserts herself into every single one. To be fair, sometimes she asks insightful or even difficult questions, which inevitably improves the interview. All too often, however, her interjection is a self-serving interruption, leading with the word "I". The golden rule of interviewing is it is about the interviewee, not the interviewer. These interruptions should have been edited out, but it's clear there was no professional editor involved with this book.

However, the most disappointing aspect of the book is that it delivers so little of what the title promises. To be specific, you will find nearly no content on "How to Test, Validate and Bring Your Idea to Market." The interviewees talk about their experiences, which is useful, but which applies only narrowly to their company, their product, their market, and the business climate at that time. The author does not even solicit detailed advice from the interviewees on the topics promised in the title. The appendix, which feels very much like an afterthought, presents a few dozen questions to help "Clarify Your Story", but these questions most certainly do not constitute a "How To" book.

As a professional consultant for many years myself, I learned that the quickest way to be shown the door is to tell the client you were going to do one thing, then deliver something completely different. Unfortunately, the consultant who wrote this book has not yet learned this lesson. Do not purchase this book if you your goal is to learn what the title promises.

Great for Technology Entrepreneurs
As a first time entrepreneur I was anticipating a book that would walk through some guides on how to "test, validate and bring your idea to market." However, this book is more of a collection of interviews on a variety of companies and how they positioned their businesses in the marketplace.While I enjoyed reading the interviews most of the companies were technology based and I had a difficult time reading the business specific vocabulary.The Appendix in the last five pages in the book will be the only pages I refer back to for my business positioning.
... Read more

Product Description
Angel Financing for Entrepreneurs will give you the information you need to understand how angel investors think, as well as how to identify investor expectations, understand the investment analysis process, and prepare for post-investment requirements. Written by Susan Preston, an experienced angel investor, worldwide speaker and consultant on angel financing, and former Kauffman Foundation Entrepreneur-in-Residence, this hands-on resource, explains the factors that determine how private equity investors spend their money and what they expect from entrepreneurs. For example:

• Most venture capitalists do not invest in seed or start-up financing rounds
• Investors typically require seasoned management, with successful start-up experience
• Investors are looking for entrepreneurs with passion for their ideas and the willingness to take and apply sound advice
• Business plans must be well-written with detailed financial projections that extend 3–5 years
• Investors are looking for a clear path to profitability in the business model
• Entrepreneurs must have developed a corporate structure that is clean and uncomplicated
• And much more

Customer Reviews (7)

Choc full and nothing superfluous, There's a reason its on the syllabus at Dartmouth's MBA course in Entrepreneurship
I found this book on the syllabus of one of the entrepreneurial courses for Dartmouth's MBA (a resourceful way to find good reading).It was far superior to New Venture Creation (timmons) which seemed to be the main reading on that syllabus.That book is good but full of a lot of superfluous info--I'm still wading through that one.This book is concise, packed, and speaks exactly to entrepreneurs seeking angel money or creative financing.It doesn't wax poetic about starting a venture, but does give the down and dirty on where investors are, the history of angel investing, and how that has lead to current investor expectations.It includes examples of what a cram-down round looks like on a spread-sheet and more.

I was very impressed with this reading and highly recommend it.Every time I was reading and was wishing it had a resource, that resource popped up in the next few pages.Excellent info in a concise format.If you're not looking for angel financing however, you'll be disappointed as this book won't speak to you.

So you need investors and need to write a business plan...
I did, so I bought five books. I will review them from worst to best.

"Finding an Angel Investor In a Day," by The Planning Shop (2007), told me nothing I didn't know, and I didn't know anything about business plans or angel investors. The title is ludicrous and the advice is obvious, e.g., "Your business plan should be concise, compelling, and irresistible to investors." 1 star.

"The ABC's of Writing Winning Business Plans," by Garrett Sutton (2005), walks you through writing business plans for a lawn mowing business and buying a pizza restaurant. If your business is more complicated, this is not the book for you. 1 star.

"The Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide," by Brian Ford, Jay Boorstein, and Patrick Pruitt (2007), is a good book but hardly inspiring or insightful. If you follow this book your business plan will be competent but won't grab investors. 3 stars.

"Angel Financing for Entrepreneurs," by Susan Preston (2007). This book doesn't explain how to write a business plan, but it explains how to make a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation to investors -- a presentation that will grab investors. For example, one question is "How is your product or technology scalable?" I also learned some of the financials that angel investors look for, such as what IRR is expected. This book helped and inspired me to write an excellent presentation, that became the basis for my business plan. 5 stars.

"Raising Venture Capital for the Serious Entrepreneur," by Dermot Berkery (2008). This is a textbook for a business school course about venture capital. This book is full of insights. Every few pages new ideas would compel me to go to my computer and add stuff or rewrite my business plan, for example, Berkery emphasizes the need for clear milestones. Preston mentioned milestones but didn't make it clear why they are so important. The financials that were briefly presented in Preston's book are thoroughly presented in Berkery's book, for example, what gross margin investors look for (80% or more) and why they need such extremely profitable products or services. Plus you learn the jargon or key phrases of venture capitalists, e.g., "a large but well signaled market," the importance of "market power" and an effective "route to customers." I feel thatmy business plan now speaks to investors in their language, with the numbers they are looking for. 5 stars.

Ready to read it
I'm looking forward to reading this book -- Jim is speaking at the upcoming conference in Denver (The Capital Factor http://TheCapitalFactor.com) and I plan on meeting him there! I've heard a lot of wonderful things about him from people who have heard him speak and you gotta admit, what the guy has accomplsihed so far is astonishing!

Required Reference for all Angel Investors and Founder Entrepreneurs
This book is full of useful information for both angel investors and entrepreneurs seeking funds for any start-up. There are anecdotes, facts and figures describing the industry and trends, a comprehensive list of resources, groups and sample agreements. There are checklists for use in everything from business planning to due diligence. If you are interested enough to be reading this review you should just get the book, you will be glad you did.

Well worth the $30 I paid,
And I'm only in the 3rd chapter. I'll agree I was disheartened when I realized at least half the book is an appendix and the first chapter is a bit repetitive, but....., the information that follows is well worth the $30 I paid. A little more work and $50 for the book would only raise an eyebrow or two. If you expect to get $1,000 worth of reference material or a bible for an industry insider, well...., forget it. If you're really on the fence considering it, buy it second-hand at $15, don't buy coffee for a month and I'll guarantee you'll be well ahead of the game.Is it for someone with previous experience in Angel Investing? No, go write your own book if you have that experience. Is it useful for the price and its' stated intent? No question. There's obvious experience being laid out in the book and that's worth thousands more than any price I've seen asked for the book.
Just my 2 cents, go to get back to that next chapter now... ... Read more

Product Description

Become a money magnet

Read this book and in just a few months make more money than you have in years. Sound unbelievable? That's Dan Kennedy's specialty. Dan "Millionaire Maker" Kennedy has helped many thousands of entrepreneurs create "the wealth surge experience."

By making a few calculated changes, you'll attract more opportunity and money than you ever dreamed possible. That's right--attract--not create, not develop, not identify, but become an opportunity magnet. These eleven breakthrough strategies turn your business into a springboard to unimaginable riches. Eliminate ingrained "wealth-blocking" thinking with hard-nosed, practical tactics for organizing, marketing and managing a business for maximum profit.

The powerful tips in this book (and in the Wealth Attraction seminar--worth $2,000--on the CD) will change your life and put you on the fast track to magnetically attract much greater wealth.

