Most business books consist of one idea and then around 160–200 pages of fluff talking about how that idea can be used. A business book that actually delivers some sort of value after the second or third chapter is usually a success. I picked up The Art of the Start because I have been reading Guy’s blog recently and the title is pretty irresistible.
I think the title is a little misleading as it really isn’t about starting “Anything”, it’s pretty focused on starting a business and more specifically a technology-oriented business. This is expected considering Guy’s company finances technology companies. The book is filled with a considerable amount of business advice, many of his lists throughout the book contain more good advice than some entire business books in their entirety. It includes a 100 small ideas instead of one big idea.
The book focused a little too much on getting capital, does every successful business need funding? I know of some that get by growing organically, but I don’t think these are the companies that interest a venture capitalist like Guy, or at least not as much as the ones who get funding. The saving grace of all the advice around getting funded is that the advice is often applicable to your business as a whole. I remember one point Guy made that stuck with me was about a common lie:
Lie #6: “Proctor & Gamble is too old, big, dumb, and slow to be a threat.”
I hear this all the time from people on why they are going to be successful, and I always thought it was a little bit naive. Sure, you might be able to carve out a niche market… but to underestimate companies who dominate the market is delusional.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone thinking about starting their own small business or project.
-James
{ 1 comment }
please , I’d like to read this book
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