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3rd out of 89 books
—
105 voters
The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything
by
Guy Kawasaki (Goodreads Author)
A new product, a new service, a new company, a new division, a new organization, a new anything—where there’s a will, here’s the way.It begins with a dream that just won’t quit, the once-in-a-lifetime thunderbolt of pure inspiration, the obsession, the world-beater, the killer app, the next big thing. Everyone who wants to make the world a better place becomes possessed by...more
Hardcover, 240 pages
Published
September 9th 2004
by Portfolio Hardcover
(first published 2004)
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An excellent handbook for those starting a business or non-profit, stressing function over form and action over planning. The lessons apply to organizations whether they're bootstrapping or seeking funding from venture capitalists or angel investors. Kawasaki includes plenty of historical examples and firsthand experience, making this a practical real-world resource that's more valuable than a simply conceptual textbook.
Guy Kawasaki is a respected serial entrepreneur whose articles I've read in...more
Guy Kawasaki is a respected serial entrepreneur whose articles I've read in...more
Fun, informative read from someone who knows what he's talking about. He includes interesting and memorable stories to illustrate his points. He also provides enough examples and details that you feel that you have a chance of actually implementing what he suggests without belaboring it or overgeneralizing to the point of uselessness.
Particularly liked the chapters on "being a mensch" and rainmaking. He advocates a boot-strapping, "get it done" business mentality with a solid core of integrity.
C...more
Particularly liked the chapters on "being a mensch" and rainmaking. He advocates a boot-strapping, "get it done" business mentality with a solid core of integrity.
C...more
Nov 19, 2012
Conrad Zero
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Business start ups planning to use venture capital to grow into a megacorp
Shelves:
non-fiction,
business
Not bad, but focused on a very niche market. The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki is subtitled "The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything." Unfortunately, that isn't entirely true, unless you consider reading only the chapters that pertain to you. The book does have a very specific audience in mind, and the subtitle should have been "How to take your start-up-business-idea and use venture capital to become the next Apple/Nike/Coke/Microsoft."
Like I said, pretty niche,...more
Like I said, pretty niche,...more
A book by Guy Kawasaki is always a fun read. Kawasaki has a great sense of humor and is not afraid to speak his truth. The Art of the Start and Rob Adams' A Good Hard Kick in the Ass are two of my favorite books about the process of starting a company. Both authors speak their truth.
Kawasaki has an innate sense of how much information the brain can absorb at any one time. This book is composed of lots of digestible nuggets of advice, which he brings to life with stories and quotations. Kawasaki'...more
Kawasaki has an innate sense of how much information the brain can absorb at any one time. This book is composed of lots of digestible nuggets of advice, which he brings to life with stories and quotations. Kawasaki'...more
I think this is one of the best startup books out there -- and Kawasaki's best book. But it's not a book for everyone.
The focus is on tech entrepreneurs. While much of the advice is applicable to other industries, the book will hit the bullseye specifically with those starting technology businesses.
Another thing about this book: parts of it contain advice for those seeking funding from angel and VC investors. Since that covers a tiny percentage of the entrepreneurial population, it's really targ...more
The focus is on tech entrepreneurs. While much of the advice is applicable to other industries, the book will hit the bullseye specifically with those starting technology businesses.
Another thing about this book: parts of it contain advice for those seeking funding from angel and VC investors. Since that covers a tiny percentage of the entrepreneurial population, it's really targ...more
I picked this book up earlier in the year while browsing in the bookstore. That's partly why I picked up the book; I succumbed to a dangerous moment. Putting me in a bookstore is like putting an alcoholic in a bar -- we're both going to get something.
Yet I also found the subtitle enchanting. "The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything." I was initially intrigued by the idea of starting my life over again, so I sat down on the floor in the bookstore aisle to see what this...more
Yet I also found the subtitle enchanting. "The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything." I was initially intrigued by the idea of starting my life over again, so I sat down on the floor in the bookstore aisle to see what this...more
Yes it contains a lot of hard-won advice and several nuggets from a guy with a good track record (ex apple mac, now vc). Yes it's great to have business books that are written by real business people. Yes it certainly has creditability in authorship but like many such business books it lacks writership - it lacks a deep ability to convey inspriring or convincing messages or interesting stories.
