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A Good Hard Kick in the Ass : The Real Rules for Business
The author suggests that the concept of a "new economy" spawned a dangerous that a fundamentally new and different approach to business is required. Adams debunks each myth chapter by chapter - and gives the real rules for business.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 17, 2012
Rob Adams doesn't pull any punches in this book for entrepreneurs. A seasoned venture capitalist, Adams is brutally honest and direct about what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. To the extent that you are delusional about how hard it is to build a successful start-up, Adams will quickly set you straight and provide much practical advice.
This book also provides invaluable insights into how venture capitalists think about investing in start-ups. It is one of my favorite books about how to build a start-up.
Adams was one of my role models in writing Great from the Start. I admire the authenticity, candor and clarity of his author's voice.
This book also provides invaluable insights into how venture capitalists think about investing in start-ups. It is one of my favorite books about how to build a start-up.
Adams was one of my role models in writing Great from the Start. I admire the authenticity, candor and clarity of his author's voice.
June 9, 2023
Favorite start up book! Rob Adams is a rock star!
If there is one thing and one thing only you remember or learn from this book, it is this - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER! And never EVER make assumptions that you know them...no matter how much you may think you know your customer, there is so much more you don't.
So many companies, including established ones, have grossly miscalculated, underestimated or made assumptions about their customers and it's backfired on them - most recently, Anheuser Busch.
Focus on your customer no matter who you are and you will succeed!
If there is one thing and one thing only you remember or learn from this book, it is this - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER! And never EVER make assumptions that you know them...no matter how much you may think you know your customer, there is so much more you don't.
So many companies, including established ones, have grossly miscalculated, underestimated or made assumptions about their customers and it's backfired on them - most recently, Anheuser Busch.
Focus on your customer no matter who you are and you will succeed!
November 2, 2009
A required reading for my master's degree program. So far, Adams' writing style is straight forward and enthusiastic, very drill instructor like but not stern. If he can maintain this throughout the book then I'll probably end up being a convert!
--Update--
I stopped reading this when the course I took with Rob finished. Guess I wasn't that into it.
--Update--
I stopped reading this when the course I took with Rob finished. Guess I wasn't that into it.
July 12, 2008
This book touts itself as a guide to entrepreneurs, but is really a narrow guide to venture-backed software company start-ups. It's a good read if you're a code-writer and you've got the next great dot com idea, but look elsewhere if you're looking for entrepreneurial advice outside of this niche.
December 7, 2010
Recommended by a former professor and good friend, a venture capitalist view on startups. Formative if you're just out of school and you want to work in startup environment.
April 9, 2012
This book saved me months of wasted time getting my start-up off the ground.
This is a MUST READ for anyone thinking of starting a company.
This is a MUST READ for anyone thinking of starting a company.
December 23, 2016
The book that I tell every would-be entrepreneur to read before they quick their day job.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews