Burn Your Business Plan!: What Investors Really Want from Entrepreneurs [Paperback]

David E. Gumpert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

Breaking ranks with conventional wisdom, this book argues that writing a business plan unnecessarily wastes time and, in fact, could be counterproductive. This careful study examines start-up experiences and the minimal role of business plans in the practices of such entrepreneurs as Bill Gates and Michael Dell. Small business owners are urged instead to focus on key hands-on tasks that are more likely to impress professional investors-tasks such as preparing an effective oral presentation, writing a clear and compelling synopsis, developing a web site that captures a business model, and assembling hard-hitting financial projections. Provided are a sample synopsis that helped attract $4 million of investment capital, examples of effective financial projections, 10 ways to demonstrate demand for a product or service, and a detailed case study of an entrepreneur who raised more than $50 million of investment funds-without the use of a written business plan. Entrepreneurs learn inside tips for how to value company stock, how to network most effectively to attract the interest of investors, and how to negotiate from strength with prospective investors.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Burn Your Business Plan! is right on target...I recommend this for all entrepreneurs who are serious about raising money." -- Bob Marshall, managing partner, Selby Ventures

"David Gumpert has done it again!...Our overemphasis on writing business plans has been exposed..." -- Gerald E. Hills, Coleman/Denton Thorne Professor of Entrepreneurship and Executive Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago

"Gumpert's insights into investor mindsets...are a grand contribution to both those who do, and those who teach, entrepreneurship." --Rollie Tillman, Andrew Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

About the Author

David E. Gumpert is the author of How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan and the coauthor of Business Plans That Win $$$. He is the former small business editor of Harvard Business Review. He lives in Needham, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: Lauson Publishing Co. (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970118155
• ISBN-13: 978-0970118158
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #915,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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