INSIDE!

Product Description

Have the negotiating edge when getting your new business off the ground

Written by Dermot Berkery, an internationally known venture capitalist with Delta Partners, this complete toolbook thoroughly details how venture capitalists arrange the financing for a company; what they look for in a business plan; how they value a business; and how they structure the terms of an agreement. Within its pages, you'll find everything you need to successfully raise new business capital with the most attractive terms possible.

Using informative case studies, detailed charts, and term sheet exercises, Raising Venture Capital for the Serious Entrepreneur discusses the basic principles of the venture capital method, strategies for raising capital, methods of valuing the early-stage venture, and proven techniques for negotiating the deal. The author leads you step-by-step through:

• Developing a Financing Map
• Getting to the First Stepping Stone
• Understanding the Unique Cash Flow and Risk Dynamics of Early Stage Ventures
• Determining the Amount of Capital to Raise and What to Spend It on
• Learning How Venture Capital Firms Think
• Creating a Winning Business Plan
• Funding Early-Stage Companies
• Agreeing on a Term Sheet with a Venture Capitalist
• Setting Terms for Splitting the Rewards
• Allocating Control between Founders/Management and Investors
• Aligning the Interests of Founders/Management and Investors

Customer Reviews (23)

Good read
This is a great book, light read, great overview.Absolutely recommend to anyone considering the life of an entrepreneur or those dealing with venture capital.Great basic explanations and guidance.

Gets to the point without any fluff
I bought this book to get a crash course on venture capital and it did not disappoint. The author explains VC in plain language using understandable case studies. Clearly, Dermot Berkery has years of practical experience in equity finance and he has skillfully converted that experience into meaningful lessons and indespensible wisdom. That's what makes this book good. What makes this book great is what the author has omitted: the superfluous filler that you might find in a "For Dummies" type of text. Berkery sticks to the facts and backs up his opinions and suggestions with sound reasoning. In an age when shelves are cluttered with management books filled cover to cover with useless babble from business philosophers and pontificating tomes from celebrity entrepreneurs and CEOs, it's refreshing to to find a volume that gets to the point without any fluff.

Just buy it, its a no brainer for the value contained inside!
I can honestly say that this book has changed the way I look at business, and building a company in general. It is laid out very clearly, uses easy to understand examples and is accessible to the non-financial guru! I talked to a VC recently who wryly said the book gave away to many secrets. Ultimately it's a very fair, insightful, from the hip guide, that will inform and educate you in many ways. I now recommend it to everyone I meet who is considering building an enterprise of scale - even if they don't think they need it - the wisdom is there!

If you are considering building something big - get this book first, and know the game!

Well written and easy to understand...highly recommend!
Just finished the book.Very good understanding of how the VC game is played.This book will help entrepreneurs formulate a targeted biz plan with a better chance of funding.


Well written and easy to understand...highly recommend!

Well Done!A Must Read For All Entrepreneurs....
I wanted to gain a better understanding of venture capital financing, for purposes of my own professional development, and to expand the services I offer as a CFO consultant.As I searched out different books on the subject, I came across Dermot Berkery's "Raising Venture Capital for the Serious Entrepreneur".This book was exactly what I was looking for.

Mr. Berkery provides his readers a clear and complete understanding of every aspect of venture capital.Some of the areas that were quite helpful included understanding the unique cash flow and risk dynamics of an early stage venture, how much capital to raise and when, creating winning business plans (not what you have read in other books), how to value early-stage ventures, and negotiating all facets of a term sheet.

In addition to his clear writing style, he provides well thought out explanatory exhibits, mini-cases, and exercises - all of which reinforce the concepts, in a meaningful way.

I would highly recommend this book to any entrepreneur, and those that support them, who really wants to, and needs to, understand venture capital as a funding source.And if there are college professors out there teaching venture capital - this book has to be the one you use as a textbook.Mr. Berkery's depth of experience in the venture capital world comes through clearly in his writing - he knows what he is talking about and has a great way of explaining it to those who want to learn more.

William M. Wright II, CPA
Chesapeake, VA USA
[...] ... Read more

Product Description
He didn’t work for money. He was willing to walk away. He invested his emotions wisely. He did sweat the small stuff.

Beyond work, beyond entrepreneurism, there is “spiritreneurism”—work that allows you to do well by doing right. In Jesus, Entrepreneur, Laurie Beth Jones, bestselling author of Jesus, CEO, shows you how to find soul satisfaction in your work.

Jones shows that there is no contradiction between earning a comfortable living even as you use your job to promote your deepest spiritual and personal beliefs. How exactly is this possible? By sharing timeless wisdom from the Bible and anecdotes from her own life and consulting career, as well as tales from the best and worst work situations in today’s rapidly changing business environment, she reveals how you can inspire yourself and your coworkers to use your highest gifts to benefit the bottom line.

A genius at making the powerful familiar, Jones offers a commandingly fresh and compelling case for Jesus as a role model for modern times. Rich with humor, exercises, meditations, and case histories, Jesus, Entrepreneur is essential reading for those seeking to put their spirituality to practical use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

You Can become a Change Agent
Laurie Beth Jones writes books that empower ordinary men and women to serve as change agents in their worlds.This is a book to savor day by day, not to rush through in a few hours' time.Read, reflect, and pray your way through these pages.Become a spiritreneur.The world will be glad you did.

This book is well organized and easy to read.
The ideas contained in this book are really well written and flow easily. 5 Stars.

Maybe I have to read this book again...
I read this book sometime in Nov. of '08.Though a lot of the content seemed pretty fluffy, like I was hugging a stuffed Jesus, a lot of Ms. Jones' material DID bring light to a lot of subjects.I probably need to read this book once more, forget about the "How Did She Get This?" chapter titles, and read a little deeper into the subject matter.

Good book for beginners.

Sacrilegious and stupid
This book combines the worst of self help books for losers, fawning CEO worship and dim-witted management guides and adds a generous dollop of ignorant sacrilege to boot. Folks, Jesus is not a CEO and CEOs are not Jesus.

According to Christian doctrine, Jesus was also not a wise man, or a philosopher, contrary to what heretics like GW Bush and Muslims like Osama bin Laden believe. Real Christians believe Jesus was God.

In the early days of Christianity, people had their tongues cut out or were forced to drink molten lead for spouting the kinds of heresies you'll see in this book. Not very nice, I admit, but at least it kept the faith alive. A few more books like this and Jesus will be making guest appearances on reality TV shows with other washed up celebs before diappearing forever from human memory.

Helped me realize what my goal is
I bought this book for a school project and I couldn't put it down. It's so easy to read. As a high school senior trying to decide what to do for the rest of my life this book really helped me put things in order. It helped me see that "Jesus' definition of success was 'to do the will of God.'" I loved the examples within the chapters of how people had applied these tips to their life. The questions at the end of each chapter were good but didn't really apply to me or help me. Overall I would definitely reccomend this book to people. Especially if you are struggling to find a job that suits you. This book really helps you put your values into persepective and realize that you will be the most successful if you pursue that job that makes you happiest and brings you closest to God. ... Read more

Product Description
A Celebration of dreamers who became doers...

Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur's Soul is a compilation of short stories from entrepreneurs, both large and small, who share their experiences of success, failure and courage, with a little helpful advice mixed in.

