Wilson Harrell knows all about survival. He barely escaped death after being shot down over World War II France. And throughout his illustrious career as a buccaneering businessman, he has used the same survival strategies and instincts. Here he offers a peek into the rollercoaster ride of that rare breed, the entrepreneur, who welcomes terror and uncertainty in order to make a dream come true.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Entrepreneurial companies are the richest source of new jobs in America, according to the author, yet the inherently complex small business start-up process and the Herculean problems and pressures that engulf the small-business owner remain a mystery. Harrell, a former publisher of Inc. magazine, addresses these issues in this brief, anecdotal and strongly opinionated study. Arguing that small businesses comprise a new economic entity--the ``Third Market''--he analyzes marketing, styles of entrepreneurship (``buccaneer'' and ``farmer'') and the inevitable ``entrepreneurial transition'' from the ``genius'' stage through the creation of a large, successful enterprise. From his lucid views on risk-taking (``It's just one word and will give you . . . freedom to get your head above the crowd'') and his blunt comments on dealing with such major corporations as Clorox and Proctor & Gamble, to his pithy but salient thoughts on advertising, financing, boards of directors and the future prospects of America's entrepreneurial activities, Harrell's ideas are worth heeding, though more thoughtful development of each topic would have enriched his work. 50,000 first printing; first serial to Success magazine.
Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Classic business anecdotes, but dubious advice,
By Bruce (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: For Entrepreneurs Only (Paperback)
In the author's amazing experience he started about 100 companies, encountering many hurdles. Most of its nearly 50 chapters are a mini-story relating a real-life business situation, and ends with the "lesson" learned to conclude each chapter. The lessons will be difficult to apply, however, unless they are coupled with the superb salesmanship reflected throughout the book.The book claims that entrepreneurs are born, and not made (actually relates to genetics, hunter versus farmer instincts). Later chapters attribute entrepreneurial traits to parental influences. That's confusing, because one would hope reading the book itself could be a strong factor, as well. As an entrepreneur, the book claims that you will experience "entrepreneurial terror". Actually, many of the ventures recounted are risky, heavily leveraged, and prematurely mass-marketed. That "terror" feeling could have been a signal to back off on the gas pedal for most people. Building a strong business takes time. The book suggests that CEOs of publicly-held companies have sold out, and are not real entrepreneurs. Yet, the business ventures cited that did fail still lost money for people far less knowledgeable about investing than Wall Street companies. Upon reaching the end of the book, I concluded that "entrepreneur" is just a polite word for an opportunistic, ultra-aggressive, individualistic approach to business. The lessons try to show how to reduce risk, but are actually closer to showing how to avoid having to trust business associates through one-upmanship and gaining tactical advantages. The "entrepreneurial terror" may come at the expense of personal peace for many entrepreneurs. An entrepreneur model with too much individualism and aggression will miss the maturing process toward becoming an effective corporate leader. Yet, the latter chapters discuss Total Quality Entrepreneurship (TQE), a new management approach that makes "entrepreneurs" throughout an organization. But TQE's real effect may be to coax would-be entrepreneurs (who would start their own companies) into staying under the control of the current one. There's a built-in contradiction of terms. If your looking for a book to really show you the inner personal change required to make it as a small business person, I'd recommend reading "The E-Myth Revisited."
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
He's got it right,
By Ric Richardson (Huntington Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: For Entrepreneurs Only (Paperback)
As an entrepenuer I can speak from experience that what is said in the book is correct. You are either a hunter entrepenuer or a farmer entrepenuer and a big key to success is knowing what you are. Everyone wants to think of themselves as a hunter over a boring "farmer" but in reality most hunters would love to have farmer skills... that's true in my case. I spend all my time trying to smooth over the weaknesses of my "hunter" approach and banging my head against a system that is set up to support and nurture a farmer approach... even to entrepenuership.Some of the reviews here don't cut it... they didnt get the point which is... know yourself first, then work around your strengths. This is a cornerstone work in my mind. The reference by other reviewers to the e-myth as being superior show that they love the "farmer" approach. I'd suggest they re-read FEO with a more open mind. It really is great stuff.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous, inspiring, and educational - a Must Read!,
This review is from: For Entrepreneurs Only (Paperback)
Using extraordinary anecdotes from his own life, Wilson Harrell teaches as well as story-tells. This book is one of the best on entrepreneurship and the roller-coaster life it brings. Buy it!
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