The Personal MBA

by Josh Kaufman

Está tentado a fazer um curso de gestão?Antes de o fazer, poupe dinheiro e leia O meu MBA.Se quer dominar a arte dos negócios, não precisa de frequentar um curso de gestão. Precisa de aprender os fundamentos prá Como tomar boas decisões de negócio; Como maximizar a produtividade; Como lidar com a incerteza e a ambiguidade; Como levar a cabo experiências inteligentes para melhorar os resultados. O meu MBA foi feito para o ajudar a aprender a arte do negócio à sua maneira. Em vez de hipotecar a vida para frequentar um curso de gestão, é possível melhorar consideravelmente o conhecimento em negócios ao seu ritmo e com pouco dinheiro – sem pôr os pés numa sala de aula. Os verdadeiros líderes não se fazem nas escolas de gestão – fazem-se a si próprios. Procuram o conhecimento, as competências e a experiência de que precisam para vencer. Leia este livro e fique a conhecer os princípios que a grande maioria dos homens de negócios aprende ao longo de uma vida.

Genres: Business, Finance, Nonfiction, Leadership, Personal Development, Entrepreneurship, Self Help

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2011

About the author

Josh Kaufman is an independent business teacher, education activist, and author of The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business.

Josh's unique, multidisciplinary approach to business education has helped hundreds of thousands of readers around the world master foundational business concepts on their own terms, and his work has been featured in BusinessWeek, Fortune, and Fast Company, as well as by influential websites like Lifehacker, HarvardBusiness.org, Cool Tools, and Seth Godin's Blog.

Since creating the Personal MBA business self-education program in 2005, Josh has:

- Read thousands of books related to business, economics, psychology, communication, mathematics, science, and systems theory.

- Synthesized the essentials of sound business practice into a comprehensive, world-class program, which is available to students, entrepreneurs, and business professionals all over the world.

- Created the Personal MBA recommended reading list, which features the 99 best business books available to the DIY business student. The Personal MBA reading list and manifesto has been viewed by hundreds of thousands of readers from around the world.

- Saved prospective MBA students millions of dollars in tuition, fees, and interest by providing an effective and affordable means of learning fundamental business principles without mortgaging their future earnings.

- Helped hundreds of first-time entrepreneurs, CEOs, research scientists, programmers, and non-profit founders improve their business knowledge and skills via innovative online courses and 1-on-1 coaching.

- Inspired an active community of self-motivated business learners around the world.

Prior to developing the Personal MBA full-time, Josh worked as an Assistant Brand Manager in Procter & Gamble's Home Care division, where he was responsible for projects that encompassed P&G's entire value chain, from creating new products to working with large customers like Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, and Kroger. Before leaving P&G, Josh spearheaded the development of P&G's global online marketing measurement strategy.

Josh received his BBA from the University of Cincinnati Lindner School of Business in 2005, where he studied Business Information Systems, Real Estate, and Aristotelian/Stoic Philosophy. He is 28 years old, an Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America), an active entrepreneur, and a photographer. The Personal MBA is his first book.

Reviews

[Percy Avendano G.]

Hace poco, leí un libro que prometía revelar los secretos del éxito empresarial "NEW-The Personal MBA 10th Anniversary EditionMBA PERSONAL". A medida que iba pasando las páginas, me di cuenta de que no era un libro de recetas milagrosas; era una guía para comprender la esencia de la experimentación, la relevancia de los sistemas y el valor inestimable de ayudar a otros.
El libro empezaba poniendo en duda la idea de que las escuelas de negocios son las fábricas de personas exitosas. Me mostró que el éxito no es algo que se concede; es el fruto de un proceso constante de aprendizaje y práctica.

Aprendí que para dominar una habilidad, debía involucrarme en ella, practicarla en contexto y nunca dejar de experimentar. La experimentación no es solo una forma de aprender; es una forma de vivir. Entendí que todo lo que quiero en la vida tiene un precio, y que incluso la inacción tiene su propio coste de oportunidad. Este concepto me hizo pensar en las decisiones que tomo cada día y cómo cada una de ellas me acerca o aleja de mis objetivos.