Many of these stories, told for the first time here, will enlighten you to new methods of entrepreneurship or simply help you believe in the possibilities of getting started. People such as Doris Christopher, a stay-at-home mother, introduced her love of cooking to others, thus founding The Pampered Chef; sticking to his instincts and putting value at the core of his business, Tom Chappell, founder of Tom's of Maine, explains how success can go way beyond the balance sheet; and Carol Gardner intimately shares a desperate time of debt and divorce, until along came a bulldog named Zelda, followed by a greeting cardline -- Zelda Wisdom -- which became one of Hallmark's number-one sellers. These entrepreneurs and many more will inspire you with their amazing life experiences and fascinating beginnings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Unlocking the Potential Within You!
This book helps you to see some of the challenges people faced and how they overcame thier adversities to achieve their dreams and SO MUCH MORE.Do you have what it takes?How long are you willing to work on achieveing Your dreams? Great book to read

An Inspiration Bible
I think this book should have a place in the library of any aspiring or seasoned entrepreneur.If you're demotivated, uninspired and/or discouraged, and you want to recharge your batteries or reconnect with your entrepreneurial spirit, then this is the book to read.However, if you're looking for a blueprint for entrepreneurial success, then in my opinion, you'll need another book in addition to this one.

Inspiring
I have heard some of the stories in this book before,but there were some that I found to be quite encouraging.

No substance
I was greatly disappointed with this book. I saw Jack Canfield on a TV show and he stated the all the stories went through a very thorough vetting process and only the most inspirational ones made the book.Well if this is true then the vetting committe needs to look up the meaning of the word inspirational. I felt this book was just thrown together with stories that were held together with the barest of threads , I feel there are much better books out there to find real inspiration in.

Awesome & Life Changing!
This book, as well as the author have literally changed my life in positive ways I neevr deemed possible. I am so grateful for the book and for the wise words of Jack Canfield.He and his writings inspire and encourage me as well as give me hope for the future of our world! ... Read more

Product Description
It's no secret that your genes have a subtle, but powerful impact on your job and career. But did you know that your DNA accounts for one third of the difference between you and your co-workers in many aspects of work life, from job satisfaction to income level? That's the revelation of this fascinating book--one that will change the way you think It's no secret that your genes have a subtle, but powerful impact on your job and career.

Despite extensive evidence highlighting the influence of genetics in the business world, this critical connection has been glossed over by corporate leaders and management gurus. Now, for the first time, author Scott Shane explains why genes matter, and how an understanding of their relationship to behavior is of vital importance to employers, employees, and policy makers. This eye-opening resource begins with an incisive look at the basic function of genes and their effects on organizational behavior, providing a real-world analysis of how genes influence numerous aspects of our professional lives, from the jobs we choose, to how effectively we make decisions and manage people. Born Entrepreneurs, Born Leaders also delves into role that genetics plays in creativity and innovation, and focuses on how genes affect our tendency to start companies. Armed with these insights, you'll not only learn how to leverage your innate skills and personality, but you'll discover how to succeed by acting in ways contrary to your"nature."

Packed with scientifically grounded insights, this phenomenal book also examines the potential use of genetic information in creating job assignments and designing incentive and training plans. Ultimately, Born Entrepreneurs, Born Leaders shows how a heightened awareness of your own-and your colleagues'-genetic predispositions can make you a better employee or employer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Quite Enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I've always enjoyed reading about the nature vs. nurture argument, and this book takes it one step further, with more data to back up the nature argument. The weakness, of course, is that it leaves one with the odd sense of being "destined" to be a certain way. Few people wish to believe this, yet the authors do make a convincing case.

Practical? No. Thought-provoking? Perhaps.
I'm not really sure how to rate this book. On the one hand it is of virtually no practical use. It talks about all sorts of different ways genetic factors influences who we are and what we do, but since the sort of genetic testing required to know these factors isn't something readily available to employers, managers, or individuals you're left with a feeling of "well that's all great, but I can't really do anything with this information".

Now, if you're OK with a gap on the application side of things, there are certainly plenty of thought-provoking aspects to the book. I, for one, found the discussion of the so-called "novelty gene" as particularly interesting for my own self-analysis. I'm sure other readers would find other points of discussion equally worthwhile. There is also a discussion of the implications of genetic testing and related subjects in the final chapter, which will engage some readers.

Here's the rub, though. Much of the research on genetic influences comes from the study of indentical twins and adoptees. It gets a bit tiring to read over and over again "studies of identical twins indicates that genetics make up X% of the determining factor in an individual's ______ direction". And there are so many caveats about how multiple things impact aspects of our personality and whatnot. I had a hard time staying focused.

So overall some interesting bits, but the reading takes some work and you don't end up with much you can actualy use in the end.

Boring and repetitive
I had hoped that this book would reveal some interesting ways in which genetics affect entrepreneurial potential and leadership ability, as well as some ways in which readers can counteract their own inborn tendencies.Instead, nearly all of the book consists of repetitive statements in the line of, "Scientists have determined that [some number] to [some much larger number] percent of your [vaguely defined trait] is [determined/influenced/impacted/etc.] by your genetics."Not only were the statistics mostly meaningless and almost certainly not an accurate portrayal of the underlying research, but the book was just incredibly redundant.In the end, it was difficult to read, because the pattern became so tiring after the first couple of chapters.I would love to be able to recommend this book, because it had the potential to be fascinating, but I just can't.

Basic premise is 40% nature 60% nurture - probably didn't warrant a whole book
So start with a study that looks at identical twins and compare those fraternal twins and you find out that statistically a person's likelihood of becoming a business owner is 40% from their genes and 60% from how they were raised.I do not know if this book answers a lot of questions on how to foster more entrepreneurs but it contains some very interesting statistics and empirical data.

Why I didn't get overly excited about the book was because the numbers aren't that far apart.On a 40/60 split it still shows that creating your own livelihood is anyone's game.

I found the book to be well laid-out and the information was presented in an easy to read method.I just don't think there is anything really earth shattering in the book.I would have thought the information could have just as easily been presented as an article in a magazine or blog.

This book highlights the ways for change
I love this book very much! I do not know why some readers got the impressions of Gene Determinism after reading this book. What I got out of this book is how potent our environment is for changing the gene expressions for us.

In many places, Shane talked about how the social environment (like social support in and out of your family, parent divorce, and adolescence hardship) can change the possibility for certain genes to express themselves. For example, in Chapter 2, it shows that not having the experience of being abused will reduce the likelihood that the "harm-avoiding gene" expresses itself (that is, it is less likely that the given gene will make a person become harm avoiding). In Chapter 7, there are discussions that adolescence hardship can enhance the genetic influence on whether you become a leader. In other words, if you had a harsh environment when growing up, whether you become a leader is more likely to be determined by your genes. And if you had a good supportive environment in adolescence, whether you become a leader is less likely to be impacted by your genes.

I think these information perfectly answers the "so-what" question. It seems to me that knowing what genes are impacting what aspects of our work life is only the first step. The more important second step is to understand how we can change the growing environment so that to minimize genetic influence for certain "bad genes" while maximize that for the good ones. As a grown-up, I may be frustrated to know that I can not change my adolescence environment, and so, gene expressions can no longer be changed for me. But think about the future generations, those ways for changing are very helpful for our kids. Indeed, I applaud for Shane's detailed discussion on these potential ways to change gene expressions. ... Read more

Product Description

A front row seat into the world of high-stakes commercial real estate investing

“A must-read book … one of the best real estate investment books I have ever read.On my scale of 1 to 10, this unique book rates an off-the-charts 12.” ---Robert Bruss

Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur is for the individual who is ready to get serious about investing.Not a rah-rah or get-rich-quick book, this book is for someone who is prepared to think about what he or she wants to accomplish.James Randel provides the how and why.

