Customer Reviews

The Entrepreneur's Manual: Business Start-Ups, Spin-Offs, and Innovative Management

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've had a copy of this book by my side for the past 25 years. It is one of the finest business books of all time, especially for entrepreneurs. Despite the dated nature of some of its content, the concepts are as important and useful today as they were when first put onto paper.

One of my favorite chapters is Chapter Four: Market Gap Analysis. This chapter alone is worth many times the price of the book. As the author says, "Market gap analysis is an extremely powerful tool for uncovering those areas in the market in which demand far exceeds supply. This tool, coupled with the verification techniques of Chapter Five, will assure your company of a lucrative market." Whether you are seeking to identify a completely new product or service, or to expand your current company's lines, this chapter is invaluable.

I found it amusing what other reviewers have written about losing copies of this book. I have also loaned out copies of the book never to have them returned, and I've resorted to keeping a few extra copies around. I can't think of any other book that I've valued so much!

Steven K. Gold
Author, Entrepreneur's Notebook: Practical Advice for Starting a New Business Venture

This is the best book ever written for entrepreneurs. I am a Harvard MBA, and have read an entire library of business books. No other book comes close to this one for practical advice. Yes, it is dated, but only in the technological tools that it suggests. The thinking is as fresh today as it was 25 years ago.

I have 5 copies of this book! I first picked this book up and read it in 1982 while in college. Some years later I saw this book on a client's office bookshelf...that company was later acquired with a big payoff for this VP. I reread it in 1994 when I spun off my own consulting practice. I have used so many of the tools in the book, they are a big part of my business repertoire. Anyways, I quickly switched over to a niche I found using the Market Gap Analysis (in the book)...raised $18MM over 2 years and the company was acquired for a decent harvest in year 3. If you have the desire and perseverence and follow this book closely, you WILL exceed your dreams.

My review will sound like a broken record when compared with the others: Like nearly everyone else, I had bought a copy when it was in print over 20 years ago. Like nearly everyone else, I read it, loved it, and then lent it out...only never to see it again. Like the others, I never forgot it. Now that I'm involved in a new start-up, I tracked down another copy and it's not going far from me. Let me steal from another review below: "This is by far the very best book that has ever been written for budding entrepreneurs...Even though it was written in 1977, don't shy away. Over 99% of the information is still viable in today's business world."
That says it all. Published by Chilton, this is a nuts-and-bolts, no-nonsense approach to start-ups, from manufacturing to service industries. You can't lose with this book.

This is by far the very best book that has ever been written for budding entreprenuers. If you find a rare copy of this book, you will keep it within reaching distance for years to come. Even though it was written in 1977, don't shy away. Over 99% of the information is still viable in today's business world. The information contained here will help you to look at the world of business a little differently. It is a shame that Mr. White did not follow-up on this book.

I lost the book when a potential business partner decided he needed the book more than I did. It took me years to find another copy. Protect this book the way you would protect your wallet.

Too bad this is out of print. I want to buy another copy for an associate. This book is probably the best instruction available on how to put a new company together -- and how to keep a fledgling company lean and mean. White covers every aspect of forming your team, creating your business plan, setting up controls, getting sales, and selecting your market niche. A true classic.

I purchased a new copy of this book back in 1986. It has to be one of the best books ever written regarding business start-ups. I guardedly loaned the book to friends over the years and eventually LOST this valuable resource. After searching for some time (plus sending some company wide e-mail pleas) I purchased an excellent condition copy from a seller on AMAZON. Later, to my delight, the LOST copy magically reappeared on my desk! I now have my original, with 16 years of hand written notes in the margins, plus a "clean" copy. Every entrepreneur should be so lucky. If you are new to starting a business, desire business structure skills, need sales technique review, or just want some business related inspiration, this book is for you.

I'm trying to locate and buy another copy of this book. I bought one copy, loaned it to a friend and never saw it again. So I bought a second copy some years later (hard to find but I did!). Unfortunately I loaned THAT copy to another friend who went through a divorce and I've never seen it since! NEVER AGAIN WILL I LOAN OUT THIS BOOK! It has to be the best book ever written about starting up your own company! If you can ever find it - don't loan it out!

It is very unfortunate that this book is out of print as it should be mandatory reading for every start up. I am convinced that many of the pitfalls of entrepreneurship would be resolved ahead of time if the participants had read this excellent book.

A great reference.

After having been a part of many business's and seen the folly's of inexperience and incompetance, Mr. White has made this book a mentor for anyone who has tried a business and failed or anyone even dreaming of their own business. I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge because of this book and recommend it as a very necessary resource for any start up business or existing one. I will write another review in 5 years when our company is running and successful. Because I am in a place in my life where university is no longer an option, I am grateful for the writing of this book to help the average person with drive and determination, to achieve results and success because of the wealth of valuable information that is contained in this book. Thank you Mr White!