El libro también resaltaba la creación de sistemas y procesos bien definidos. "Si no puedes describir lo que estás haciendo como un proceso, no sabes lo que estás haciendo", decía una de sus páginas más desafiantes. Esta frase resonó en mí, impulsándome a analizar y estructurar cada aspecto de mi negocio.

A medida que avanzaba en la lectura, me encontré con la idea de que los negocios no son solo ciencia financiera; se trata de crear algo tan valioso que las personas estén dispuestas a pagar por ello. Y en este proceso, el cliente siempre debe ser el centro de la estrategia comercial. Un cliente satisfecho no solo es un reflejo de un trabajo bien hecho, sino también la mejor publicidad que cualquier empresa podría querer.

Finalmente, el libro acababa con una reflexión sobre el arte de una vida excepcional: somos el promedio de las cinco personas con las que pasamos más tiempo. Esta idea me hizo evaluar mi círculo cercano y reconocer la influencia que tienen en mi vida y mis aspiraciones.

En resumen, este libro no solo me dio lecciones valiosas sobre el mundo de los negocios, sino que también me ofreció una nueva perspectiva sobre cómo vivir una vida plena y satisfactoria. Ahora, con estas enseñanzas en mente, estoy listo para escribir mi propio capítulo de éxito.

[Yasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh Kaufman's "The Personal MBA: Master The Art of Business" is like an intellectual treasure trove. Just imagine, a labyrinth packed with shiny nuggets of business wisdom that you can handpick without the dreaded long hours of lecture halls and hefty student loans. Yes, that's right, Kaufman has distilled the essence of an MBA into a compelling and accessible book - offering you education on your terms.

Kaufman doesn't just challenge the conventional paradigm of business education; he crushes it. He dismisses the myth that an MBA is a golden ticket to the business world by offering a down-to-earth and feasible alternative: self-education and practice in real time. It's audacious and revolutionary!

Each page of Kaufman’s book radiates with insights that are worth their weight in gold. He unfolds complex business theories, principles, and concepts like a skilled magician pulling rabbits out of hats. Whether you're a rookie considering dipping your toes into the vast ocean of entrepreneurship, a seasoned professional, or an intrigued reader, Kaufman's found a way to make everything digestible and, dare I say, enjoyable.

Ever wondered about the real roots of value creation? Kaufman zeroes in on this mystery, unfurling the secret: it's about solving your customer's problems. With this perspective, he uncovers a whole new world of designing stellar solutions that directly connect to customers' needs.

But what makes Kaufman's “Personal MBA” truly magnificent is its pragmatism. Unlike some business books sealed in theoretical contemplation, Kaufman's masterpiece is brimming with real-world applications. Every concept, every idea, and every lesson in the book has a tangible, concrete, and immediate application. This is no encyclopedia, it's your secret toolkit.

The vital take from Kaufman's book is its universality. It isn't a business manuscript reserved for necktie aficionados and stock market whiz kids; it's a vibrant conversation about how business works, elegantly and simply framed for everyone's understanding.

In the dazzling world of business literature, "The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business" shines brightly. Throughout its pages, you find reassurance that you need not be weighed down by student debt to understand the world of commerce. It's worth your time and offers far more than a return on investment - it offers the empowering journey of self-education.

So, whether you're a dreamer sketching plans for your startup on a napkin, a CEO seeking a fresh perspective, or just a curious mind eager to connect the dots of the business world, Kaufman's "The Personal MBA" is your trusty Swiss army knife, packed with invaluable tools and ready to travel on your entrepreneurial expedition. Enjoy the journey!

