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Summary: The Value is in the Details
Review: Rob Adams has written the book I've been waiting for--a detailed step-by-step guide to building a world-class business. Most of the advice has the ring of hard-won wisdom--i.e. somewhat counterintuitive nuggets that make perfect sense once Rob explains the rationale.For example, Mr. Adams tells us that good business ideas--and the need to keep them ultra-secret--are almost worthless. If an idea is worthwhile (i.e. commercially viable), at least 20 or 30 groups around the country have already had the same idea. What truly matters is your team's ability to execute. Mr. Adams's book is full of such myth-busting advice. Other examples include: - The relative unimportance of the business plan - Why too much investment $$ too early can ruin your business - Why basing your marketing hopes on selling your new product through existing 3rd-party channels rarely makes sense What I like most is that his advice doesn't come down to some 30,000 feet up platitudes. He shows in great detail precisely how to validate your market, get in the door with a VC, structure you venture financing to maximize value for both parties a the table, sell your product, etc. All of this is written in a fast moving, in-your-face kind of tone. At the end, you feel like you've been taken to the "entrepreneur's woodshed" but feel grateful for the tough love.
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Summary: Should be mandatory reading for entrepeneurs !
Review: Simply brilliant - highly recommended for anyone planning to start down the difficult road of entrepeneurship using venture capital or trying to grow an existing venture.
I have been an entrepeneur for several years and wish I had read a book similar to A Good Hard Kick....before launching some of my ventures. Nothing I have read to date has provided me with such a crystal clear view and step-by-step approach to being successful in a venture - without the BS and the hype you find in the press. The book convincingly explodes the myth of The Unique Idea, the First Mover Advantage and other common delusions many entrepeneurs have. The market validation technique - is in retrospect a stunningly simple and obvious approach but one consistenty ignored by entrepeneurs who think they "know" their customer and the market. However, after reading the real-life examples of startups who went through this exercise, I would not launch any venture without using this approach. The book also has a step-by-step approach to increasing the valuation of your venture and minimising dilution of equity once you get VC funding. Lots of other good advice, techniques, insights into what it takes to start and grow a successful venture.
Rating: 
Summary: Decent Book
Review: This book is decent. Another good one to try is www.antiventurecapital.com .
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book and a must read for entrepreneurs
Review: This is a truly excellent book and a MUST READ! I've actually been taught first hand by Rob Adams over the last 6 months and his insights and wisdom for anybody starting a business is truly eye opening. Rob focuses on the most basic things that most people starting their own companies completely ignore! I personally plan on using this book as a guide as I begin to explore the entrepreneurial world..
Rating:
Summary: A must for someone serious about advancing their business
Review: This is not just another look into the day-to-day activities of a VC. It is a very useful and resourceful tool for any entrepreneur who needs access to an expert who knows what works and what doesn't in building foreword thinking businesses. This book provides a very common sense approach to building a technology business although the fundamentals could apply to any market. We have implemented many of the books components into the framework of the company we are building. Two of the biggest are market validation and insisting on remaining focused on what matters most to the successful advancement of our company. Most companies will perform market validation at some level but Rob's approach will make the process extremely productive for you. It is strategic, milestone focused and will ultimately assist in your determination of whether your new product or service is viable or not. Many of the book's "take aways" are posted in our office to help remind us what to focus on. The ROI on this book has been unbelievable for our emerging company and I highly recommend it. Kevin Adams - Metrics Partners
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