The founder and CEO of AppSumo.com, Noah Kagan, knows how to launch a seven-figure business in a single weekend—and he’s done it seven times. Million Dollar Weekend will show you how.
Now is the best time in history for entrepreneurship. More than ever, the world needs new businesses and it’s cheaper than ever to create them.
And, let’s be most day jobs suck. People spend too much time doing too much work for too little money—and they know it. They want out.
But, if the barriers to starting a business are getting lower and lower, why is it SO HARD TO DO for SO MANY PEOPLE? Why are there so many wantrepreneurs playing at business on social media and so few entrepreneurs actually running them?
Ask
Do you want to work for yourself, or start a side-hustle, but it all feels too risky and unpredictable? Have you spent time or money on things like websites and logos, but still have no customers? Are you brainstorming endlessly and waiting for the perfect idea to strike? All those Frequent Excuses are solvable. The plan is simple—so simple it can be completed in a single weekend, but so powerful that Kagan has used it to build seven businesses now worth more than $1
Find your Creator’s Courage to overcome your fear and have fun! Use the "Million Dollar Weekend" Process to get customers EXCITED to give you money. Automate your business so it can grow while you sleep. By Monday, you’ll have a market-tested, scalable business idea and you’ll be a entrepreneur on the path to seven figures. Million Dollar Weekend is the path to creating your dream life and attaining financial freedom. LFG.
1. Just start the business and iterate from there. 2. Aim to solve problems and validate the potential within a short time span. 3. Grow your business by experimenting with tactics and then doubling down on what works.
How I Discovered It
I discovered the book through the podcast “Deep Dive” with Ali Abdaal. It was the episode “How to Start a Business in 48 Hours - Noah Kagan”. I was intrigued by the podcast and could not wait to get the book.
Impressions
I wish the examples were more for poor people and people with small networks. His examples often include just being connected to people with capital. Having “Rejection Goals” is a great idea. The idea of just starting is an idea I will try because it is very easy to use preparation as procrastination and the generation model is cool to an extent, but as a poor, my problems would mostly be solved by money, not some new service or invention.
Validating the business by getting paid promptly cuts through a lot of nonsense.
Using entrepreneurism as a version of life design is appealing.
The chapter on e-mail was intriguing and I like how Kagan made content marketing digestible.
Who Should Read It?
People who are interested in business and entrepreneurship. Even for people who want to modestly monetize hobbies or side hustles might want to give the book a read.
How This Book Changed Me
The book is making me think of how I can use entrepreneurship to make small sums of money. I do plan on applying the ideas immediately. I mean, you don’t retain information if you don’t apply it.
Top 3 Quotes From the Book “NOW, not how.” Customers don’t care about your ideas; they care about whether you can solve their problems.” “Everyone’s interested until they have to pay.”
I was a member of the book launch crew providing feedback on the first chapter and bonus resources for this book.
After years of following Noah’s journey with AppSumo, the experiment quickly creating Sumo Jerky as a side business, to today, this book welcomes you to get out of your comfort zone of average results and offers more. I can appreciate the psychology and mindset of asking for 10% off or getting your first dollar. This book is instilling courage and confidence to try something new, even if you don't have an idea for your own Million Dollar business yet.
I’d recommend reading it quickly the first time to absorb the message and then return to complete the activities - don’t forget to fill out your certificate 🏅
This book was game changing. I was given a free advanced copy, and it helped change my business. Gave me the idea of a brand new product in a current business, rather than starting a new business like I tend to lean towards
I liked the first chapter but it felt like the more I read the more out of touch the author was with reality. Not everybody has immediate access to friends who own million dollar businesses who can just give you all the clientele you'd need, yet that seems to be his advice to many readers.
Million Dollar Weekend is a short, simple, actionable book with minimal thrills. Noah doesn't waste time going into unnecessary detail. So, it's possible to read the entire book in one weekend (like I did).
It's given me lots of ideas for increasing my income and getting more customers.
هبطل اقرأ كتب عن ازاي تعمل فلوس لأن بجد كله كلام كلام واللي زاد الفترة دي انك ازاي تعمل الفلوس ف وقت قليل زي مثلا ٢٤ ساعة تعمل الف دولار أو خلال اسبوع تعمل مليون ؟!!
مجهود يحترم وطريقة كتابة الكتاب كأنه بوست كبير ع الفيسبوك يجذب الناس ف الأول بس ع الوقت بدأت أمل والجداول والتخطيط والكلام ده كله بيقفلني
عرفت عن الكتاب لأني شوفت للكاتب فيديوهات ع اليوتيوب لاستضافة ناس أغنياء وبيتكلم معاهم هل فعلًا الأغنياء ممكن يشاركوا نجحهم بالسهولة دي زي م بيعرضوا ف الفيديوهات ولا كله كلام علشان يجيبوا مشاهدات وخلاص ...
