The 4 Routes to Entrepreneurial Success [Paperback]

John B Miner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1881052826 | ISBN-13: 978-1881052821 | Publication Date: January 1, 1996 | Edition: 1st

Based on 20 years of research of a systematic seven-year study of 100 entrepreneurs, this book details the distinctive characteristics of each personality type--Personal Achiever, Supersalespeople, Real Managers, and Expert Idea Generators-- and explains why they succeed or fail.

Editorial Reviews

From Scientific American

I found The 4 Routes to Entrepreneurial Success fascinating. After reading it, I was surprised at how quickly I could identify the various employees in my company, and the insight it gave me in understanding how to take better advantage of their abilities.

From The New Yorker

Jack Miner has conducted one of the really important studies of entrepreneurs and their firms, and the results are presented in a way that we all can understand and use.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1st edition (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881052826
• ISBN-13: 978-1881052821
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,316,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable Insight I've Not Found Anywhere Else, December 3, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The 4 Routes to Entrepreneurial Success (Paperback)

This book is one of the few that I've read and immediately re-read word-for-word and cover-to-cover to make sure I didn't miss anything. It is a keeper that is as much about becoming or succeeding as an entrepreneur as it is about fitting who you are with what you do for a living. I found many things valuable about the book. First, it is based exclusively on extensive data collection, analysis, and correlation rather than observation or an academic's inspired perspectives on life. Second, one chapter is devoted to each of the four types with each chapter using a standard discussion/presentation format (prevalent characteristics and styles of the type, case studies, SPECIFIC paths to success for each type, successful work situations for each type, etc.) that makes it extremely easy to compare and contrast types as one determines which--if any--one is. Third, there is a self-assessment test to determine/validate one's type as well as extensive guidance on how to correctly interpret one's scores and mitigate response bias. Finally, instead of using the preceeding chapters as a means to induce one to seek him out for one-on-one (presumably expensive) career counseling, Miner provides a detailed listing of the more than 60 skills/values/personality type/interest/etc. tests administered to his 100 research subjects (MBA students at SUNY-Buffalo) and specifically advises readers to work with the book on their own rather than engage him. I have recommended this book to several others who, in turn, have read it and come away with the same decidely postive review shared here. I continue to find myself reflecting on material in the book and re-reading certain sections. I've no doubt you will not regret the small investment in this book, and will refer to it again and again as you consider its implications for your life.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable information that you won't find anywhere else, April 25, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The 4 Routes to Entrepreneurial Success (Paperback)

This book is so good that I read and reread it three times in a row! What powerful insights! You won't find this information anywhere else.

This book is a keeper. I took copious notes and am benefitting tremendously from these powerful insights. I found many powerful insights.

First it is based exclusively on extensive data collection, analysis, and correlation rather than observation or an acedemics inspired perspectives on life.

Second, one chapter is devoted to each of the four typeswith each chapter using a standard discussion/presentation format (prevalent characteristics and style of the type, case studies, SPECIFIC paths to success for each type, successful work situations for each type, etc.) that makes it extremely easy to compare and contrast types as one determineswhich-if-any-one is.

Third, there is a self assessment test to determine/validate one's type as well as extensive guidance on how to correctly interpet one's scores and mitigate response basis.

Finally, instead of one on one (presumably expensive) career counseling, Miner provides a detailed listing of the more than 60 skills/values/personality type/interest etc. tests administered to his 100 research subjects (MBA students at SUNY-
Buffalo) and specifically advises readers to work with the book on their ownrather than engage him.

I have recommended this book to several others who, in turn, have read it and come away with the same decidedly positive view that I have.

I find myself continually reflecting on material in the book and re-reading certain sections. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will find yourself hansomely rewarded for the small investment in this great book. And no doubt will, as I and my associates have, continue to refer to it again and again as you consider it's implications for your life.
-ufflo

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for any aspiring entrepreneur!, February 1, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Spring Hill, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 4 Routes to Entrepreneurial Success (Paperback)

Could have easily been called "The Entrepreneur Next Door" because of the real live accounts of successful entrepreneurs. The author goes into detail of the personalities that make up successful entrepreneurs and how these personalities can play a key role in setting your own goals and objectives. Well written the book accounts twenty years of study by the author into the world of entrepreneurship. You won't put it down until you've finished it, and then you'll want to read it again!