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1000 True Fans: Use Kevin Kelly's Simple Idea to Earn A Living Doing What You Love
This short, clear book introduces you to the 1000 True Fan income model. If you could get 1000 True Fans to support you by buying $100 worth of what you create every year, you would earn an income of $100,000 a year. That sounds a bit like a get-rich-quick scheme. 1000 True Fans is not that. It's a get-a-good-income-slowly income model. It requires hard work, but once you’ve built up 1000 True Fans, you are free forever to live as an independent creator earning good money making what you love. Thousands of people are already using this income model that is recommended by Kevin Kelly, Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin and Ramit Sethi. Kevin Kelly invented the term 1000 True Fans in a 2008 blog post. This book shows you how you follow a 1000 True Fans income model. It's ideal for anyone who can create a product or service. If you create music, art, writing, information, knowledge, apps, products you've designed, training courses, or anything else you can think of, you can use this business model to live independently. The books is quick and easy to read, written like a letter from a friend who wants to help you. This book starts you on your journey towards getting 1000 True Fans.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2017
351 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 29, 2025
This book is lacking
This book is lacking. Conceptually, it makes sense for a business person to make a living selling exceptional product to 1000 true fans. The problem is that this book is so simplistic and lacking specific details that it leaves the reader with little to grab onto.
Let’s say I wrote a book called Lose 50 Pounds in Two Months. I tell my eager readers eat less and they’ll reach their goals. But without details about what to do to accomplish this, how likely will that work? Just because I say eat less, doesn’t make it a valuable diet book.
1000 True Fans lacks that specificity. It doesn’t explain methods to use to get 1000 true fans. Or even how to develop products to get there. The author includes some “case studies”. Yet, half the case studies haven’t yet used the method so all that is offered is a prescription of what they could do. What value is that? Those aren’t case studies but are hypotheticals. Another case study doesn’t really explain with detail what the subject offered their 1000 true fans and then says in the end that they don’t really earn enough money by reaching their true fan base anyway. The only well-explained case study doesn’t show 1000 true fans but hundreds of 1000s of true fans but at least it’s a specific, authentic example.
Other books I’ve read far better explain this concept, including ones by Alina Vincent.
This book is lacking. Conceptually, it makes sense for a business person to make a living selling exceptional product to 1000 true fans. The problem is that this book is so simplistic and lacking specific details that it leaves the reader with little to grab onto.
Let’s say I wrote a book called Lose 50 Pounds in Two Months. I tell my eager readers eat less and they’ll reach their goals. But without details about what to do to accomplish this, how likely will that work? Just because I say eat less, doesn’t make it a valuable diet book.
1000 True Fans lacks that specificity. It doesn’t explain methods to use to get 1000 true fans. Or even how to develop products to get there. The author includes some “case studies”. Yet, half the case studies haven’t yet used the method so all that is offered is a prescription of what they could do. What value is that? Those aren’t case studies but are hypotheticals. Another case study doesn’t really explain with detail what the subject offered their 1000 true fans and then says in the end that they don’t really earn enough money by reaching their true fan base anyway. The only well-explained case study doesn’t show 1000 true fans but hundreds of 1000s of true fans but at least it’s a specific, authentic example.
Other books I’ve read far better explain this concept, including ones by Alina Vincent.
July 30, 2022
Very short but informative book. You don't need a lot of fans, only 1000 true fans are often enough for your business. How to do it. Read this book.
June 18, 2017
Good Resource for creating action plan for 1K True Fans
Four stars - The writing felt rushed or too bullet-point oriented. I would have liked to have seen the ideas for garnering a thousand true fans flushed out further with more real-life examples. However, the ideas were sound, and I think this will serve as a good resource for me as a fiction writer.
Four stars - The writing felt rushed or too bullet-point oriented. I would have liked to have seen the ideas for garnering a thousand true fans flushed out further with more real-life examples. However, the ideas were sound, and I think this will serve as a good resource for me as a fiction writer.
February 27, 2024
1000 True Fans is an interesting concept on how to make a living as a creator. Mass approaches to success are more common and this book offers another view.
Very short and straightforward book, packed with actionable advice and no hay at all. This is always a huge plus.
I'm giving this book 4 starts instead of 5 because I feel that it could be a bit more adventurous with the tips it gives. It could be more game-changing if it contained more tips other than have a mailing list, put it on your website, engage your fans in an online conversation, and this sort of things. I also have to say that the title of the book already states that it's supposed to be a simple idea. But I feel like it could have been a bit more experimental with the tips while keeping the underlying idea simple.
To sum up, good and short reminder of some things you can do to earn a living as a creator.
Very short and straightforward book, packed with actionable advice and no hay at all. This is always a huge plus.
I'm giving this book 4 starts instead of 5 because I feel that it could be a bit more adventurous with the tips it gives. It could be more game-changing if it contained more tips other than have a mailing list, put it on your website, engage your fans in an online conversation, and this sort of things. I also have to say that the title of the book already states that it's supposed to be a simple idea. But I feel like it could have been a bit more experimental with the tips while keeping the underlying idea simple.
