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tatyanavogt's review
3.0
Edit: This was a great read but I updated it from a 5 to a 3, it was good and I would recommend it but there wasn't anything life changing about it. (I've been too free with my five stars)
This is a really good, to the point simple book that is a basic account of how Derek made millions by simply sticking to his core values. He uses this tale as a way to guide others who are interested in doing the same thing, talking about his successes and his failures and things that he has learned that can be helpful to others looking to build a business. I found it to be very inspiring. Really quick read.
This is a really good, to the point simple book that is a basic account of how Derek made millions by simply sticking to his core values. He uses this tale as a way to guide others who are interested in doing the same thing, talking about his successes and his failures and things that he has learned that can be helpful to others looking to build a business. I found it to be very inspiring. Really quick read.
jclermont's review
5.0
I read this book in a single sitting, both because it’s short and because it’s very engaging. I don’t think Derek is advocating people follow his specific example, but more to avoid the trap of following generic business advice as a default. Definitely several good nuggets of wisdom in here that have influenced my outlook on work.
soroushtorkian's review against another edition
5.0
Great book. Author is easy to listen to. Some tips from the book:
1. Make sure your business model has two numbers.
2. Don't pursue business just for your own gain.
3. Make yourself unnecessary to the running of your business.
4. Offer direct sales of products to customers.
5. Care about your customers more than about yourself.
6. Set up a system that won't let mistakes go unnoticed.
7. Empower your employees and let them make decisions on their own.
8. Trust but verify those you delegate to.
9. Don't promise customers something you can't fully control.
10. Make sure your business is a dream come true for yourself, too.
1. Make sure your business model has two numbers.
2. Don't pursue business just for your own gain.
3. Make yourself unnecessary to the running of your business.
4. Offer direct sales of products to customers.
5. Care about your customers more than about yourself.
6. Set up a system that won't let mistakes go unnoticed.
7. Empower your employees and let them make decisions on their own.
8. Trust but verify those you delegate to.
9. Don't promise customers something you can't fully control.
10. Make sure your business is a dream come true for yourself, too.
adityam's review
4.0
An easy and good read full of insights about the business world, specifically about what it means to be an entrepreneur and what different scenarios are plausible if you happen to start your own company, and why everyone must try doing it, at whatever scale possible.
Favourite line: Your own company is a playground for your business ideas. You can create your own rules, and make the utopian workplace you always think of.
Favourite line: Your own company is a playground for your business ideas. You can create your own rules, and make the utopian workplace you always think of.
singuyen's review against another edition
5.0
I learned a lot from reading this little book about starting and running a business, and about finding your purpose and what makes you happy, which to be honest, I did not expect to get out of it just by reading the title. The book is a collection of lessons and Derek Sivers learned over 10 years of running his business, CDBaby. I loved how he reminded me to never do anything just for the money; instead, do something that I enjoy and that could help other people.
This book isn't about growing your business, in fact, Sivers was trying to keep his company small but it just kept growing as more customers demanded his services. He placed a strong emphasis on bringing value to customers and would turn down opportunities that came his way if they were to challenge his core purpose.
You can start and finish the book in one sitting, but the lessons are there to stay with you for much longer. In my opinion, even if you don't have an intention to create a business, this book will still offer you life lessons on knowing when you have had enough, and how you can be happy.
This book isn't about growing your business, in fact, Sivers was trying to keep his company small but it just kept growing as more customers demanded his services. He placed a strong emphasis on bringing value to customers and would turn down opportunities that came his way if they were to challenge his core purpose.
You can start and finish the book in one sitting, but the lessons are there to stay with you for much longer. In my opinion, even if you don't have an intention to create a business, this book will still offer you life lessons on knowing when you have had enough, and how you can be happy.