The Art of the Start 2.0 is the newest, updated version of Guy Kawasaki’s popular 2004 business book The Art of the Start. It’s a 300 pages-long nonfiction book on starting things. A new company, a new product or service, a new non-profit… whatever you want to start, Guy Kawasaki uses this book to give practical tips on getting it done.
Who is Guy Kawasaki, the Author of The Art of the Start 2.0?
With over 20 years of experience in the business world, Guy Kawasaki is definitely speaking from experience. And that’s what makes the book really valuable. Kawasaki worked with big names like Apple during the company’s humble beginnings, created his own venture capital firm, and helped to launch a handful of successful companies. As well as offering a lot of theoretical tips, Kawasaki also offers up the lessons he learned to his readers. He discusses what worked for him in his business endeavors and what didn’t, with many helpful tips on avoiding the mistakes he’s made.
The Style of The Art of the Start 2.0
The style of the book is easy to follow. You don’t need to have been to business school to get what Kawasaki is saying. His no-bullshit approach to business is as accessible as it is refreshing.
The Content of The Art of the Start 2.0: What Is It All About?
In his business book, Kawasaki goes through the main things you need to know before you start any project:
- how to come up with a great concept?
- how to define your business model?
- how to set useful milestones?
- how to pitch your product or company to others in a convincing way?
- how to recruit and partner with the right people?
- how to brand your product or service effectively?
- how to cultivate the right ethos?
The main takeaways I got from reading this book were to start putting things into action right now rather than spend months developing a business plan. At the same time, I learned that adequate planning is important but that you must remain flexible to meet your business idea’s ever-changing needs. Finally, the best tip he gives is to create a solid concept – the money will follow. In other words, don’t be money-focused at the beginning, but rather focus on creating a product or service that serves a genuine purpose.
Is The Art of the Start 2.0 for Me?
This is a book for entrepreneurs with any level of experience. I think that some of the lessons in this book could also be useful to ambitious freelancers and employees-but you’ll get the most out of this book as an entrepreneur.
Final Thoughts on The Art of the Start 2.0
Overall, I think this is a very successful book. By focusing on just one point: how to start things, Kawasaki gives a good overview of how to run a successful business. It’s definitely a useful book for people interested in entrepreneurship. However, I would only recommend it to those who have some time to set aside to really implement his tips. In other words, it’s not a quick and easy inspiring read. It’s more of a detailed guide that you have to really follow through to see results.
Business Books Similar To The Art of the Start 2.0
If all you want to learn is how to start a business, this is a must-read. If you want a book that focuses on mindset more, then I’d also recommend checking out Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