I might be being too harsh because you may, like I did, just want to whip through this and strip out t...more
I might be being too harsh because you may, like I did, just want to whip through this and strip out t...more
An excellent handbook if you're first-time entrepreneur or someone who is set out to build an organisation in whatever form, providing products to the society.
Outlines the many important aspects of starting a business / venture / initiative, which includes how do you position what you set out to do, pitch to get others (investors, partners, customers) to join you, bootstrapping, branding, partnering etc.
Useful as a source to understand what's important to keep in mind while you're starting up,...more
Outlines the many important aspects of starting a business / venture / initiative, which includes how do you position what you set out to do, pitch to get others (investors, partners, customers) to join you, bootstrapping, branding, partnering etc.
Useful as a source to understand what's important to keep in mind while you're starting up,...more
Some interesting concepts are given here, I suppose. But to be honest, most people (especially those in academic fields) hype this one up way too much. There are plenty of better business books to help you in your career and/or startup than The Art of the Start. The models (aka "lenses") in the text are too rigid and step-by-step to be useful, as you are boxed into one-way of thinking. In addition, the category names within "lenses" are so off the wall that you spend half the time looking backwa...more
The Art of the Start is a great book because it inspires. Guy Kawasaki, the author, does tell you how to build a convincing vision, a convincing pitch. It is not about writing a 40-page business plan. It is about the “value of making meaning” which may induce making money. The book is clear, simple and once you have read it, you will not see things the same way… go, run and buy it!
A brief quote from the book which illustrates why start-ups are important.
“Innovation often originates outside exist...more
A brief quote from the book which illustrates why start-ups are important.
“Innovation often originates outside exist...more
The only reason I am giving 4 stars to this book and not 5 is because even though it's a great read, full of useful information and with a very original approach, Mr. Kawasaki forgot (or maybe he didn't) that while he advises on down earthing the information so it's fully comprehensible, sometimes he makes reference to technological companies only! other than that, the book is really great and if you open up your mind, all you have to do is to adapt these examples to the idea, business, activity...more
A book with some good ideas on starting something new, particularly a new business. I liked his suggestions on developing the pitch, writing the business plan, and bootstrapping.
For example:
“A good executive summary is a concise and clear description of the problem you solve, how you solve it, your business model, and the underlying magic of your product or service. It should be approximately four paragraphs in length. It is the most important part of your business plan because it will determin...more
For example:
“A good executive summary is a concise and clear description of the problem you solve, how you solve it, your business model, and the underlying magic of your product or service. It should be approximately four paragraphs in length. It is the most important part of your business plan because it will determin...more
This was probably the best book on entrepreneurship that I have read to date. I love Guy's courage to go against the 'traditional' route to starting a business, especially since he has worked for and started several successful start-ups. Writing the business plan has proven to be the most daunting task for me, not because I don't understand the numbers, but because I DO NOT KNOW how much money my business will/can make. Then I read this advice from Guy:
"The third step is not to fire up Word to w...more
"The third step is not to fire up Word to w...more
Now this is a great book and a very helpful one for all those who want to start their own business. Sometimes, one really needs to make the first step..and making this very first step is the hardest. What does a one need to start a good business? Just and idea? Ok...a good and unique idea is just one of the necessary things.
Does the world need your service or product?
Are you qualified to launch a new business?
Should you have a partner (and how to choose one)?
Can you handle the competition?
It wa...more
Does the world need your service or product?
Are you qualified to launch a new business?
Should you have a partner (and how to choose one)?
Can you handle the competition?