James Randel has been a successful investor and educator for 25 years.He teaches investing through stories and anecdotes – bringing to the limelight not just his successes (and there are some amazing stories of these) but also his mistakes.His candor is instructive and entertaining.

It is said that “those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.” James Randel is a rare exception as he is both a highly successful investor as well as an excellent teacher.As said by Jeff Dunne, Vice Chairman of the largest real estate company in the world, CB Richard Ellis:

“I’ve tracked Jimmy’s incredible run of successful real estate investments for 20 years and more recently invested very profitably with him.His new book is a must read for anyone interested in real estate investing.”

If you are tired of the “same old, same old” and prepared to play in the big leagues, this book is calling your name. (20061208) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (69)

A blueprint for real estate investors
This book is wonderful for anyone interested in real estate investing, lots of common sense combined with nuts and bolts background on the business.While it may not all be new as one reviewer mentioned, I've read over 2 dozen real estate books and this one does the best job of packaging all the elements; without out hype or any false promises of get rich quick shortcuts.A genuine article.

Nice reading
I didn't finish it yet, but I already can say it is a very nice reading for those who works in the real state business.

A wonderful read
This is simply a great book from start to finish.I highly recommend it.

The book is geared toward beginning and intermediate investors, but it's an easy read.

Create returns worthy of an entrepreneur.
Here is a commercial real estate investment book that doesn't require a degree in finance to keep up with. At the same time it is not too simplistic for experienced investors.I found this a little surprising, considering Randel is a real estate attorney.It doesn't take long to understand what he means by real estate entrepreneur vs. investor.The entrepreneur gets creative and is willing to try things in his market that haven't been tried before.Having no money doesn't stop him, it just encourages more creativity.He isn't satisfied with institutional type returns, but looks to hit the ball out of the park, while still managing his risk.

Each major technique is illustrated with a story that describes a transaction in detail.In the more complex examples, Randel slows down and defines his terms to help us "get it."His deals range from half a million dollars on up to near 50 million.These stories make the book entertaining.I could hardly put it down.Now I have a idea (Randel's) for a commercial office building that could double its value within two to three years, even if the market is flat.

The principles stay the same, it is the applications that change.Learn these principles to apply this year in your market to create returns worthy of a real estate entrepreneur.

A MUST READ for all real estate investors!!
Jim Randel shares his 30+ years of real estate experience in this outstanding book. You might not know that he leased Bed, Bath and Beyond space in one of his buildings and they tried to hire him to expand nationwide. He turned down the job. Also, he leased Martha Stewart her firststore in the 1980s in Westport, CT. He has closed more than 5,000 transactions as an attorney and is one of the brightest real estate investors in the country. His self-deprecating writing style is refreshing. He once made almost $1,000,000 for an hour long meeting that resulted in a 50/50 split of a brokerage commission. You'll learn more about these stories and much more in "Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur".

You simply must buy this book!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Entrepreneur's Manual Eval.
The book has proven quite useful for my needs on business startup.Looking forward to getting quite a bit more use out of my purchase and the cost was most satisfying.We thank you for the service extended and hope to fullfil other needs by way of this process.Respectfully!

Finally the answers I've been looking for!
Love this book, tells you every detail of how to start a business, the RIGHT way!Thanks.

We're talking gold here for pennies on the dollar.
Even if this book was selling for retail, I'd still suggest heading out and buying a copy as soon as possible.It's THE book that can lead a potential entrepreneur from a vague feeling of "I need to start a business" to actually overseeing a successful venture.There are no theoretical Harvard Business School theories here.These techniques work, and are explained in a way that anyone with an average intelligence can understand.Further, it encourages excitement, and stimulates motivation so that dreamers can bring their ideas to light.

I can't recommend this book enough.I'd give it seven stars if I could.

Probably the World's Most Valuable & Enduring Business Book (Top 10).
I stumbled across this book shortly after starting my 3rd company (1991). This baby is chock-full of truly interesting, readable prose.
Invaluable references.
"Real Life" examples of entrepreneur's in the trenches.
VC's at the bargaining table.

Lessons such as "The Okie Mechanic", "Establish Your Mini-Incomes", "The 40-Inch Hardboiled Egg" and others are as applicable today as they were back in '77. Replace "manufacturing plant" with "web development team" and you'll never know the difference.

Richard White and his band of 17+ consultants, VC's and company founders (primarily Silicon Valley but the stories are from all over the map) made this book happen. How Chilton got hold of it, and why they have not wrapped a complete business program around it is beyond me.

At times, you cannot find this book anywhere on the used market. Ocassionally booksellers show a few dozen copies. Either way, get yourself a copy, and pick up 3 for your closest friends, business partners and your kids.

You won't regret it.

I've used this as a sound guide in consulting to hundreds of clients. it never ceases to bring forth some associative wisdom and true-stories from the client... and leads the way in solving many an issue.

Oh, and for those who have loaned it out never to see it again?

Good. Get yourself another copy to give away.
I believe I'm on number 34 or 35.

Mark Alan Effinger
RichContent.com

P.S. Another winner is Mark Paul's "How To Attract More Customers in Good TImes and Bad". Highly recommended for getting clarity in your customer acquisition process and pricing models.

THE GRAND DADDY OF BUSINESS CREATION MANUALS
31 years later and on my second copy, this is STILL the one I keep coming back to when it's time to start up something very special. Written by someone who's been there - done that and is willing to tell all. Unlike most business books that claim so much yet deliver so little, this one comes through in spades. Want to fire up a new company --- the right way --- the first time --- and do it with others you can motivate all along the way? If so, then look no further. Definately aging well. ... Read more

Product Description
Two of Inc. magazine’s hugely popular columnists show how small-business people can deal with all kinds of tricky situations.

People starting out in business tend to seek step-by-step formulas or specific rules, but in reality there are no magic bullets. Rather, says veteran entrepreneur Norm Brodsky, there’s a mentality that helps street-smart people solve problems and pursue opportunities as they arise. He calls it “the knack,” and it has made all the difference to the eight successful start-ups of his career.

Brodsky explores this mind-set every month in Inc. magazine, in the hugely popular column he co-writes with journalist and author Bo Burlingham (best known for his acclaimed book Small Giants). In both their column and now their book, they tell stories about real companies facing real challenges, and show readers how to apply “the knack” to their own businesses.

Brodsky and Burlingham offer essential advice such as:

• Follow the numbers—that’s the best way to spot problems before they become life threatening
• Keep focusing on your real goal--it’s amazingly easy to get sidetracked by secondary concerns
• Don’t get so close to the problem that you lose all perspective Brodsky and Burlingham prove that street smarts and business acumen can be within any entrepreneur’s reach. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Great book
Highly recommended IMHO. Great pieces of well organized business-sense, some of which was supposed to be common sense, but that is only realized after we "hear" it from Mr. Brodsky... pretty much like an "egg of Columbus". After all, Mr. Brodsky has been there, done that, and that by itself is reassuring as for the contents of advice being dispensed.

Business book every biz owner should have or at least read once
I've read abt 80 business books (I have notes written from most of them) over the past years - this one stands out in particular.The authors offer great advice on what you need to do to stay afloat - don't be mislead by sales figures, focus on profits and profit margins - and then to excel.My own small biz has improved from following some of the advice.

