Do you have a hobby you wish you could indulge in all day? An obsession that keeps you up at night? Now is the perfect time to take that passion... read full description
reviews
Aug 24, 2011
Jed
rated it: 
Passion, hard work and hustle
These are some of the lessons that are packed into this book.
In “Crush It!” Gary Vaynerchuk reveals that we can all cash in and make a living by building a business around our greatest passion or hobby. He enthusiastically explains that the rising power of the Internet has enabled anyone to build a highly profitable business if they are truly passionate about it. For those with enough hustle and determination, there is also the opportunity to More...
These are some of the lessons that are packed into this book.
In “Crush It!” Gary Vaynerchuk reveals that we can all cash in and make a living by building a business around our greatest passion or hobby. He enthusiastically explains that the rising power of the Internet has enabled anyone to build a highly profitable business if they are truly passionate about it. For those with enough hustle and determination, there is also the opportunity to More...
Aug 20, 2011
Anita
rated it: 
I know this book has been wildly popular, and Gary V has many fans. I happen not to be a huge fan of his style, either in his videos or this book. I think his excited, sometimes over-the-top style that focuses on HIM, has to appeal to you. It's not my style.
This book is very much about Gary and HIS successes -- not necessarily the kind of information that others can easily apply to their situations. The reality is, most of Gary's successes won't be replicable by the typical entrepre More...
This book is very much about Gary and HIS successes -- not necessarily the kind of information that others can easily apply to their situations. The reality is, most of Gary's successes won't be replicable by the typical entrepre More...
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Apr 25, 2011
Ian
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I finally got around to a book that's gotten a huge following: Gary Vaynerchukâs Crush It. I'm a little late to the game on this one so a lot of itâs social media marketing info / strategies / advice thatâs âold hat,â but thereâs some info in here I hadnât yet familiarized myself with so it was still worthwhile. One of those elements is the difference between WordPress and Tumblr blogs. Another is using Blip.tv for crossposting video blogs. But, probably most important (for me anyw
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Apr 13, 2011
John
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The Social Media Sommelier takes a bigger step into Tony Robbins domain. I'm okay with it. If your familiar with Gary's booming personality this book happens to be a more sober, analytical approach to some of his other writing. Persoanlly, I really love the title and its subtle play on his deep grape-staining passion-- vino.
Donald Trump always says do what you love and so does Gary, but I find Gary's way with words and style much more appealing than the Donald. So be it. Is mantra is More...
Donald Trump always says do what you love and so does Gary, but I find Gary's way with words and style much more appealing than the Donald. So be it. Is mantra is More...
Apr 10, 2011
Robin
rated it:
Crush It is a must-read for anyone who wants to create a web presence.
Vaynerchuk shows us how the world is changing so that anyone can cash in on their passion, whatever that may be. He shows readers how to see themselves as a brand, and emphasizes enthusiasm, authenticity, and extremely hard work as critical factors in achieving that success.
He gives advice that ranges from conceptual to specific, and I like that. (He tells you what to do, and why.) His writing style is More...
Vaynerchuk shows us how the world is changing so that anyone can cash in on their passion, whatever that may be. He shows readers how to see themselves as a brand, and emphasizes enthusiasm, authenticity, and extremely hard work as critical factors in achieving that success.
He gives advice that ranges from conceptual to specific, and I like that. (He tells you what to do, and why.) His writing style is More...
Mar 29, 2011
Amy
rated it:
I loved this book. An easy read, a great tone and entertaining. It was right in line with what I've been thinking and working toward in terms of my passion and social media. He brings up points I've heard or read elsewhere, but reinforces them all in one place. He is big on staying true to yourself. While Gary is a video blog kinda guy, his advice is to stay true to what your strength is (he calls this your DNA). I don't necessarily agree with his definition of hard work and work ethic. You can
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Feb 13, 2011
Richard
rated it: 
This book is nothing more than (in my opinion) PURE CRAP AND A WASTE OF MONEY! In the few pages encompassed between the covers, the author tries to hype the reader into selling any product successfully through blogging and networking, never telling you how actually to do it. The author freely admits that he started with his father's liquor business of 4 million dollars and built it into 50 million dollars WINE Business with his techniques. (So he said. And maybe he hired some professionals.)
