Startup Nation: America's Leading Entrepreneurial Experts Reveal the Secrets to Building a Blockbuster Business [Paperback]

Jeff Sloan (Author), Rich Sloan (Author)

Book Description

Release date: May 17, 2005

Want to take control of your life? Want to trade in that listless job and create the company you’ve always dreamed of? Millions of new businesses are started each year, from online diamond dealers to part-time “pet projects” to the latest franchises. StartupNation is all about putting you in the driver’s seat to start your own business.

Jeff and Rich Sloan are lifelong entrepreneurs who have created dozens of successful businesses and have guided and advised thousands of others through their nationally syndicated radio talk show, on their Web site, and in their weekly online newsletter. In StartupNation, the Sloan Brothers examines every aspect of smart entrepreneurship and help you create the business you've always dreamed of.

You'll learn about the dos and don'ts and the highs and lows of building your own business through the Sloan's in-the-trenches insights and the inspirational tales of over thirty other gutsy entrepreneurs. Among the stories you'll read about:

• The Sloans' own patented invention, the Battery Buddy®, which generated more than $1 million in royalties

• Lavetta Willis, who built Dada Footwear into a fashion brand that now produces sneakers worn by NBA basketball stars

• Tom Nardone, who created the booming ShopInPrivate.com, where people can order items they’re embarrassed to buy at the local drugstore.

StartupNation presents a master course in identifying a good idea, building the right kind of business around it, and avoiding the pitfalls that can derail you. If you’ve ever dreamed of pursuing your own business, StartupNation will be your most powerful resource.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Whether it's an idea for a new company or the dream of being your own boss, the brothers Sloan provide the inspiration and information needed to make your business fantasy a reality. Serial entrepreneurs, angel investors and creators of the multimedia company StartupNation-which includes a radio show, Web site (Startup Nation.com), e-newsletter and, now, this book-they are enthusiastic ministers of entrepreneurialism. They offer followers the vision, spirit and plan for achieving their goals. But if you're thinking this "plan" is a business plan, you need to be patient. They spend the first third of the book on developing a "life plan." This full spiritual inventory leads readers through what they really want, who they really are and what they're really prepared to do. One's emotional and physical health will greatly influence the health of one's business, the authors argue, no matter what that business ultimately involves. Once fully assessed, readers are led to decide what business types are best-suited to them-franchising, licensing, etc.-and are given options for pursuing each. The brothers even provide ideas for uncovering opportunities to fill unmet market needs. Only then do they turn to formulating the business plan. Throughout the book, Sloan & Sloan share their own experiences as inventors of the Battery Buddy, along with those of their radio show callers and neighbors. There is no mistaking this book for a business school product-few charts, no formulas. Yet it offers detailed discussions of the same subjects in a genuinely clear, encouraging and well-meaning way.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

The Sloan brothers bring passion and a practical worldly experience to their book. Using their licensing sale of Battery Buddy to Masco Corporation as a springboard, these Michigan-based siblings paint a realistic perspective on business ownership--and a visionary picture as well. Who else would explain the importance and process for creating a "Life Plan"? What other collection would proffer such eloquent principles about work--seeing it as freedom, family, and fulfillment? Where else could a potential entrepreneur pick up the inspiration and the tangible advice, not only from the Sloans and their multimedia SUN but also from the featured "Super Start-Ups" such as Devine Color and SkyDeck. A prescription for renewing your faith in doing your own thing. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Crown Business (May 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385512481
• ISBN-13: 978-0385512480
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #408,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm inspired! June 2, 2005

By N. Kelly

Format:Paperback

I've been conteplating the idea of starting my own business...being my own boss. After reading this book I'm pumped up and READY TO GO! It was especially inspiring to hear about other entrepreneurs who are out there and doing it. There are tons of quick little lessons and real-world ideas that I can put into place for my business idea. If you're thinking about starting a business, but you haven't done anything about it - GET THIS BOOK! And the best part, it's such a fun and interesting read that I couldn't put it down...I finished it in one weekend!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading! September 13, 2005

By Novice

Format:Paperback

I am an information-overload type of person....you better catch me quick or you'll lose me. I read this book cover to cover. Lots of practical, real world examples. Also found a lot of info on their web site, www.startupnation.com. Thanks for the invaluable advice!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book was just what I needed. June 2, 2005

By Lisa Canducci

Format:Paperback

I just graduated from college and have been toying with the idea of turning my jewelry making hobby into a business. But with no training in business i had a lot of unanswered questions. I tried this book on a whim and was so pleased to find a resource that answered my questions in a way that i could understand. They broke things down and made the daunting tasks managable and approachable. I was so inspired that I've decided to give my business a try! I would reccomend this book to anyone thinking of starting a business but doesn't know where to start. You'll find it to be a refreshing departure from the typical, boring business books lining the shelves.