Truly excellent business book.

Cassius Cheong, writer of Cassius Cheong's Positively Quit Manual: The Thinking Person's Guide to Stop Smoking

Put your highlighter away please
You will end up painting the book yellow.
Robert Morris is correct in his statement that all executes need...err should read this book.
I come from a similar, yet different perspective. I am a young entrepreneur and must
admit that this book literally spoke to me (badly worded pun, intended).

I will start off saying that albeit I have purchased numerous books, I have never written a review.
What compelled me to write this was not one factor, but several gold nuggets worth of information.

Being young, intelligent, and ****ing naive, my eyes are open. How did Norm and Bo manage to
accomplish through their awkward narrative story-telling?
Well the answer lies in the question (not the awkward part, mind you).
Valuable and genuine lessons in the form of a story adds that much
needed x-factor to not only make a lasting impression, but to make the
reader believe they have too, lived through that experience and reaped all
of the wisdom offered by it.

I cannot stress the level of connection in this book. Highly recommend it for entrepreneurs, business owners,
and executives. I still recommend the book simply as a novel/good read, if you are interested. Many valuables
lessons to be taken.


PS - The book is now named "Street Smarts" instead of the former "The Knack".
It says so in my book =D

good info, but slow moving and sometimes basic
This book was excellent in parts, but I felt it could have been edited down to be able half the length.Some good info for beginning people, but I'm not sure it was told in the simplistic way that newbies will really grasp.And those that might grasp it probably don't need the info.

Not a bad book, but not excellent either.Expected more.

Have noticed they've released it (at least in some parts of the world) under a different title.Perhaps there is a new edit?If so, I think that would help things tremendously.

This is one of those books I would recommend, but get the paperback rather than an electronic or audio version, so you'll be able to skim through it and skip over any chunks that don't work for you.

Worth buying more copies
I originally purchased this as an audio book.It is not only readable but a wealth of information and insights for anyone inbusiness or thinking of going into business.After listenig to the book, I ordered two hard copies.One for my wife to read, and for me to have as a reference.The other for my business partner.He is a former GM executive and thinks it should have been required reading for the auto companies.If they had, they might not have gotten into the trouble they are in today. ... Read more

Product Description
Pamela Slim, a former corporate training manager, left her office job twelve years ago to go solo and has enjoyed every bit of it.

In her groundbreaking book, based on her popular blog Escape from Cubicle Nation, Slim explores both the emotional issues of leaving the corporate world and the nuts and bolts of launching a business. Drawing on her own career, as well as stories from her coaching clients and blog readers, Slim will help readers weigh their options, and make a successful escape if they decide to go for it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Blend of reality, with a twist of hope, and filled with knowledge
Pam is a great promoter of pursuing your passion, and what you are good at, and developing a business out of it. She gives a professional view and a mentor "Auntie" view in this book.

Excellent information, excellent presentation
This is a very practical insightful compilation of the author's experiences and advice from other experts in the entrepreneurial field. It guides the reader through the maze of details related to starting a business. It stresses the need for money throughout the process, but it also emphasizes the need and value of personal satisfaction in our money making efforts. I'd been working in cubicles for 20 years and the author knows what she's talking about when she describes the corporate landscape of the majority of white collar employees. The book offers suggestions to justify and prepare for the transition. It points out the need for a business plan, financial strategy, personal support system, marketing approach, along with many other valuable ideas.
It's easy to read and easy to pick up later for reference.

Consultant's Manifesto
I take issue with several themes of this book:

1) The book is a constant barrage of name dropping and case studies from other authors. It's almost like she let everyone else write her book for her.

2) This book is probably more helpful for becoming a consultant than anything else. I don't necessarily consider consultants entrepreneurs. They're more like contractors.

3) There are other books that did it better, before this one, and were referenced by this one. Specifically:
The 4-Hour Workweek, Expanded and Updated: Expanded and Updated, With Over 100 New Pages of Cutting-Edge Content.
Also, to a lesser degree:
Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat (Agora Series)

4) The organization and writing make for a slow, sometimes agonizing read. She could stand to make her writing more concise and topical headings more relevant. Her rhetorical dialog and pointless examples detract from the poignant ideas and helpful case studies.

I did not find this book motivational, but instead a boring rehash of basic concepts and personal life considerations.

Bottom line, there are better entrepreneurship books (see above). If you're getting into consulting, this may be marginally helpful.

Probably the only book you'll need to start as an entrepreneur.
So you are fed up of "working for the man" and dream of striking it out on your own? There are plenty of books out there on the subject that, while they are a nice read (and I've been through a few of them as I look forward to become financially independent myself) they don't really tell things as they really are - nor tell you what should you do if things don't come along as you've planned. (There's a reason why 8 out of 10 new businesses fail within their first year). Pam's book addresses all these issues, in a nice, straight, down-to-earth, buzzword-free way. Granted, there must be more solid reasons to leave the cubicle than "I hate my boss" or "I'd have it easier working for myself" (Surprise: you won't - but knowing that 100% of your efforts go straight to your own benefit should be compensative enough). Do you really have what it takes to become an entrepreneur? This book will make you analyze in depth each and every one of the issues you have to look for if you are considering to take the plunge for good. And it also becomes a handy reference to guide you along the way. Plus, once you realize you are really, really serious about becoming an entrepreneur, Pam offers personal, affordable one-on-one coaching through her [...] website. As far as career change-related books go, Pam's book is arguably the best deal out there.

Without wanting to give out any spoilers, I can share this tidbit: Getting completely out of debt and have savings to cover at least 6 months to a year of expenses (ergo: save like a madman and cut back on all but the most basic expenses) will give you a boost of confidence and security to go out on your own that will be harder to come by if you are living paycheck to paycheck. I can't recommend this book (and its companion website) enough. It's your key to become free. Go get it.

Solid advice and inspiration for those considering starting a business
"Escape From Cubicle Nation" by Pam Slim is a good mix of inspiring and practical strategies for people considering the transition from employee to entrepreneur.If you are on the fence, the opening of the book is a good summary of the pros and cons.I particularly liked how Slim doesn't push entrepreneurship or any one particular path.

The practical info Slim shares (how to test ideas, how to pick the right legal entity for your business) includes a good basic overview but if you are serious about launching or have launched a business you will need further resources each step of the way.Also, while I liked how Slim called out so-called business coaches who encourage entrepreneurship but may not give a realistic picture of the financial and emotional sacrifices, I was hoping this book documented more specifics on these.Fo example, Slim chides Internet marketers who hawk overnight success products, but how long is a reasonable wait for success?Slim recommends several months of savings, but does that mean she thinks you can replicate your corporate income in a business after several months?That seemed aggressive to me, while the rest of her advice was straightforward and conservative, so this issue was one major place that left me hanging.

Still, "Escape From Cubicle Nation" is a motivational read with good foundational basics.I wanted more but only because what was shared was good, solid stuff.
... Read more

Product Description

Investing in Entrepreneurs: A Strategic Approach for Strengthening Your Regional and Community Economy offers a compelling argument for making the support of entrepreneurship the centerpiece of local and regional economic development—and provides a plan to make it happen. The book is organized around a tool, developed by the authors, that permits a community to strategically map and manage its business assets in a way that can transform its economy.