[Michael Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good manual for business and life. Lots of info.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

6-stars, definitely wish I had read this as one of my first business books

[Harry Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only the first pages are about generic business topics the rest is basicaly a defention glossary of the terms mentioned per section title

[Maria Withrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts out arguing that going to business school (apart from the relationships you make there) is a waste of time and money. It details the overly expensive education and the amount of time and work it takes to pay off said education. I have never done an MBA, but after hearing the statistics, I agree that it is not worth the time and money if you are able to get the desired job through different means or relationships. This book didn’t teach me anything I wasn’t already aware of, but it did structure it in a very clean and clear means of understanding. It is a good scaffold on which to build a meaningful education. The book outlines simple ideas while offering the resources to go into more depth on any of the topics. All in all, this is a good basic overview of what to consider in entrepreneurial endeavors.
Note that there are 49 questions in the end of the book which I would recommend reading and answering before and after reading the book.

[Hema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a reference book. Sure, read it through, but to dog-ear and highlight so you can refer to it later. Not everything will be applicable right now for you. However, you may find a time, when your business is in another place and will need information for that place of your business or 'season' as the avante-garde business coaches on podcasts like to say to sound different.

Here is the quintessential "everything you need to know" about running a business.

I would give yourself a deadline and just read through as mentioned above and then keep as a reference. The reading list is worth it, as well.

[Elliott S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction / general overview of foundational concepts. The plot gets old real fast, with each chapter/concept being ~1.25-2 pages, but the whole book is a great reference that deserves to be re-read and consolidated. One of the better contemporary business books I've read, but it at times echoes the same narratives as other resources that were published around its time. Cannot complain, a great entrepreneurial resource, even if it is not strictly technical.

[Andrew Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels like every business book out there has a framework that is described in the first chapter then the next 300 pages focus on examples, details and sub-frameworks. What the author has done here is extract many of those frameworks, prioritized them, grouped them and cataloged them in this book. My sense is this is a good overview for those that have never dived deep into business writing, a nice refresher for those that have, and a good reference book to have on the shelf.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent content. Packed a lot in, but it was definitely long! In the audible version I very much disliked the audio sound between every single switch in topic. That happened every few minutes and it was the same sound every time, which was annoying. Overall some great information in a single place.

[Kevin Dufresne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The Personal MBA (10th Anniversary Edition) by Josh Kaufman is like an amalgamation of research with an/ objective-philosophical underpinning(s) in relation to nearly, if not, all aspects of business (while respectfully acknowledging itself as more of a foundational approach than an end-all for learning [considering that one must continue self-educating respectfully] though offers valuable information that can assist one in a/ way(s) that can benefit one as much as, if not more, than processes of obtaining an MBA might). When browsing books at an Internom, I decide to buy then read the book due to my curiosity of the book title's meaning and how the information the book might contain might constitute such a title as objectively-relevant. If the text is justifiable as a source for one to follow in lieu of pursuing an MBA depends entirely upon an individual's approach with education and information (as well as other facets of one's life in connection to one's life choices, goal[s], objectives, intentions) (the book doesn't completely dismiss earning an MBA though clarifies a/ reason[s] one might benefit from having/obtaining an MBA, purposefully). I think the text offers valuable information that may greatly benefit one approaching business, even if not as an owner, if even only a part of a developing business—though, the advice can connect well other areas of life at large aside from business. I like the way the text integrates aspects of the human spectrum(s) in relation to business (considering a necessity for one to know one's self well). I think the text will be useful as a reference book especially due to its organization making finding a/ particular topic(s) easier. Additionally, the book explicitly states the information within it, so as not to be misleading, and there are offerings to other resources that may assist one with a/ particular topic(s) for one to further self-educate.

Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne
www.Piatures.com
IG: @Dufreshest

[Kristopher Schaal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give this one 4.5 stars. The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is that it wasn't from a Christian perspective.

The idea of The Personal MBA is that it's an MBA in a book. You can read this book (and some others the author recommends) and gain as much value as an expensive MBA program. I thought the author did a good job making that point. He also seemed to do an excellent job breaking down the various aspects of business in a short, easy-to-comprehend manner.

