The Art Of The Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide For Anyone Starting Anything

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Summary: A Field Guide For Starting Any Organization
Review: After many recommendations by my professors and other faculty, I was very happy that this book more than lived up to my expectations. Guy has put his experience and insight into a very honest and readable text. Each page contains something valuable and practical; no fluff, just a straightforward tool that every person wanting to build an organization should use. I, for one, will keep this by my side as my field guide while I build my business in the coming months.

Rating:
Summary: Good for first-time entrepreneurs
Review: After reading the glowing reviews from the likes of Geoffrey Moore and Clayton Christensen I assumed that this book really had something to say to beginners as well as serial entrepreneurs. If you've been down the entrepreneurship road before and you don't know 85% of the material in this book, you missed a lot the first time around. Although I was reminded of a few points as I read the book, it was more of an Entrepreneurship 100 book. The basic steps of starting out, bootstrapping, aligning actions with achievable and productive objectives and other points were valuable if a reader has not been there before. Guy also writes as if his California/post-bubble-oriented view is The Way and readers need to take some of his pronouncements with a grain of salt (e.g., VCs are not going to want to know about the details of your business in the first meeting). That aside, it's probably worth reading for new entrepreneurs who are starting out in a new business and have not read another of the many similar books that are out there. For that, I gave it 3 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Revolutionary...
Review: Always been a big fan of Guy and his books. He definitely "creates like a god," "commands like a king," and "works like a slave." Readers who enjoyed this book will also enjoy a new book that came out after Guy's book, called "It's not about the technology" by Raj Karamchedu. Karamchedu's book talks about the what happens after you indeed do start and how startup companies degenerate. The book's entire focus is on the dysfunction that sets when marketers and engineers don't interact well. I"ve read the book and can't stop recommending it to this group of readers.

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Summary: Entrepreneurial common sense laid out in a digestible way
Review: I found The Art of The Start full of common sense laid out in such an organized, informative way, that I feel empowered by having read it. It was the most enjoyable non-fiction book that I have read in ages! Overall a helpful, uplifting and fun read. For anyone involved in start-ups, this book will help improve your odds of success.

Rating:
Summary: Fast and easy read with actionable points and take-aways
Review: I have just completed Guy Kawasaki's, "The Art of the Start" and found the material very useful. Guy's style is easy to follow, straight-shooting, and actionable. I have dog-eared at least 20 pages for future reference, which is about four times the amount of other books I've read.

Although I'm in the early stages of raising capital, I've learned a lot regarding the "pitch" and the art of branding. I loved Guy's thoughts on getting a Morpheous and his insight regarding "telling new lies."

This is a great guide for those serious about moving forward with their passion for making a difference.

Rating:
Summary: Overbroad
Review: I love Guy's books, but this title was trying to be everything to everyone. Good tips inside, but its very broad target dampers the book's effectiveness.

Rating:
Summary: Dead Bang On
Review: I sent the following email to Guy after reading AOTS several weeks ago.


I'm on my way to the Bay Area to pitch five Sand Hill road VCs for $6M.

I've been at this start-up stuff for about three years and getting better, but still learning.

I've read about half of AOTS since Friday, between doing the final revs to the pitch and plan. Your book is the absolute best out of all the guidance on the subject (of which I've read and heard quite a bit.) Not just better -- it really is in its own category.

AOTS is cogent and highly readable. Having been in front of many investors already, I found myself laughing out loud at your characterizations. They're all dead bang on. I've already gotten quite a few take-always for next week.



Rating:
Summary: great book for those with the entrepeneurial itch!
Review: If you are interested in starting your own business, or just curious to find out what the best way to go about that is, I would definitely recommend reading Guy Kawasaki's latest book - "The Art of the Start". It is very easy to read, written in an entertaining yet very information-packed format. Mr. Kawasaki is a true expert in this field and he shares many of his personal stories in the book that will be very helpful to those struggling with the myriad of issues that face those trying to start a company.

I heard of this book and thought it sounded interesting, but when my husband decided to launch his own business recently, it moved to the front of my mind. He and I have both read this and both of us have come away with some wonderful insights and ideas. It not only informs but inspires, and really lights a fire under those of us that are ready to march forth and conquer!

This is definitely worth the money and would be a great addition to anyone's business library! Just pick it up and skim it and I'm sure you will see why!!

Rating:
Summary: The title says it all
Review: This is a great book for anyone who's been thinking about starting a business or other venture, but doesn't know how or is too scared to take action. Guy Kawasaki offers common sense advice in an engaging, very easy to read format. He provides real world examples of what's worked and what hasn't in the past, even admitting to (very few!) mistakes and misjudgments he himself has made. While this book isn't for everyone, its organization helps those readers who may only be interested in one aspect of starting a business, such as how to recruit a great workforce. There's also a handy index which Kawasaki himself touts that may come in handy for those who are more experienced or established. The book is also full of great quotes and anecdotes that may shape your thinking.

Rating:
Summary: Great, great book
Review: What stands out in my mind is the sheer usefulness of this book. The entire book is devoid of mind-numbing theory, and in its place is useful, practical, implementable advice. Want to know how many slides to prepare? What font to use? What to say? It's all here.

Well done, gary [sic.]!!