To sum up, good and short reminder of some things you can do to earn a living as a creator.
December 28, 2018
Good news for Authors
This book expounds the concept of 1,000 True Fans. You don’t need to be an international celebrity or even a bestselling author to make an impact and an income. You just need 1,000 people who love everything you do as a creative artist or communicator. Very encouraging and practical.
This book expounds the concept of 1,000 True Fans. You don’t need to be an international celebrity or even a bestselling author to make an impact and an income. You just need 1,000 people who love everything you do as a creative artist or communicator. Very encouraging and practical.
August 8, 2018
Interesting Read
Great information and advice for the person ready to commit to take control of their creativity and life. Love how the author basically builds the success strategy for the reader, then directs them to a community who help each other succeed. Working my way in that direction. The only thing that stopped me from giving this five stars was that little things like capitalization seemed to fall apart at the end. This was not a free work piece - I purchased via Amazon and had the full expectation that an editor would be looking out for the writer. Still, I value the input and message: deserves no less than 4.8 stars.
Great information and advice for the person ready to commit to take control of their creativity and life. Love how the author basically builds the success strategy for the reader, then directs them to a community who help each other succeed. Working my way in that direction. The only thing that stopped me from giving this five stars was that little things like capitalization seemed to fall apart at the end. This was not a free work piece - I purchased via Amazon and had the full expectation that an editor would be looking out for the writer. Still, I value the input and message: deserves no less than 4.8 stars.
January 6, 2021
1000 True Fans...
Christ!!! If you’re wondering how in gods earth are you gonna make money from your hobby, passion or something you know you can offer that is of extreme value but unsure..? Buy this book
If you’re already smashing the free content and wondering whether what you’re doing can be monetised... buy this book.
If you already have a product or service but a little nervous about publishing it... buy this book...
I literally read from start to finish from 8:00pm and got up up at 05:48am to read it. 07:22am and I’m writing this review.
Buy this book...
Simply wow.
Christ!!! If you’re wondering how in gods earth are you gonna make money from your hobby, passion or something you know you can offer that is of extreme value but unsure..? Buy this book
If you’re already smashing the free content and wondering whether what you’re doing can be monetised... buy this book.
If you already have a product or service but a little nervous about publishing it... buy this book...
I literally read from start to finish from 8:00pm and got up up at 05:48am to read it. 07:22am and I’m writing this review.
Buy this book...
Simply wow.
November 15, 2018
This was valuable for anyone wanting to start a new venture. It allows someone to get their game plan together and start building momentum before they invest a ton of time, energy, money into the idea. It is a step by spet process that lays out how to build an audience.
Each chapter has a set of questions that allow the reader to determine whether this is the right process for their idea, project, or business.
Each chapter has a set of questions that allow the reader to determine whether this is the right process for their idea, project, or business.
December 18, 2021
Ok but nothing new!
There nothing new to see here. Your probably better off reading the original blog post the spawned this book. It’s a great quick read with good ideas if your are a new creator, but anyone with a bit of experience has probably already figured this stuff out and needs something deeper on how to get the job done. Having said that I’ve not completed the actions in the book yet so just maybe I have missed something.
There nothing new to see here. Your probably better off reading the original blog post the spawned this book. It’s a great quick read with good ideas if your are a new creator, but anyone with a bit of experience has probably already figured this stuff out and needs something deeper on how to get the job done. Having said that I’ve not completed the actions in the book yet so just maybe I have missed something.
January 26, 2018
It was good, but I wanted more. I suppose there isn't much else to tell, though.
It was good, but I wanted more. I suppose there isn't much else to tell, though. The steps are simple but not easy. I have seen other people successfully follow what he prescribes, so I guess that now its my turn. :)
It was good, but I wanted more. I suppose there isn't much else to tell, though. The steps are simple but not easy. I have seen other people successfully follow what he prescribes, so I guess that now its my turn. :)
June 8, 2018
Short, Concise & Digestible
1000 True Fans was recommended by Tim Ferris in his most recent podcast and I purchased the book the same day. What a breathe of fresh air it is to read a book without call of the fluff to make it longer. If you are looking for a roadmap to build your business idea to 1000 True Fans and beyond, look no further.
1000 True Fans was recommended by Tim Ferris in his most recent podcast and I purchased the book the same day. What a breathe of fresh air it is to read a book without call of the fluff to make it longer. If you are looking for a roadmap to build your business idea to 1000 True Fans and beyond, look no further.
December 24, 2018
Short sweet and inspirational
1000 True Fans was just the kick in the butt I needed to take my creative business(es) to the next level. It gives specific examples and forces you to record actionable items to move on to the next step to elevate your exposure and your business and literally make your dreams come true.
1000 True Fans was just the kick in the butt I needed to take my creative business(es) to the next level. It gives specific examples and forces you to record actionable items to move on to the next step to elevate your exposure and your business and literally make your dreams come true.