Investing in Entrepreneurs begins with a reflection on the importance of entrepreneurship, a discussion of its diminished place in economic development, and a call for its rise back to prominence. The importance of managing entrepreneurial assets is discussed, followed by a thorough articulation of the author's tool for accomplishing this in a holistic and strategic manner. Examples drawn from the authors' fieldwork illustrate the many ways in which the tool can be utilized to guide economic development efforts. A final chapter discusses possible resistance to this innovation and how that resistance can be successfully addressed.

Customer Reviews (7)

Economic Developers- Take Heed!!
As an Economic Developer working in a small rural County, I have found it difficult to argue with a highly traditional approach to changing and growing our economy.I also understand that we are not unlike many other areas in the country that struggle with what to do to create a better living environment for our residents.But the argument continues- develop land and physcial resources and recruit businesses.What is clear to me is that this is a strategy that will eventually run out of resources (just as our larger neighboring counties have seen) so then what do we do to continue growth?And as a rural area, don't we want to maintain our green spaces?Isn't this why we live where we do?

Growing our local entreprenuerial culture and creating a pipeline of small business people shifts the focus from physical, non-sustainable resources to those that will not only continue to grow, but will really attract more talent to our region.

This book gives a great economic history and also lays out what to me, are simple truths about how to change our local strategy for economic development.Much of the evidence and experience of the authors come from working for years in the same kinds of communities and directly with entrepreneurs.These aren't guesses about what works, these are hard fought lessons, from the trenches of real small business experiences.

Very Important Book for Revitalizing Our Economy
Lyons and Lichtenstein may well have written the most important book for our economic revitalization.Tapping a rare combination of academic and practitioner experience, the authors provide the most lucid, comprehensive, and, most importantly, ACTIONABLE entrepreneurial development system I have seen in my many years of economic development and entrepreneurship.

As regional economies flounder and policy and political leaders espouse "job creation", little attention or dollars are being allocated to the true source of job growth in the United States: Entrepreneurs. New strategies for economic development are desperately needed which will help regions to adjust to the realities of our 21st Century economies. Scarce resources are expended on incentivizing industrial relocation or recruitment, an anachronistic remnant of the industrial age. Entrepreneurial development strategies are ubiquitously fragmented, ineffective, inefficient and notoriously under-funded. For the most part, regions are struggling to learn how to "support" entrepreneurs. This book provides all the information needed to create the ecosystem for entrepreneurs to thrive.

The authors propose a regional approach which focuses on developing the skills of entrepreneurs, a radical approach, but one proven to be pragmatic, effective and sustainable for long term economic development. The book focuses on why and how to develop the pipeline of entrepreneurs. Particularly illuminating are the insights and candor of actual entrepreneurs cited throughout the book.

One particular gem for economic developers is the section which discusses the application of the pipeline to regional cluster strategies. Lyons and Lichtenstein contend the much-beloved "cluster" approaches (the programmatic approach of several federal and state programs) have failed to garner the expected economic impact because cluster analysis is an analytical tool and treats all entrepreneurs the same. Cluster development lacks the lack of focus on entrepreneurs and their skill sets. Given the increasing programmatic focus on cluster development, regions would be well-served to incorporate the authors' suggestions. Your economic future will depend upon it.

The Solution to Our Economic Woes
As a small-business consultant, I believe it is a national tragedy that so many hard-working, talented, and brilliant people try and fail to create a profitable business from scratch. It is not only an embarrassment, but increasing the success rates of entrepreneurs is probably the best way to rebuild our economy and prepare a solid foundation for future growth. No one really knows what the success rates are (30% survive 5 years? 80% fail in the first year?) and so far, there have been no approaches that came close to meeting the challenge of improving them.

Until now.

Investing in Entrepreneurs: A Strategic Approach for Strengthening Your Regional and Community Economy is a monumental work! The approaches outlined therein for matching the skill-set, mindset, and experience of the business owner to the complexity of the business model, and then giving the entrepreneur the support team they need to grow, are the keys to increasing small business success rates. Having a pipeline of entrepreneurs at many levels of sophistication is the key to building a strong infrastructure for our country. They have the research. They can prove it.

I have been watching the authors for nearly three years as they gathered their research and created this work. There is nothing like it today, and it is indeed a "game-changer".

Get it. Read it. Use it.

Economic Development Epiphany
If you are the type of person that flips to the end of a book before starting to read it, the quote you'll find at the concluding chapter sums up the impact of this 210 page treasure. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead.

Investing in Entrepreneurs: A Strategic Approach for Strengthening Your Regional and Community Economy combines wisdom, common sense and tried and true action plans for implementing economic development for wealth creation and community transformations.

Those who are truly committed to genuine economic development efforts and entrepreneurial success will study, embrace and encourage their colleagues to adopt this visionary thinking. As the Director for the West Virginia Small Business Development Center I highly recommend it! As the former Coaching Director for the Entrepreneurial League System in Advantage Valley, I have witnessed firsthand the spectacular importance and dramatic impact of these efforts and revelations! Thank you Gregg and Tom!

This book underscores the realization that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens ARE changing the world.

Won't you join us?

An actionable plan for stimulating the entrepreneurial environment.
Investing In Entrepreneurs is a significant and important departure in the way entrepreneurship has been viewed to date.The authors clearly demonstrate the obstacles and impediments that investors face in evaluating, developing and growing businesses headed by entrepreneurs, and explain why these firms frequently fail despite all the dedicated efforts by trained professionals.Additionally, the book provides a structured conceptual framework, called the "Pipeline", which can provide a road map for targeting entrepreneurial investments and allow for a much higher rate of success.

The concepts and techniques which are clearly elucidated and developed here are a necessary and groundbreaking approach for anyone involved in the business of entrepreneurial investment and lending, from venture capital, investment banking and public sector professionals, to bankers who need to evaluate the financial and managerial capacities of entrepreneurs for ongoing capital requirements.

I view this as a "must read", especially in today's challenging economic environment, which more than ever before demands a more targeted and effective process for successfully growing and nurturing both entrepreneurs and the firms they operate. ... Read more

Product Description
A complete set of tools for applying entrepreneurial strategies and techniques to your nonprofit

As a follow-up to their book Enterprising Nonprofits, the authors of Strategic Tools for Social Entrepreneurs provide a full set of practical tools for putting the lessons of business entrepreneurship to work in your nonprofit. The book offers hands-on guidance that helps social sector leaders hone their entrepreneurial skills and carry out their social missions more effectively than ever before. This practical and easy-to-use book is filled with examples, exercises, checklists, and action steps that bring the concepts, frameworks, and tools to life. Detailed explanations of all the tools and techniques will help you personalize and apply them to your nonprofit organization–making it stronger, healthier, and better able to serve the needs of our communities.

