Never Bet the Farm: How Entrepreneurs Take Risks, Make Decisions -- and How You Can, Too

by Anthony Iaquinto, Stephen Spinelli Jr.

In Never Bet the Farm two leading entrepreneurs, Anthony Iaquinto and Stephen Spinelli, turn much of the so-called expert advice for entrepreneurs on its head. They show that by preparing for setbacks and using a framework that can help reduce risks and simplify decision making, entrepreneurs can increase their probability for success. They refute the idea that there is an ideal entrepreneurial “type,” and show that luck can be as important as a business plan in many enterprises. Above all, the authors emphasize that entrepreneurship is a career, not a one-time event, and winners are those who can keep themselves in the game. Never Bet the Farm is an easy-to-understand and attractive tool for anyone who has a business idea, but who might be wary of the risks implied in starting their own business.

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Brian Kurzhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

In their book, "Never Bet the Farm", Anthony Iaquinto and Stephen Spinelli offer compelling examples that underscore why diligence, vigilance, patience, and healthy skepticism can shield an entrepreneur from the hazards typically associated with an unsuccessful business launch.

[Grahamshircore · Rating 1 out of 5]

Budget. 120 pages of common sense dressed up as advice. Learnt very little.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book during my lunch breaks over the course of a week. Loved it! Good 'brain food' to go with physical meal food. Key concepts include: Build Correct Frame of Mind; Making Right Decisions; and other resources, tips were included.

In my opinion, this book applies to my 'PT boat vs the Battleship' strategy. The PT boat, though small, can respond to the marketplace changes swiftly while the Battleship (large corporations) will take a long time to avoid an underwater glacier (if they care to).

[Rachelle Basso · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reading for a Business Book Club. I really enjoyed this book. Very quick read with a lot of great information, including the entrepreneur's guidebook in the back.

My favorite line in the book, "If all of us lined up, blindfolded, at rush hour, on the curb of the Massachusetts Turnpike with an offer of a million dollars if we made it across the roadway alive, some of us would take the risk. Most would be killed or injured in the attempt. The few who made it would swear it was talent."

[Kakia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that no matter how adventurous I feel with my investments I should "Never Bet the Farm". But if I have the "farm" intact then this is the time in my life to take a risk and (hopefully!) gain something substantial.

[Leandro Melendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finalmente lo acabé.
Una guia rapida y pratica sobre principios de negocios. Motivante para no desanimarse en esta carrera entrepreneur!