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Dec 27, 2010
Andy
rated it:
Review taken from my blog @ AndyWhyte.com
Crush it! By Gary Vay-Ner-Chuk is an informative book about how to use modern technology primarily the internet to exploit a passion you may have for anything and turn it into a credible perhaps hugely successful future career for yourself.
This review is going to be as much about how the book proved its worth prior to me even buying it as it will be about the book itself.
The book is a victim of it’s own preaching as there is More...
Crush it! By Gary Vay-Ner-Chuk is an informative book about how to use modern technology primarily the internet to exploit a passion you may have for anything and turn it into a credible perhaps hugely successful future career for yourself.
This review is going to be as much about how the book proved its worth prior to me even buying it as it will be about the book itself.
The book is a victim of it’s own preaching as there is More...
Nov 14, 2010
Kirk
rated it: 
This is not the typical book that I read (or review) as an author doing research for narrative nonfiction. However, one of the steepest parts of a learning curve for an author is how to market what they write and social media is becoming a big part of that.
This book is more for entrepreneurs than authors but my marketing research steered me to this book a couple of times. That in itself provides somewhat of an endorsement of this book. However, I could not help but feel like I was r More...
This book is more for entrepreneurs than authors but my marketing research steered me to this book a couple of times. That in itself provides somewhat of an endorsement of this book. However, I could not help but feel like I was r More...
Jul 30, 2010
Carrie
rated it:
I'm generally not interested in the slightest in the business, make money now! genre of books. But my love for journalism, news, and information has definitely generated a strong interest in entrepreneurship. Given that this little book will only take you about an hour to read, I found it pretty worthwhile as a very simple, straightforward guide on how to leverage the Web and social media to build a sustainable business that allows you to do what you love. There's nothing "new" here, b
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May 12, 2010
Alice
rated it:
I will now save you $10.99:
1) Figure out what your passion is. Examples from the book: wine, baseball cards, worms, gardening, accounting, candy, soccer, marketing, business development, tech. (My current passions are Diet Coke, Fringe, and napping, none of which I think I can monetize.)
2) Come up with a catchy name and register it on every social media site.
3) Write a bunch of tweets/blog posts or make video blogs. Work your ass off (he suggests not spending More...
1) Figure out what your passion is. Examples from the book: wine, baseball cards, worms, gardening, accounting, candy, soccer, marketing, business development, tech. (My current passions are Diet Coke, Fringe, and napping, none of which I think I can monetize.)
2) Come up with a catchy name and register it on every social media site.
3) Write a bunch of tweets/blog posts or make video blogs. Work your ass off (he suggests not spending More...
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Feb 26, 2010
Gaetan
rated it:
It was late last year when I first heard about Crush It! (Harper Studio, 2009) I was interviewing author, Gary Vaynerchuk for my book. The Crush It! may not have had its title at that point but he spoke with passion and enthusiasm about the value of authenticity, hustle, and following your DNA. He really believes that someone can follow their passion and live the life of their dreams. I am happy to say that the sharp wit, business savvy, and zeal that I experienced in my conversations with Ga
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Feb 22, 2010
getAbstract
rated it:
Savvy guide to developing a moneymaking, personal brand online
Although many people advise against turning your hobby into your day job, Gary Vaynerchuk, an Internet and business phenomenon, vehemently disagrees. He boldly promotes quitting your job to pursue a profession that is your passion. An immigrant from Belarus, Vaynerchuk rose to fame in his mid-30s because of Wine Library TV, the popular, highly publicized video blog he started in 2006. Through his imaginative Internet Webca More...
Although many people advise against turning your hobby into your day job, Gary Vaynerchuk, an Internet and business phenomenon, vehemently disagrees. He boldly promotes quitting your job to pursue a profession that is your passion. An immigrant from Belarus, Vaynerchuk rose to fame in his mid-30s because of Wine Library TV, the popular, highly publicized video blog he started in 2006. Through his imaginative Internet Webca More...
Jan 04, 2010
Natalia
rated it:
I was on page 26 of 100 non-appendix before the author started actually started giving the advice the book was about. The prior 25 pages (a full quarter of the book!) was a sales pitch for how the book would change your life. What the heck do I need a sales pitch for when I am already holding the book in my hands?
Vaynerchuck is going for some weird work-as-leisure premise, where if you are "living your passion" you don't need to look forward to vacations, or hobbies or anyt More...
Vaynerchuck is going for some weird work-as-leisure premise, where if you are "living your passion" you don't need to look forward to vacations, or hobbies or anyt More...
Dec 11, 2009
Marian
rated it:
This book made me VERY happy. Gary has a no-nonsense attitude that I love. His "stop whining and just do it" approach is a breath of fresh air. That attitudes is not for everyone though. However, he gives some great tips regarding social media and personal branding. I consider myself pretty well informed, but he gave suggestions I'd never thought of and some excellent short cuts.
This is not a "do what you love and everything will fall into place" kind of book. He More...
This is not a "do what you love and everything will fall into place" kind of book. He More...
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Oct 21, 2009
Miguel
rated it:
Crush it Video Review + Mindmap
===
Gary is a character: in your face, fun, raw and a very loving human being. He is the host of WinelibraryTV and founder of the branding company Vaynermedia.
If you haven’t heard of him, you must have been hiding. He is taking the online world by storm. In Crush It! he explains how he built his “brand equity” to astronomical levels by leveraging Internet social media and following his passion.
His authentic voice jumps from More...
===
Gary is a character: in your face, fun, raw and a very loving human being. He is the host of WinelibraryTV and founder of the branding company Vaynermedia.
If you haven’t heard of him, you must have been hiding. He is taking the online world by storm. In Crush It! he explains how he built his “brand equity” to astronomical levels by leveraging Internet social media and following his passion.
His authentic voice jumps from More...
Oct 19, 2009
Joseph
rated it:
GaryVee explains how he turned his passion and knowledge of wine into a personal brand and career with the no-holds-barred enthusiasm you'd expect from him. It's a very quick read (took me <2 hours) and it's remarkably concise and to the point. If you know Gary well, you'll have heard most of the book's contents directly from him already, but that's another way of saying it's an authentic way to quickly learn what he has to say.
The quick summary is: if you're super passionate abo More...
The quick summary is: if you're super passionate abo More...
Sep 23, 2011
Varsha
rated it:
This book makes a passionate case for heading onto the social media bandwagon, using many examples from the author's life and personal success story. I liked the book especially since I am one of those people still confused about having a social media avatar of myself. I liked the case made about building a personal brand but sadly that wasn't elaborated upon much. The book does talk about building an identity for your product but what if one doesn't have a product to sell? There are some vague
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Jun 28, 2010
Chad
rated it:
Gary Vaynerchuck is widely considered a web celebrity and social media expert. He used social media and online video (WineLibrary TV) to gain incredible exposure and propel his wine business to unprecedented success. Gary's secret isn't social media, however; it's his passion. Social media is just the tool he uses to share his passion and connect with others. As he states in chapter 9, the best marketing strategy ever is simple: care.
The main premise is that life is too short to do w More...
The main premise is that life is too short to do w More...
Jun 08, 2010
Tanya/dog eared copy
rated it:
Last week, Gary Vaynerchuk spoke at APAC/BEA and my boss attended the packed/SRO event. I'm not exactly sure what Gary said in his speech, but my boss came back charged with enthusiasm for social media. My boss approached me yesterday with a vague proposal about me handling social media for the company and encouraged me to read Gary Vaynerchuk's book, CRUSH IT! I actually dnloaded the book from audible last night (it's not an audio that our company carries) and listened to it last night and this
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Mar 10, 2010
Steve
rated it:
Gary Yaynerchuk is an over-heated engine, energy and passion on legs; he is enthusiasm overload and drive in overdrive. So this great little book is just what you need if you want to understand:
How to build your brand, your personal brand?
How to do what you are passionate about...
How to use social network tools to make it happen...
Yaynerchuk runs a business called winelibruarytv.com and he has successfully used online tools to make this business grow – how? Through soci More...
How to build your brand, your personal brand?
How to do what you are passionate about...
How to use social network tools to make it happen...
Yaynerchuk runs a business called winelibruarytv.com and he has successfully used online tools to make this business grow – how? Through soci More...
Feb 06, 2010
JC
rated it:
You may or may not know who Gary Vaynerchuk is... he's an online presence among a million online presences, but if you like wine, he's probably a guy you've heard of, or you may have even listened to one of his irreverent podcasts. Regardless of what you think, the guy had built himself a decent following and a small celebrity status using the internet, and that's what this book is all about...
As an internet marketer, I found this book not so much revealing, as refreshing. It's nice More...
As an internet marketer, I found this book not so much revealing, as refreshing. It's nice More...
Sep 03, 2011
Kelli
rated it:
It was motivational, inspirational, but didn't have a lot to offer in terms of resources or action steps. That said, it was a very important book for me to read, if only for his view that, in order to live your passion, or your "personal brand", you should let every single thing you do be done authentically. Everyone has an expertise, and something they love beyond reason, but most people don't live this out in their professional lifestyle. What if you could take that combination of th
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Jan 04, 2010
Brian
rated it:
At best, this book serves as a good resource for social media and web tool sites. At worst, it is a braggadocios, poorly conceived sales pitch attempting to inspire its readers to just Crush It (yeah baby!). I usually research books prior to reading them. If you read at the same rate as a 5th grader, you have to choose your reading material wisely. This book was more of an impulse buy spurred by a somewhat interesting description of the book. Deviation from a solid game plan is a mistake.
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Apr 18, 2011
A. T.
rated it:
Despite its Tony Robbins-esque title, this is a very important book. Vaynerchuk grew his father's wine business into a multi-million dollar company over a few years using the power of the internet and New Media.
I've been looking for a book to say everything this one says for a long time. While the book might be marketed to the "get rich and do little" crowd, the surprising thing about the book is its meat. There is way more good than bad here. He does talk about getting rich More...
I've been looking for a book to say everything this one says for a long time. While the book might be marketed to the "get rich and do little" crowd, the surprising thing about the book is its meat. There is way more good than bad here. He does talk about getting rich More...
Oct 14, 2010
jko
rated it:
I keep going back and forth between 4 and 5 stars. It was not written the in a way that I typically like - elegant, succinct, artful. I noticed that I didn't like the writing style immediately. However, after twenty pages, I really had a sense of this guy and realized that this style was so quintessentially him - an authentic, enthusiastic risk-taker - that it was the only way to write the book. As to the content, the primary cause for reading the book - very good. Gave a brief intro to soc
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Jun 16, 2010
Amoret
rated it:
The audible version is read by Gary V himself, which made it easy to get through quickly and was entertaining with his Jersey personality. His enthusiasm is contagious...and I don't even have a marketable passion or desire to be an entrepreneur. The audible version also provides him opportunities to veer off the script/book for a minute and riff about the current topic, or provide an update on areas that have since changed or evolved after the book was published. The book is a great introductio
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Nov 25, 2011
Lynn
rated it:
To be completely honest, I expected a little more from this book.
Please don't get me wrong, it's really okay and I agree with most of what GV says, but to me, he didn't bring any new thoughts on the table.
I can imagine that this book is quite a revelation to people with other (meaning: less) basic knowledge about the things he talks about; those might enjoy this book quite a lot and learn heaps of it.
The fact that it didn't do much for me should be no means prevent you More...
Please don't get me wrong, it's really okay and I agree with most of what GV says, but to me, he didn't bring any new thoughts on the table.
I can imagine that this book is quite a revelation to people with other (meaning: less) basic knowledge about the things he talks about; those might enjoy this book quite a lot and learn heaps of it.
The fact that it didn't do much for me should be no means prevent you More...
Sep 15, 2011
Cara
rated it:
Tons of other bloggers go on and on about what a great book this is. Now I'm finally getting around to reading it, and maybe it's just passed its prime, but color me unimpressed. The beginning part about how you need to get a blog and accounts on facebook, twitter, et al, even if you like your regular job, because resumes are dead, blah blah blah... that part would normally fill me with a crippling anxiety, but since I'm already doing what he says, it just left me a little smug.
But t More...
But t More...
Apr 18, 2011
Keenahn
rated it:
An entertaining and quick read, though not entirely applicable.
I love Gary V's passion, but after reading Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers" I'm suspicious of any success stories mythologizing the "self made man." Gary V is undeniably successful, yes, and he did follow a certain path. He also had a very hardworking father and a $4M a year family business to fall back on.
Will Gary's path work for you? Maybe, maybe not. But the way he's set up the book, he makes More...
I love Gary V's passion, but after reading Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers" I'm suspicious of any success stories mythologizing the "self made man." Gary V is undeniably successful, yes, and he did follow a certain path. He also had a very hardworking father and a $4M a year family business to fall back on.
Will Gary's path work for you? Maybe, maybe not. But the way he's set up the book, he makes More...