It wa...more
Гай написал инструкцию для тех стартаперов, которых будет собеселовать он сам. Советы, в целом дельные, но нередко банальные. Здравый смысл и здравые принципы - вот на что стоит опираться в построении бизнеса. Жаль, что про бутстреппинг Гай говорит мало - ему интереснее те, кто не сможет пройти весь путь сам, а придет за инвестициями. К Гаю, конечно же :)
Kawasaki, Guy (2004), The Art of the Start, Portfolio Press, Penguin Books, New York, NY. Guy Kawasaki has a rare talent for cutting through the clutter to get to the heart of the matter. In The Art of the Start, he takes a fresh look at a popular topic of entrepreneurship, and adds unique insights that will be useful to anyone starting anything. The book is clear and concise, organized in sections entitled Causation, Articulation, Activation, Proliferation, and Obligation. Before you start your...more
Love this book! I read someone's review that said this book should be read before you start anything and I agree. Very straightforward, step-by-step how-to's. What to spend time on and what to skip. "No one ever achieved success by planning for gold."
And this one: "Meaning is the most powerful motivator there is." Examples:
- make the world a better place
- increase the quality of life
- right a terrible wrong
- prevent the end of something good
He also gives you the 10 slides you need for your pitc...more
And this one: "Meaning is the most powerful motivator there is." Examples:
- make the world a better place
- increase the quality of life
- right a terrible wrong
- prevent the end of something good
He also gives you the 10 slides you need for your pitc...more
كتاب جاي كاواساكي ”فن البداية – الدليل المثبت بالزمن والمحسن بالتجربة لأي شخص يريد أن يبدأ أي شيء“، يعد من كلاسيكيات الكتب التي تحدثت عن ريادة الأعمال، وهو دليل مبسط مباشر يسعى لتحفيز رواد الأعمال الجددد على البدء فوراً، من خلال أحد عشر فصلاً، تفصل المعارف الأساسية اللازمة لقيادة العمل التجاري الناشئ نحو النجاح.
حيث يقودك المؤلف إلى مغامرة مثيرة، في عالم أنشاء الأعمال التجارية، يغلب فيها الطابع الفني على الجانب العلمي، بداية من جمع المال، وحتى توظيف العمالة المناسبة، وذلك في شكل دليل أساسي لأي شخ...more
حيث يقودك المؤلف إلى مغامرة مثيرة، في عالم أنشاء الأعمال التجارية، يغلب فيها الطابع الفني على الجانب العلمي، بداية من جمع المال، وحتى توظيف العمالة المناسبة، وذلك في شكل دليل أساسي لأي شخ...more
original review:
http://www.reemer.com/archives/2005/0...
I first heard of Guy Kawasaki when his brilliant college graduation speech passed through my email client several years ago. His speech impressed with his practical insight, entertainment value, and conciseness. I later learned that he had evangelized the original Macintosh while at Apple, which made his book on startups a no-brainer read for me.
The Art of the Start is a quick read, and is written in Kawasaki's entertaining and informative...more
http://www.reemer.com/archives/2005/0...
I first heard of Guy Kawasaki when his brilliant college graduation speech passed through my email client several years ago. His speech impressed with his practical insight, entertainment value, and conciseness. I later learned that he had evangelized the original Macintosh while at Apple, which made his book on startups a no-brainer read for me.
The Art of the Start is a quick read, and is written in Kawasaki's entertaining and informative...more
Very practical, actionable advice on turning a good idea into action, illustrated with many real-life examples along the way. The chapters are organized according to the stage that a business or idea is in, from starting to planning to building to growing. The content and writing style is no-nonsense, in a good way, and it is clear that Guy has a strong desire to help others help themselves. I borrowed this from the library, but will be picking up a copy so I can revisit its ideas and shape my a...more
Lots of good advice here -- work to make meaning instead of money, position your product to be personal, base your PowerPoint slides on the oldest person in the room. It felt a bit like we're swerving back and forth from large-scale strategy (think BIG and polarize people) to fine-print details (use dark-colored backgrounds on slides). Also it seems a bit Silicon-Valley tech focused vs. starting, say, a cupcake shop. But much good information to mine, so take notes.
