The Startup of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your Career

by Reid Hoffman

3 things - assets. aspirations. Market realities.

You remake yourself as you grow and as the world changes. Your identity doesn’t get found. It emerges.

The realities of the world you live in is the final piece of the puzzle. Smart entrepreneurs know a product won’t make money if customers don’t want or need it, regardless of how slick its form and function (think of the Segway). Likewise, your skills, experiences, and other soft assets—no matter how special you think they are—won’t give you an edge unless they meet the needs of a paying market.

Identity

Identity 1

Quality network

Soil

Berkshire Hathaway was founded in America because there’s greater business opportunity in a country with effective institutions, rule of law, trust, and a culture that accepts risk-taking, among other intangible qualities. And, when a Warren Buffett has the opportunity to flourish, everyone in society benefits. The soil gains nutrients to nourish the seeds of other people’s creativity. This is why enlightened for-profit companies align their for-profit business objectives with desirable social outcomes. It’s also why they allocate time and money to directly help the communities in which they operate.