Praise for Strategic Tools for Social Entrepreneurs

"I search constantly for resources that can help provide insight and guidance to take Teach For America to a higher level; Strategic Tools for Social Entrepreneurs does this and more. The book takes the best practices of for-profits and social enterprises and adapts them to the needs of entrepreneurial, mission-driven nonprofits. Strategic Tools for Social Entrepreneurs is a tremendous contribution to social entrepreneurs and to the nonprofit sector–many thanks to the authors for identifying this need and filling it!"
–Wendy Kopp
Founder and President, Teach For America

All of the royalties from this book will be used by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to support continuing work on social entrepreneurship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Must Use for a Social Entrepreneur
This Guide is precise and filled with the step by step guidance necessary to launch a social enterprise. A++++++++

Social Entrepreneur
Very helpful, Offers valuable tools for thinking strategically about value creation, income generation and growth. This book is a must have to keep up with the new changes and challenges arising in the non-profit sector. ... Read more

Product Description
Ever since the first colonists landed in 'The New World', Americans have forged ahead in their quest to make good on the promises of capitalism and independence. This book vividly illustrates the history of business in the United States from the point of view of the enterprising men and women who made it happen. Weaving together vivid narrative with economic analysis, "American Entrepreneur" recounts fascinating successes and failures, including: how Eli Whitney changed the shape of the American business landscape; the impact of the Civil War on the economy and the subsequent dominance of Andrew Carnegie and J. P. Morgan; the rise of the consumer marketplace led by Asa Candler, W. K. Kellogg, Henry Ford, and J.C. Penny; and, Warren Buffett's, Michael Milken's, and even Martha Stewart's experience in the 'New Economy' of the 1990s and into today. It is an adventure to start a business, and the greatest risk takers in that adventure are entrepreneurs. This is the epic story of America's entrepreneurs and the economy they created. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Marc Kramer's World's Best Business Books selection
We chose this book because it was inspiring and provided a historical account of how the United States became the launching pad for many of the world's greatest companies.Anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur should read this book because it reminds everyone that you can come from any background and start an enterprise at any age.Government officials at all levels that are considering laws that would restrain free enterprise would benefit from reading this book because it will remind them why we need to fight to perserve and nuture the world's greatest innovation and job creator. It's a story that I am sure leaders in other countries have read and try to emulate. Lastly, I also teach a class in entrepreneurship at Drexel University and I have mad this book required reading.

I use this book to introduce business to college freshmen
My college began using Larry's prior book, "Entrepreneurial Adventure" as the freshman introductory text to business a few years ago.Our students liked it
(faculty didn't because it lacked the teaching aides that come packaged with most texts, which interestingly did not bother the adjuncts).EA has gone out of print."American Entrepreneur" was reported to be the next edition, with increased coverage of the late 20th century and up to date through the housing & banking crises of '08-'09.

With the new publisher comes a revised format.Gone are the sidebar stories of unique individuals in US business history, along with all of the illustrations and graphics.The people stories are now woven throughout the main text, so they are not lost.Several students have read both EA and AE and they report that the older book was an easier read.I find little difference, and AE is definitely a higher quality book.

I highly recommend "American Entrepreneur" for anyone who has come through an American public school system.It relates the story of business and government in America in a unique and useful way.It is unabashedly capitalist in outlook and tenor, making a wonderful counterpoint to the teachings of most public institutions.Is it biased?Of course it is, just differently than other biased viewpoints.Before any American is allowed to vote, they should read AE's side of our history.

I hope that in 2015 or so there is a 3rd issue of the story, looking at the culmination of the current economic recovery.It can review the new interactions of business, government and entrepreneurs and hopefully show that capitalism remains alive and well in the American spirit, perhaps convincing future American leaders to cultivate that spirit, not constrain it.

Text Book About Historical Business Conditions, Rather than Stories
Given that it was written by two college professors, I get the feeling that it was written primarily as a textbook for their students (and an extra way for them to make money off of their positions).I love profiles and hoped that it provide wise, well-researched insights on a variety of great American entrepreneurs.Instead, it just provides a historical explanation of the business environment that allowed entrepreneurship to flourish.It doesn't really tell me anything new that I didn't already know; it just says it a lot more words and points to other people, aka academics, who have also said the same thing.For example, the US Constitution allowed business enterprises to flourish since it prohibited states from exacting commercial barriers to protect their own constituents.

Bottom line: I feel like I'm reading a lengthy grad school thesis rather than an enjoyable, informative book about actual entrepreneurs.If it weren't on clearance at the borders, I would take it back for a refund.

Too long a history, too short a collection of stories
This is a fat book filled with "the fascinating stories of the people who defined business in the United States." This is not a motivational book. It is not a book of business advice. It is a book of business history.

So if you're interested in learning about entrepreneurship or if you're seeking ideas for how to improve your business, this is not the book for you. But if you enjoy American history or business history, you may want this book on your shelf.

But there's a problem. Either this is a work of business history that's too long. Or it's a collection of the "fascinating stories of the people who defined business in the United States" that's too short.

As a work of business history, tracing entrepreneurship from Colonial times to the present, the book is too long. It's filled with short bits about individuals that are fascinating in themselves, but that don't move the story of business forward.

On the other hand, if this is meant to be a collection of stories of individual entrepreneurs in roughly chronological order, the book needs to be much longer. Hardly any of the entrepreneurs get much coverage. And they're profiles, not stories.

Malcolm McLean, for example, deserves more than he gets. McLean invented the shipping container. The story is fascinating. It's been the subject of two books and a Harvard case study.

In this book, McLean and the entire "story" of the container system that changed the world gets one, historically-inaccurate paragraph. It's less than the coverage in Wikipedia.

Henry Heinz gets a bit more coverage, but the authors concentrate on his use of free samples in marketing. They don't note that one of Heinz' challenges was to get people who made their own pickles to trust a faceless manufacturer. They don't mention his innovations in distribution. But it's hard to get than all into three paragraphs.

Some people you expect to be in the book are among the missing altogether. Estee Lauder is one example. Sergey Brin and Larry Page are two others.

It's hard to credit a history of entrepreneurs that ignores Brin and Page and their company, Google. Instead, the authors concentrate on Yahoo.

Yahoo is not an entrepreneurial story at all. It's the story of two grad students, who came up with something everyone wanted to use almost by accident. They didn't' start out to create a business. And when people under the sway of the Dot-Com Craze gave them money, they managed to have a strategy-less company for almost a decade.

Google, by contrast, was started with the idea of being a business. At least at the time of writing the book, it has been one of the most successful start-ups in history. But the Google story isn't anywhere in this book.

The fact is that very few actual stories get told. Some stories like those of Apple and Wal-Mart get spread over a number of scattered pages. Some, like the story of Amazon are reduced to a paragraph or two. And others like those of Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Home Depot don't get told at all.

The bottom line: the only reason to buy this book is that it covers a lot of material. If that's OK with you, great, otherwise, give it a pass.
... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
From the Social Enterprise Alliance, the organization dedicated to building a robust social enterprise field, comes Succeeding at Social Enterprise. This practical guide is filled with the best practices, tools, guidance, models and successful cases for leaders (and future leaders) of social ventures and enterprises. A groundbreaking work, it brings together the knowledge and experience of social enterprise pioneers in the field and some of today's most successful social entrepreneurs to show what it takes to implement and run an effective social venture or organization. Succeeding at Social Enterprise focuses on real life examples, lessons learned and the core competencies that are needed to run a social venture in a nonprofit, highlighting such skills as managing and leading, business planning, marketing and sales, and accounting.