One of four books I recommend for taking ideas from mind to market. Kawasaki breaks things down into simple steps. This is the "How-To" outline to start any project; as well as how-to present the project to prospective partners, investors, or customers. Combined with the right philosophy, this book should help any project get off the ground without all the useless rhetoric.
You can see this book in action as I move projects forward at http://SelfEnterpriser.com
You can see this book in action as I move projects forward at http://SelfEnterpriser.com
Just started delving into this...Amazing; every start up or ANYONE starting any serious endeavor in their lives, should read this book...the 1st chapter already made a difference!
Gr8 work Guy! I look fwd to meeting you one day and discussing how this helped launch OUR1Planet and INSE into the most effective and caring global Action & Awareness organizations and internal group of social-environmentally minded entrepreneurs and business owners in the world!
Gr8 work Guy! I look fwd to meeting you one day and discussing how this helped launch OUR1Planet and INSE into the most effective and caring global Action & Awareness organizations and internal group of social-environmentally minded entrepreneurs and business owners in the world!
I found this to promise a lot and deliver very little. It's packed with common memes and business truisms as well as various tactical tips yet it fails to provide a real framework for focusing on what matters in the critical start up phase. There is also a strong bent toward assuming you will raise funding which should never be a given, especially if it can be avoided.
I'd skip this and start with any of the 3-4 books coming our of the lean startup genre.
I'd skip this and start with any of the 3-4 books coming our of the lean startup genre.
I was assigned this book for a class, but I actually ended up enjoying it a lot more than I thought it would. Kawasaki's writing is clear and easy to follow. Additionally, his writing style sounds a lot like someone speaking directly to you, which makes it enjoyable to read and listen to his anecdotes. While I have no intentions of creating my own start up, this had some useful tips that most people should read if they're planning on ever interacting with others in a business setting.
The Art of the Start is a very well written, thought provoking book. I read it from cover to cover. I like the idea that many references to other sources are included. This book takes a look from the financing side of a business venture. I recommend that every potential business owner read it as part of their business education.
My version of The Art of the Start was bundled in with Business Plan Pro 15th Anniversary Edition which is a helpful tool to use when you start to write your business pl...more
My version of The Art of the Start was bundled in with Business Plan Pro 15th Anniversary Edition which is a helpful tool to use when you start to write your business pl...more
Rather than a high-level theory book, this book is a practical approach to what goes into executing a start-up venture. There are many specifics discussed, and each chapter includes a question-and-answer format to directly address FAQs about the chapter's topic. It is mostly focused on startups which see an IPO in their future rather than small businesses, but even so there is plenty of useful stuff. I didn't agree with everything he had to say, but it was a practical read.
This book was funny and inspiring. It gives you tips and advices on how to launch your company or project. A very quick read that cuts to the chase and provides insight that every Entrepreneur with or without a plan should read. The book written in a style that is very entertaining, yet contains so much wisdom that it feels like you have Guy sitting beside you as mentor. It's the book you should select if you want to read one book about start ups.
Si eres emprendedor y deseas tener una vision practica de como manejar un negocio te recomiendo este libro de Guy Kawasaki. Claro, directo, en el punto, sin complicaciones, ideal para volverlo a leer y reforzar conocimientos de administracion, estrategia, y planes de negocios. Y no te olvides de revisar los libros recomendados por Guy, ayudaran enormemente a profundizar los distintos artes del emprendimiento.
There are very few books that I've read in one day. This is one of them. Simple, practical and incredibly valuable, this book is a straight forward guide to starting a company, non-profit or church – though the latter group will have to drawn some conclusions of their own, as the book is definitely targeted to those looking to create a new product or service.
I strongly recommend this book.
I strongly recommend this book.
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I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1954. My family lived in a tough part of Honolulu called Kalihi Valley. We weren’t rich, but I never felt poor-because my mother and father made many sacrifices for my sister and me. My mother was a housewife, and my father was a fireman, real estate broker, state senator, and government official during his long, distinguished career.
I attended Iolani School where...more
More about Guy Kawasaki...
I attended Iolani School where...more
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Feb 21, 2011 02:21pm