I was fascinated by the chapter on finance. The chapter on personal management was pretty much the same content of What's Best Next but from a secular standpoint, so that was of limited value except to reiterate some of the lessons I had already learned. The chapters on systems were also fascinating to me, as I had never really thought very hard about that concept. The chapters on marketing and sales were blah. (I'm glad I don't have a marketing or sales job.)

It seems like what the author excelled most at was terms. He bolds his terms and has a very helpful glossary in the back. You feel like you come away with a real education because you can "speak the lingo." It certainly isn't as interesting as a Heath bros. book because it lacks all the stories, but it is quick-hitting and punchy. Seems like a great introduction to all things business.

[Al Alkhayyat · Rating 4 out of 5]

الكتاب يتكلم عن خرافة الشهاده وان في الحياة العمليه يجب ان يكون الشخص ذا خبره وليس ذا شهاده واحنا احترنا بين الاثنين ويعلم القاريء كيف ان يتعلم ذاتيا ويطور نفسه وان هذه الشهادة مكلفه جدا مقارنه في الدورات الثانيه التي تكون اكثر فعاليه من هذه الشهاده...
في النهاية هي وجهات نظر ما هو افضل وماهو احسن او اسوء يتركز علي البيئه المحيطه ومتطلبات العمل...
من وجهة نظري التي لا أأمن فيها ان الشهاده مهمه كنوع من البرستيج الاجتماعي لكن في بيئة العمل الخبره افضل ودائما سوق العمل هو الذي يفرض شروطه.
ففي بعض الوظائف يتم طلب موظفين من شهادات اجنبيه وليست محليه مع ان المحتمل الاكبر ان هذا الشخص يكون افضل بكثير من الشهاده الاجنبيه ومنجز افضل لكن يظل ان سوق العمل يفرض نفسه.
في الوقت الحالي الي يفكر ان يتخصص يجب ان يفكر بما يتطلبه السوق الحالي فهناك الكثير من التخصصات تم الاستغناء عنها ودخلت تخصصات جديده مثل الذكاء الصناعي والامن السيبراني والتفاعل الطاقه وغيرها من التخصصات التي تكون اهم من الشهادات نفسها اي شخص لديه هذه المهارات في البرمجه ليس مهم الشهاده نفسها وهذا ما يتطلع اليه الكتاب كيف تكسب مهاره بدون اللجوء الي مفهوم الشهاده لكي تنجح...

[andyxach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuando conseguí este libro, pensé que era libro de desarrollo personal, donde se enfocaba en la búsqueda la mejora de diferentes aspectos en la vida tomando como referencia la escritura de estudio que se puede obtener en un MBA. Sin embargo grata fue mi sorpresa cuando realmente, el libro resume y explica de manera muy concisa las principales ramas de los negocios en libro. Desde marketing, ventas, proyectos, flujos, finanzas, contabilidad, etc.

Este libro se podría decir, que la perfecta herramienta que necesita una persona que tiene conocimientos nulos o escasos de cómo funcionan los negocios y cómo se puede hacer para que funcionen mejor. La gama de libros que se recomiendan de la obra, hace un perfecto compilado, que sumado a este mismo libro brinda las herramientas necesarias para salir adelante.

[Mike Rucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh is a very good writer, and he has created a book that is a treasure trove of business wisdom. In a blog-like format, Josh boils down a vast array of business concepts, from the basics to more advanced strategies. The book delves into topics such as value creation, marketing, sales, finance, and more, providing a comprehensive overview for those seeking to enhance their business acumen without the hefty price tag of a traditional MBA—great overall review of business knowledge, plus some organizational psychology concepts toward the end. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

[Cordelia Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve Standard Forms of Value
1. Product
2. Service
3. Shared Resource (charge for access)
4. Subscriptions
5. Resale
6. Lease
7. Agency (commission as middle man)
8. Audience aggregation
9. Loan
10. Option
11. Insurance
12. Capital

“Failure to make a decision is itself a decision. Life doesn’t stop if you refuse to choose. The world will keep moving forward and you may be forced to take action by default. Abdicating responsibility for your decisions does not mean you’re not making them. You’re just allowing yourself to be a victim of circumstance.”

