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Rating: 
Summary: One of the best books on creating something new
Review: I admit I read this book with a good bit of skepticism. I read Twyla Tharp's new book on creativity with even more. How does one "teach" innovation and creativity? It has to happen organically, doesn't it? Well, this book shows exactly how to create an environment in which product development can evolve naturally. The author has a number of major products, services, and companies under his belt, and there are really sound checklists for encouraging a workplace in which creativity and innovation can happen - and be recognized and rewarded.
Rating: 
Summary: Trite. I expected much, much more.
Review: I bought this book on the advice of a good friend--a friend whose recommendations have been uniformly spot-on; until now.I found the book trite, pat and predictable. It seemed to reek of Kevin O'Connor's desire to show off his past companies' successes while also proving to the poor reader that the author was just a "normal" guy--that if he could do it, anyone can. Perhaps I was just put off by the two grammatical errors I noticed in the first 10 pages. Or maybe it was the unpleasant, ironic feeling that Kevin O'Connor's real next money-maker was not starting a new company; it was peddling this book to unsuspecting people who expected something substantive and helpful. (Though I hope folks reading this review realize that there is no "secret recipe" for business success. I wonder how many people who have read The Map of Innovation have subsequently achieved significant business success; my guess is: zero.) In any case, to my friend's dismay, I couldn't even finish the book. I hope my experience with it helps others to avoid wasting their money and time on it. I wish I could recommend another book in its stead, but I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with this genre in general. --- Ron Rothman
Rating:
Summary: This has probably become my most underlined book
Review: This is one of my best business innovation, entrepreneur, start up books. Each page is packed with practical wisdom for the new business startup, and the established business. His information on how to innovate was very good. The author believes in always adding technology to a need. I thought his methods of creativity were somewhat simplistic. But the way he applied them to searching for business solutions was excellent. The most important advice that I received from the book was in hiring. He suggests that you "Hire Smart At......". You'll be surprised with his recommendation. I had always thought that A. David Silver's advice on start up entrepreneur's was right on (find someone with a hurt), but O'Connors is closer to what I was trying to elucidate but couldn't. Highly recommended, one of my current favorites. John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX
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