الموضوع سهل اوي كده فعلًا زي م بيتروج له؟
صورت أجزاء من الكتاب ع حسابي ف x / Twitter 👇 @mai_designer92
this is SUPER actionable and doable book. slightly click-baity title, but def a recommend for anyone wanting to start a business and not knowing how/where to start. he breaks it down into simple actionable steps and shows how you can do it with little to no money/investment.
the key is you gotta be willing to at least try ✨
my takeaways: 1. just start - you learn more from doing than from researching/thinking 2. fail quick / iterate fast - if it's not working, move on to something else whether it be marketing, the idea in general, etc. 3. once you find something that's working, focus on growth/scale!
If Elizabeth Holmes had a bedside reading list for aspiring fraudsters, "Million Dollar Weekend" would surely top the chart. This literary disaster is the perfect blueprint for those who believe success is just a 48-hour sprint away from reality. As a lawyer, I couldn't help but notice the book is practically a "How-To" guide for legal trouble.
Kagan's magnum opus of misguided motivation reads like a get-rich-quick scheme on steroids. Among his pearls of wisdom (and the legal red flags they raise):
- "Validate your idea quickly": Because who needs thorough market research when you can just wing it? (Red flag: Potential misrepresentation to investors) - "Build a minimum viable product in a day": Forget quality, just slap something together and call it innovation! (Red flag: Product liability nightmares) - "Use 'growth hacks' to gain traction": Why build genuine relationships when you can just trick people into buying your product? (Red flag: Deceptive marketing practices) - "Leverage social media for instant success": Because nothing says 'legitimate business' like an army of bots promoting your weekend project. (Red flag: Potential securities fraud)
The book's premise is as disconnected from reality as a tech startup's valuation. It peddles the illusion that anyone can build a million-dollar empire over a weekend, presumably while sipping lattes and posting inspirational quotes on Instagram. Who knew that all those years of hard work, experience, and legal compliance were just holding us back?
From a legal standpoint, this book is a minefield. It glosses over crucial aspects like proper business registration, tax implications, intellectual property protection, and consumer rights. Following Kagan's advice could lead to a speed run of violating FTC regulations, SEC rules, and possibly even criminal law.
Kagan's advice is about as reliable as a weather forecast from a Magic 8-Ball, and potentially as legally sound as asking your pet goldfish for tax advice. It's the perfect read for those who believe unicorns are a viable business model, ethics are just an optional extra in the entrepreneurial toolkit, and legal consequences are for "other people".
In conclusion, "Million Dollar Weekend" is a one-star wonder that could inspire a whole new generation of snake oil salesmen and keep corporate lawyers busy for years to come. Save your money (and your integrity) and skip this one. Your weekend, your conscience, and your legal record will thank you.
I absolutely love how Noah wrote this book with a super funny approach, however that's pretty much all I personally enjoyed from this book. You will have one solid advice throughout this book, "Do it now" and maybe that's the reason I'm writing this review at 8 AM on a Sunday.
One thing that I totally dislike is seeing a one-sentence quote on an entire page when I've just read that in a sentence two seconds ago. Now, I understand maybe this is how you grab the attention of a reader sometimes, especially since people love skimming through self-help books, still this book has so many pages of it that it gets tiring really quick. And the advertising of the website for the book goes on forever as well. Again, I try to understand that you have to highlight the resources available on the website, however every single chapter and subchapter has the website mentioned a minimum of two-three times. I get it, Noah. Now please give it a rest.
While I think the title is a little misleading (it’s about starting your potential million dollar business over a weekend - not that you’ll hit 7 figures in 48 hours), I still enjoyed it.
With books like these, it really comes down to whether or not you’re willing to do what the book says.
I will say that most of the steps it suggests are doable if you’re willing to really put yourself out there.
For me, I was reading more to just learn some ideas and see what tips I found realistic for me.
I would recommend if you’re looking to get traction on an idea.
A Catalyst for Action and Resilience in Entrepreneurship
Noah Kagan's 'Million Dollar Weekend' is an indispensable guide for any aspiring entrepreneur. From the outset, Kagan challenges readers with the innovative 'coffee challenge,' designed to break down the fear of rejection by encouraging them to ask for a 10% discount on coffee. This simple yet profound exercise is not at all about saving money; it's a lesson in resilience and overcoming the mental barriers that so often hinder progress.