April 8, 2022
Quick pocket book thats shares the fundamentals of high ticket low volume sales, as well as selling to the masses and simple considerations that make an impact. A lot of this had actually already been taught to me by a couple of previous business mentors who undoubtedly read this book! Save yourself time before you start a biz or side project and read this.
July 2, 2022
Great for entrepreneurs!
This book gets to the center of what we all need to build on to be able to develop our own communities. We have been thinking ways to incorporate this into our own business. I recommend this book not only to people starting out but anyone who wants to be marketed well online. Or even not online…
This book gets to the center of what we all need to build on to be able to develop our own communities. We have been thinking ways to incorporate this into our own business. I recommend this book not only to people starting out but anyone who wants to be marketed well online. Or even not online…
January 31, 2018
Truly O.K
I would give this one more star as I did enjoy the read and the instructions for following the plan were fine and something I now adhere to but was left sometimes with the feeling it was all too good to be true.
I would give this one more star as I did enjoy the read and the instructions for following the plan were fine and something I now adhere to but was left sometimes with the feeling it was all too good to be true.
January 22, 2020
1000 True Fans is Short and to the Point
I loved this book. Very actionable, short and to the point, allowed you to do work as you read, gave you good ideas, and awesome inspiration. This is money well spent.
I loved this book. Very actionable, short and to the point, allowed you to do work as you read, gave you good ideas, and awesome inspiration. This is money well spent.
May 27, 2020
Terrific Actionables
Jongo keeps this book short,sweet, and to the point with simple action items to get you started. If you are creative,and/or entrepreneurial, you should read this book and take action!
Jongo keeps this book short,sweet, and to the point with simple action items to get you started. If you are creative,and/or entrepreneurial, you should read this book and take action!
September 20, 2020
Practical and To the Point
I love that the book emphasizes taking immediate action. The examples are very helpful and I feel confident that if I apply what I’ve read, i will be successful in my business.
I love that the book emphasizes taking immediate action. The examples are very helpful and I feel confident that if I apply what I’ve read, i will be successful in my business.
July 21, 2021
Mais do mesmo. Embora dê alguma exemplos e fica um pouco mais completo que o artigo do Kevin Kelly, ainda assim é jogado. É um ponto de partida mas precisa de estudo e leitura complementar para implementar.
May 3, 2023
WHO KNEW 1000 WOULD DUE!!
I love this book because it gives you a different mindset on how easy it can be to quit your job and live the life you want if you can just find a 1000 TRUE FANS/CUSTOMERS OUT OF THE 7 BILLION PEOPLE & COUNTING that live on this planet!! I LOVE MY ODDS NOW ON LIVING A LEGENDARY LIFE THAT I HAVE BEEN DREAMING OF‼️
I love this book because it gives you a different mindset on how easy it can be to quit your job and live the life you want if you can just find a 1000 TRUE FANS/CUSTOMERS OUT OF THE 7 BILLION PEOPLE & COUNTING that live on this planet!! I LOVE MY ODDS NOW ON LIVING A LEGENDARY LIFE THAT I HAVE BEEN DREAMING OF‼️
July 15, 2018
A spin off the article written online. The online was great what separates this one is the real life examples.
September 1, 2018
Awesome book to dive into!!!
Insightful, easy to read and well written book. I would recommend this book to any creator. A must read for sure!!
Insightful, easy to read and well written book. I would recommend this book to any creator. A must read for sure!!
November 14, 2018
Not Bad
Most of the information is intuitive but I would highly recommend to not read this until you actually have a solidified idea that you want to pursue.
Most of the information is intuitive but I would highly recommend to not read this until you actually have a solidified idea that you want to pursue.
August 22, 2019
It was fine. Simple concepts laid out nicely but there was no real substance. Read in less than an hour.
July 25, 2020
It is an expansion of the actual article
incremental knowledge was somewhat beneficial but you can get almost all of the core concepts from the free article on Kevin's website
incremental knowledge was somewhat beneficial but you can get almost all of the core concepts from the free article on Kevin's website
October 20, 2020
Insightful, short read
I have been highlighting and making notes throughout my reading so that I can get the most out of this helpful book. Worth the time and effort!
I have been highlighting and making notes throughout my reading so that I can get the most out of this helpful book. Worth the time and effort!
April 16, 2021
It was ok
I was looking for in-depth knowledge about the topic 1000 fans, but it was more of just a cursory view of a couple of examples
I was looking for in-depth knowledge about the topic 1000 fans, but it was more of just a cursory view of a couple of examples
April 29, 2021
An Easy Read
Useful and actionable information. But I would have liked to have more actionable information. Overall it was a good book.
Useful and actionable information. But I would have liked to have more actionable information. Overall it was a good book.
October 14, 2021
Understandable concept.
But it'll be a great start
But it'll be a great start
October 28, 2021
Nothing new here. I like the concept. A thousand fans doesn’t sound as daunting as appealing to a mass market.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews