StartupNation : America's Leading Entrepreneurial Experts Reveal the Secrets to Building a Blockbuster Business (Paperback)

~ (Author), Rich Sloan (Author) "We're brothers, best friends, neighbors, and lifelong business partners..." (more)
Key Phrases: Life Plan, Battery Buddy, Masco Industries (more...)

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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Broadway Business (May 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385512481
• ISBN-13: 978-0385512480
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #121,289 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	N. Kelly "Future Business Owner" - See all my reviews

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!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Novice - See all my reviews

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!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart Felt, June 3, 2005

By	YogaNation - See all my reviews

What the Sloan brothers do best is create a spirit of possibility. No pipe dream fodder here, but rather practical, inspirational and relevent information and advice. I especially like how life planning is encouraged in order to find a good fit for budding entrepreneurs. Reading the book has allowed me to really zone in on what I want out of my life and my career.