6 Secrets to Startup Success - Book Review

Author John Bradberry kills the passion myth; that passion is the foundation of any successful startup. With examples and sound reasoning, Bradberry gives a wake-up call to all the highly motivated (and sometimes desperately ill-equipped) would-be entrepreneurs: Don’t build your business on passion alone. The 6 Secrets to Startup Success will either save you from diving headfirst into a business that should have remained a hobby, or build your passion into an exceptional company. If you are starting a new company, buy this book.

Author John Bradberry sums up the entrepreneurial battle this way: Most ventures are driven by passion and belief. Most fail.

In the opening chapters, Bradberry addresses a common and bizarre belief that passion is the primary requirement for a new business. He discusses how this passion can actually doom the startup to failure - causing founders to base decisions on emotion rather than logic and sound numbers.

The following six chapters each cover a specific principle to help start and build a great company.

The author clearly has experience in starting and building great companies. The tone of the book is not that of a regurgitated textbook, but the voice of an expert sharing his insight and experience with a friend.

I am impressed with the book - it has great stuff and is an easy read. If you are planning a new company, take the time to read this book. It will save you time and might just make the difference in your new company.

The principles will ring true for anyone who has ever started a company. Here are the points covered in the book:

The 6 Secrets to Launching a Can’t Miss Startup

1. Founder Readiness
2. The Pull of the Market
3. Your Math Story
4. Startup Agility
5. Integrity of Communication
6. Staying Power

Each principle is clearly explained and backed up with great examples and case studies. By the end of the book, I felt better equipped to make better business decisions.