The book delves deep into the psychological aspects of starting a business, recognizing that mental blocks are the primary obstacle for many. Kagan's insights into these barriers are enlightening, offering readers a clear understanding of how to navigate their own entrepreneurial journey with confidence.
Furthermore, 'Million Dollar Weekend' addresses the common pitfalls of over-preparation and the quest for perfection. Kagan makes a compelling case for the value of action over excessive planning. His argument against over-reading and trying to know everything before launching is particularly striking. He suggests that many entrepreneurs spend too much time and resources on perfecting their ideas instead of testing them in the real world. The book advocates for a more practical approach, demonstrating how initial concepts can be tested with minimal investment, often for $20 or free, rather than waiting for perfect conditions that may never come.
This book is not just a read; it's a call to action. It urges readers to move past planning and into doing, highlighting the importance of real-world experience over theoretical knowledge. I am inspired by Kagan's approach and plan to apply his strategies in the coming weeks, testing out ideas rapidly to see what works, rather than getting caught up in the minutiae.
In conclusion, 'Million Dollar Weekend' is a powerful, actionable book that has the potential to transform the way aspiring entrepreneurs approach their ventures. It's a must-read for anyone ready to tackle the mental hurdles and practical challenges of starting a business. Kagan's insights are not just valuable; they are essential for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the entrepreneurial world.
This review is odd because I know the author personally. I've worked with him for 12 years at AppSumo.
My experience of this book was unique in that I've met and interacted with many of the people that Noah mentions within the book. When I read business books, I often read them with the sense that the stories are just parables made up for the purposes of furthering the author's point. In this case, however, I was in the room as many of these stories were taking place. The people Noah mentions in the book came to our office. I tried their products. I saw their businesses grow from an idea to huge businesses.
So when I say that this book is full of tips to actually launch a business, I mean I've seen it actually happen. Over and over, I've witnessed people come through our office, take advice from Noah, and make huge leaps forward.
So while it's totally your prerogative to think that I'm writing a generous review because I know Noah personally -- I think the usefulness of this review is that it's a first-hand account of seeing the advice in the book help people to make their entrepreneurial endeavors come to fruition. I think he's done an excellent job distilling what he's seen work and not work into a super well-written book.
A quick, practical read packed with actionable advice for budding entrepreneurs. Kagan's storytelling style feels casual and accessible, making the business concepts easy to grasp for readers who are new to the world of startups.
While the book succeeds in breaking down complex ideas into digestible chunks, it doesn't entirely reinvent the wheel. Much of the advice—such as "take risks," "leverage connections," and "stay disciplined"—feels like repackaged wisdom that seasoned professionals might find overly familiar.
The anecdotes, while entertaining, occasionally veer toward self-congratulatory territory. At times, you might wish for a deeper dive into the more innovative strategies that set successful startups apart. However, if you're looking for a light, motivational push to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey over a weekend, this book delivers just that.
In short, *Million Dollar Weekend* is like a motivational coach: good for sparking energy and giving you a starting point, but it may leave you searching for more depth in the end.
A great set of practical steps for success at entrepreneurship. I expect to return to this over the coming years, as I will try and follow it to build on a plan this year.
For anyone who is looking to venture into entrepreneurship, this is a good practical guide. Not a must read otherwise.
It’s given me some things to think about but I didn’t come away believing I can make a million dollars in a weekend though that’s probably more me than the book
Simple, actionable, with no frills. Really liked the mini challenges. He doesn’t mention many difficulties or complexities, but maybe it’s just that simple?
“Now, not how” - this is something Mish told me the other day. Run some quick numbers, yes, but just jump into action!
Lots of really interesting notes I plan to revisit as I launch my own business.
Shout out to my e720 partner and LMG Marketing supporter, Boother, who sent me this book. I promise to buy you many lukewarm beers with the money I make from my million dollar weekend.
You are ultimately naive if you think that a book can turn you into a millionaire in one weekend.
But you are not if you think that copying mental models from the best and acting on them—indeed, can advance you much in life.
Since I started to read the book: 1. I launched a new product (https://OpenGraphExamples.com) on Product Hunt on a weekend and made it to the top product of the day. 2. I became an affiliate partner for https://ogimage.org to make a dollar or two. 3. I got one real United States dollar from Noah Kagan via PayPal. 4. I published my first newsletter issue. And it feels like it is only the beginning of my journey. However, did I make a million? No.
But I started to act as never before and I opened myself to the possibility of starting a business on a weekend that indeed might lead me to my first million dollars.
No book will make you richer, but some books in the right context might inspire you to act towards your dream. The value of these books is not in the information they share, but in the energy the author of the book possesses and is vibing.