Praise for Succeeding at Social Enterprise

"This is a must read for anyone starting or growing a social enterprise. The lessons learned offer valuable, practical and real insights from pioneers in the field. The frameworks and tools presented can be implemented immediately to help drive success and expand your social impact."
—Kriss Deiglmeier, executive director, Center for Social Innovation, Stanford Graduate School of Business

"By successfully weaving together the best thinking and advice from a diverse set of our field's leading experts and practitioners, Succeeding at Social Enterprise will be the new 'must have' handbook for Social Enterprise."
—Jed Emerson, www.BlendedValue.org

"This is a timely book needed for a movement that's taking off. The leading thinkers and top practitioners in this book make today's pressing issues clear to both the novice and the experienced social entrepreneur."
—Kevin Jones, founding principal, Good Capital

"Written by the nation's leading experts on starting, building and leading a successful social venture, this book is a profoundly important contribution to the growing body of literature on social entrepreneurship. No other book brings to bear this kind of business experience, practical advice and wisdom on the challenges of creating and sustaining a social enterprise."
—David Roll, founder, Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation ... Read more

Product Description
Success stories abound, but the specter of failure hovers over the launch of any new eatery. Kep Sweeney, a veteran investment analyst for the industry as well as a chef and successful restaurateur, reveals how the most fatal stumbling blocks often occur at the preopening, or deal, phase, when funding, partnerships, and a clear concept are developed and finalized. At this stage, however, many excited, overconfident dreamers want to charge ahead, believing everything will "work itself out."

The New Restaurant Entrepreneur is solely devoted to this first phase of restaurant start-up, revealing the perfect combination of art and business planning that makes a new restaurant sizzle, instead of fizzle. Sweeney offers practical, expert advice to readers whose knowledge of business development may not be quite as far-reaching as their vision, drive, and imagination. Even veteran restaurateurs will find this guide a helpful reminder of where to focus their energies. Readers will learn to:

• Ask-and honestly answer-key questions that will successfully develop the concept.
• Toss out the notion that cuisine alone can differentiate the restaurant.
• Predetermine the evolution of a customer’s experience, from first-timer to regular.
• Form a crackerjack team based on a savvy selection of managers and waitstaff that complements the owner’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Look for financial partners with similar financial and personal goals-and learn to avoid the "tire kickers."

In 14 years working in the industry, Sweeney has seen dozens of mistakes, some made by the largest restaurant chains. He’s also witnessed-and had a hand in-some spectacular successes, including Dylan Prime, Morton’s, and Damon’s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A differing book in restaurant management
You can guess how it stands out by its name. This book gives you a more in-depth guide in management and investor relation as well as negotiation, which is essential for an entrepreneur.

The book does not focus on how to create a kitchen, or how to arrange a dining room. Instead, it suggests how to get a deal done, and how to make profit.

Great Case Studies
As an MBA looking to start a foodservice business, this book has been invaluable. Sweeney clearly links good business practices with the specific needs of the industry, and provides entertaining stories that really teach along the way. A great book for anyone with a business background, but also easy-to-read and digestible, so it should be accessable to anyone.

Fresh and original
There are a lot of 'how to open a restaurant' books around, most of them rehashing the same material. This one is fresh and different, based on the author's experience and dedicated to ensuring the investor sees a return on their money. Easy to read and relevant for most entrepreneurs.

"The Art Of The Deal" restaurant style
This is "The Art Of The Deal" restaurant style. The book is a must read for anyone considering opening a restaurant, and for those already in the biz.The real world battle scar stories that Sweeney shares are just the kind of guidance needed. While the focus as stories are obviously restaurant specific, amazingly, almost all of them are transferable to any business.This guy has actually "been there and done that" and it shows. A great read! ... Read more

Product Description

Dream
Vision
Purpose
Mission

Customer Reviews (34)

Taken for a ride
A total waste of money. I paid for a "how to" book and got a promotional brochure for his course. This was my first Gerber book and he has put me totally off any of his other books.

Small business is the global paradox.Big companies need to act like small companies and adapt to survive
1. Creating a business is electric. It requires an idea, semi-surreal in nature, but nothing like anyone has seen before.
2. Creating a business is awaking the energy within and playing with ideas and building game rules of engagement.
3. An entrepreneur is an inventor and invents new business. An entrepreneur does not want to run a business someone else invented, he want to create and run his own business.
4. People love to experience the original business idea.Customers that buy from the business are applauding the entrepreneur's originality, brilliance, and successful performance.
5. The faster the business grows, the more successful the invention.
6. Everyone has the ability to conceive a great idea for a new business. You have to develop the practice of developing great ideas for business, a system.The system has four roles players: dreamer (vision), thinker (how), story teller (relives the experience - performer), and leader (persuader - leads people to build the vision).
7. The dreamer does not need logic. All we can do is try to produce results. The dreamer's vision has an impact on people; they are significantly impacted by the vision.The dream provides something and provides them what is missing.
8. Personal dreams are incremental. Personal dream fuel our dispassionate lives. The promise a better life. Personal dreams always disappoint.
9. Entrepreneurs don't care about what they have created; they care about the customers that consume what they have created.
10. The customer does not know what they want, so asking them what to create is not helpful.
11. Creating money does not give the created thing meaning.
12. Try to come to a place where you don't matter and the customer does.
13. An organization is an organization of systems.
14. Your business is not your people. People are interested in themselves. Business must give your people what they want. Your people help keep the promises given to the customer.There is no customer service only customer commitment.
15. What money does your business make?This should be the driving question in every conversation you have with your people.
16. A business must mean something.Your business is only as good as your determination to do better than someone else.You must successfully differentiate yourself.
17. Business should become turnkey system of standardized procedures.
18. The entire Universe is supremely imaginative. The Universe exists for us. We are creating the reality around us, as we go.This is a divine truth. Imagination is the path of impossibilities.

taking for a ride
The book manages to draw the beginning interest of an honest seeker, starting promisingly in its earlier chapters. So, you buy the book only to realize later that you have been tricked. Its too late. The sale has been made. The book has been sold. The author has made his money, but has not really given value to his readers for the price they paid for. I kept reading intently chapters after chapters waiting earnestly for something to reveal which I can pick up on and learn. But I only realized slowly that the author is just blowing his own trumpet all the while of how he succeeded in life 30 years ago. I initially thought he might be taking his example as an honest case study, but no. He is on a big ego ride and is really writing an autobiography in a different way and selling it as a product of value to us, which clearly is not. He has really cheated us. I could not read beyond first 120 pages.

However, as a learner I have to learn something out of my experiences. So what can I give as credit to the author? There is always something to learn from everything that we go through, good or bad. I will give it to him that he has detailed the dreaming part very well. The "sudden seeing" part. The left brain waiting to kill the ideas from right brain part. He has given words to the experiences that we usually have in our life and that we ignore. I will give it to him that may be I will not ignore and reject the "sudden seeing" next time as easily as I used to in the past. That is my learning. Honestly I am thoroughly disappointed with the book and feel the book is a scam to make money. The author has cheated us. No wonder this book has spent lot of time and energy on making the book look attractive appearance wise.

More Marketing than Meat
I wish I could like it.I really do.I like Michael Gerber's E-Myth series.However, this is his newest book - and it is not only full of rehash of the Gerber story and the E-Myth method, it really doesn't give you much on how to DO anything.It is almost like a self-help book from the self-help gurus that holds out promise for more if you and your wallet will shell out for the next step in the system.

The concept of the impersonal dream, and the tie in of the Dream, Vision, Purpose and Mission - as well as the archetype Dreamer, Leader, Thinker are decent nuggets, and the idea of a "dreaming Room" holds some promise, the real lack of meat ane ephemeral guruspeak was a letdown.

Not up to past standards
I've started multiple companies and made myself multiple millions, but I don't get this book. The original EMyth was good. EMyth Revisited was great. Small business needs to have a series of systems. That was helpful. We get it. Great advice. This book? Well, its an over written mishmash of mumbo jumbo, self promotion and guru speak. My advice, buy the earlier books. Check this one out of the library if you want. ... Read more