[Rodrigo Reinoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was a very good book—interesting and thought-provoking. I learned a lot and took many notes. However, it took me quite a long time to finish. I found it to be a dense book, not an easy read, and written in more of an academic or university style rather than for casual enjoyment. At times, it felt more like studying than reading for pleasure. That said, it was extremely helpful for my business, as it allowed me to take valuable notes, share insights with my business partners, and move forward. For that reason, I gave it 4.5 stars.

[Adam Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can never give a self help/personal improvement book like this more than a 3/5 since I'm a little disappointed in myself for reading this instead of fiction. However, I feel like I got a lot out of it and will continue to use it as a reference book moving forward to when certain concepts that the book covers become relevant in my work. I appreciated the clarity of writing and the attention that the book gives to business systems.

[Christoph Kappel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This box is a great mix of softskill and the business side, although I expected a bit more on the business part. It is well structured, the short chapters can be quickly read (I am not big fan of such short chapters, but that is my personal preference) and there are lots of examples and references of books that should be on your reading list.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because Bjorn Weeks said that all engineers should read it. I enjoyed it and read it slowly over time. Simple concepts but I really appreciate the theme of continuing education - the author has a reading list on his website that he is constantly adding to. Great starting point for me, likely a bit basic if you have a business background.

[mariammigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is exactly what it says on the box. Took me a while to get through and I have a dissertation-length compilation of notes but it was worth it. One of my favourite quotes: ‘If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it from him. An invesment in knowledge always pays the highest return.’ -Benjamin Franklin

[Luke Lacke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required to read for a class and was glad I had to. Great novel that generates a lot of self reflection. Honestly sells you on the idea to bet on yourself. Good read for those pursuing entrepreneurial ideas or just wanting to learn more about overall business operations. The information held inside is valuable and worth rereading/revisiting.

[Kush Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best business books I've ever read. Loved the objective rubrics Kaufman includes for judging businesses, and how it's essentially a premortem for any business idea. Really like the idea of including sanity checks for business ideas so that valuable time and effort isn't wasted on an idea that simply isn't contextually relevant.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good starting point to whoever wants to learn a brief overview on how the business works.

Definitely a nice past time read. This is not a technical book but it provides helpful terms that can be used in the corporate world.

[B. Barceló · Rating 4 out of 5]

Se trata de un libro muy interesante para tener como herramienta para cuando se necesita.
He marcado un buen número de cosas y, de tanto en cuando vuelvo a él para ayudarme a pensar u organizarme.
Buena compra.

[Adrian Harish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is going to be my go to book if I ever going to start a business. This book main goal is to compile all knowledge that you could possibly learned in an MBA program. But, because of that, this book cover a scope that so wide that there are too much main I idea than you can elaborate one by one.

[David Brush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those rare books that's had a profound impact on the way I view the world. The information is practical, accessible, but not so generic as to be valueless. I absolutely love this book, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in entrepreneurship.

[Chad Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good all encompassing business book that hits all the main pillars. I defiantly was bogged down by the end, but if you’re something seeking a “do it all” business book, this would be a good start. You do have to be in the right headspace to read this though, it’s information overload

[Dale · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was bored out of my mind with this book. It’s like a dictionary or encyclopedia of business concepts. Reading it a decade ago would have been more helpful but right now I really didn’t enjoy this one.

[Vansh Nishchal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this book since I've been a bit out of the reading habit. However, this book was really good since it helped grow my business acumen. I will continue to reference this book in the future, and will begin to branch out my business knowledge through new books as well.