Key Insights From The Art of The Start by Guy Kawasaki

Just get going!  That’s how we’d define the message in this book in one sentence.  The subtitle is “The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything” and it really is.  Kawasaki share very inspirational and practical action items that can get you started on the path to running a successful business.  As you read the book, you’ll get practical exercise that help you turn your ideas into a solid business plan. 

Here are the top insights from The Art of The Start by Guy Kawasaki. 

Just get going

• Kawasaki asks the reader to answer this question: “If your business never existed, the world would be worse off because ….”. Answering this question helps you understand the purpose of your business and the impact it makes.
• It’s a myth that successful companies begin with grandiose ambitions. Companies usually start by asking simple questions, and “how can I make a boatload of money” isn’t one of them.  The simple questions usually focus on how they can make something better. 
• The best way to protect your great idea is to implement it well
• Kawasaki quotes Reid Hoffman - “If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.” Don’t delay until things are perfect.  Get started and continue to modify and innovate. 

If you’re dreaming or thinking about starting the next big startup this is a must read

• Kawasaki provides clarity on startup terminology and great advice on how to pitch, build a team, bootstrapping a business, building a Minimum Viable Product, and the role of VC funding
• The book dives into the culture of starting a business in Silicon Valley and best practices
• If you are not building a tech company, the book still has great and practical insights for starting a new business

 

The book is very focused on the Silicon Valley startup but can apply to others  

• If you’re not a tech company or a business looking to become the next big thing, you can still get insights from the book, but not everything will apply to you
• We’re passionate about the “small giants” so some of the lessons need to be taken in a slightly different direction

VC funding isn’t essential

• Just start and don’t wait until you get VC funding. You don’t need it.  Bootstrapping your business is a very viable option
• The book includes a whole chapter called The art of bootstrapping which helps you understand how to make it work with the resources you have
• Kawasaki quotes his partner in the book: “Bill Reichert, my partner at Garage Technology Ventures, likes to tell entrepreneurs that they’re more likely to get struck by lightning while lying on the bottom of a swimming pool on a sunny day than they are to raise venture capital.” Kawasaki adds, “He’s exaggerating. The odds are worse than that.”
• Outside funding is only one way to raise capital for your business. If you don’t have to, why would you?  You can start an amazing business without it and grow capital through customers and sales.

 

What does an entrepreneur do?

• At the end of the book, Kawasaki shares an illustration of what an entrepreneur does. It’s in an easy-to-understand format that you can share with young kids to help explain the role of a business owner.  Buy the book and check it out.

In the book, Kawasaki shares a really great, and inspirational quote we think is worth sharing.

“Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” —Martin Luther King Jr.  You don’t have to build something really really big to be amazing.  So, get started.

This is one of two books that was a catalyst for Daoud Kakish to start his business over 15 years ago.  It's a practical book with exercises to put your business plan together.  If you haven’t read The Art of The Start by Guy Kawasaki, check it out today.