Breakthrough Entrepreneurship: The Proven Framework for Building Brilliant New Ventures

by Jon Burgstone, Bill Murphy Jr.

From Publisher's Weekly : "Writing with business journalist Murphy, entrepreneurship expert and UC-Berkeley professor Burgstone offers a strong, comprehensive handbook for aspiring entrepreneurs who are seized with the fire of ambition but unsure where to begin. The authors detail a step-by step framework for readers to brainstorm a winning business idea, test it before they've committed too much time and money, and develop it into something great. Using examples of companies large and small (Zipcar,  Parenting , Wal-Mart, Google), Burgstone and Murphy teach readers to find and fill an unmet customer need, plan for profitability, strive for sustainability, establish credibility, gather necessary resources, lead and manage effectively, and maintain balance. Their enthusiasm and energy make even complex questions about idea generation, customer acquisition, and leadership accessible; and the practical, easy to understand instruction will be invaluable to the budding entrepreneur."

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Nonfiction

282 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2012

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Using real-world stories was effective for demonstrating a point. However, having met some of the people whom the stories are based on, these anecdotes weren't entirely factual. They painted a very rosy picture where one didn't actually exist. Lost some points for that.

Otherwise, it's fairly inspiring and addresses the fact that starting your own business is a major rollercoaster. If you can't handle that type of environment, you're not going to be very happy.

[Harshil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way for someone who has other work or business experience to understand how entrepreneurship mindset and skills differ.

[Rick Killian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Burgstone took a startup to selling it for $1.1 billion in just 362 days, so you would think he would know something about entrepreneurship, and that he does. Written with coauthor Bill Murphy, Jr., this book explores the basic patterns every great entrepreneurial venture goes through, the best practices within these patterns, and what keeps people motivated while riding the roller coaster that a new entrepreneurial endeavor always is.

At times the books is a little too academic and loses steam, but there are plenty of great insights to find if you will stick with it and read it through. Many of the nuggets are so simple they're easy to overlook. I found the book enlightening and took loads of notes—I certainly plan to be quoting Burgstone and Murphy in the near future. If you are interested in entrepreneurship and the process through which it changes our world, this is a great overview from someone who as been there and certainly done it.

(If you want to see more, please see my blog.)

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone may need to start a business these days. Here are step by step directions. (The read is easy but they don't gloss over how hard it is to follow through.) If you don't want to start your own business, it is fascinating to read how others have done it AND it points out the characteristics you need to do it. Fun read. Filled with practical knowledge. Every college student should read it. You never know when you might need to create your own job.

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many books about entrepreneurship. Many of them are good, but few great. Breakthrough entrepreneurship is one of those rare books that gets a message across very clearly. The biggest value of the book is around idea generation and testing. I constantly find myself ushering the phrase "get maximum information, for minimum cost" - which is a recurring theme throughout. Go bears!! ;)

[Lucas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get into it. Skimmed through and found some useful stuff, but I ended up returning it to the library unfinished.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for anyone interested in entrepreneurship in any way. It's an easy read and really drives home the core messages that any aspiring entrepreneur should know.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my review of Breakthrough Entrepreneurship here.