I started to read Noah's book because I saw Jason Cohen (the top business writer you can ever find on the Internet—https://longform.asmartbear.com) was reading it. I didn't know anything about Noah Kagan before. But I heard about AppSumo and they reached out to me with a proposition to feature my ScreenshotOne. I politely denied the proposition, but it is a different story.
Why did the chemistry of the book work for me, though?
I was on a low day because one of my customers sent me a deeply saddening message—(it didn't relate to my product or its quality directly, it was something else if you are curious). But that same day, I asked Noah for a dollar and he replied, then we had a small chat.
I decided, you know what? I will not only stop crying and languishing, but I will stand up, and push as twice as hard as possible despite whatever mood or state I have.
I will focus on people who want me to win, and not on those who wish me bad luck. I will promote and help others as much as I can. I will keep fighting "the naive cynicism movement" and not surrender to it by being extremely naive, kind, and open.
And that's why I am grateful to Noah Kagan because he simply replied and changed the sign of my mood.
Too many tropes and truisms. I enjoyed the idea that you should collect rejections and practice asking for discounts on regularly priced items to flex your rejection muscles.
Entrepreneurship simplified to the only EUREKA moments that matter in success...
This book is an Execution BIBLE. As an entrepreneur that has invested in DIY programs, coaching, masterminds and mentors heavily, even the likes of Lewis Howes, Grant Cardone and Leanne Lopez Mosley+++, this book blew in minutes out of the water what some of those investments failed to EMPHASIZE in the last 4 years of *dedicatedly* learning about entrepreneurship ....
You need to get the foundations right and validate one thing first and foremost: will customers PAY for this problem.
I've always focused on solving real problems, but this one, was really what shifted a good product into a profitability engine.
I have executed while reading and was so inspired, I just was immersed in a flow ...looked up ...and had launched my own market research survey with Google Forms, which not only gave me HIGH QUALITY insights into my ideal soul clients, but they selected the price they thought solving their problems was worth.
And... it gets better, publishing the survey lead to many deeper first hand conversations (the goldmine of understanding and solving REAL problems), started dialogues in group whatsapp's as people screenshotted and shared that they had completed it and found it even "therapeutic", and even resulted in a lead enquiring for 1:1 services in my DMs.
The irony is... a lot of men were responding in a way that was OPPOSITE to my assumptions about their fit for my offer which is revolved around using spirituality strategically for holistic wealth and exponential prosperity. Had I just gone with my "assumptions" and the feedback from other successful entrepreneurs who were NOT my ideal client, I would have really missed on market fit and people who actively want to PAY for this offer. This was all just from going to who was in my circle, no forums, no platforms, just my contact list and posting one IG story with the link to the survey.
To say I HIGHLY recommend this book just feels like an understatement, dont just read it, APPLY it as you read.
p.s. full disclosure, this feedback is just from the first 4 chapters, I am not even halfway through the book.
p.p.s what i learned there helped to to hold high level conversations with a tech startup raising capital (and jokingly being told multiple times "if you need a job let me know") because once you get how to see entrepreneurship this way, the clarity of how you qualify opportunities is so easy, as well as how you CONTRIBUTE feedback to the shaping of world changing products and services
This book is relatively short and to the point. I really enjoyed it! I find it is well-written and very clear.
As someone who doesn’t know much about business, I find it does a great job at demystifying the basics. In other words, I no longer see entrepreneurship as something exceedingly complicated and virtually unattainable.
This opened my eyes on a few things. First, not everything has to be complicated. Actually, according to this book, the simpler, the better. Most of the examples seem like things that I (or any other random person with a brain) can do.
Furthermore, it encourages people to explore and just try things. And experiment. And then try something else when that doesn’t work. I find this is something that we often lack in school. The book is filled with little exercises to help people develop this mindset.
Having just finished this book and not yet having put any of the suggestions to the test, I can’t say weather or not the steps it suggests are useful, but I can say that at least I have somewhere to start now.
I think this book is great for anyone who is looking to create something useful in the world and leave their comfort zone without having to follow the exact path that seems to be paved in front of us.
This is the most inspiring book I have read in a long while. I think most people would benefit from its insight, even those who aren’t interested in entrepreneurship.
Million Dollar Weekend is about launching a business that has the potential to grow to seven figures.
Emphasis on launch. A core idea of the book is to just get moving. The reason I don't have a successful business is not because I haven't optimized my landing page's SEO, but because I have not bothered to ask anyone for a single dollar.
My biggest takeaway is the importance of rapid idea validation. No more selling ideas, instead it's about finding problems that people are down to throw money at and asking them if they're willing to pay me.
Noah also got rid of the notion that it's shameful to sell to friends. I liked his idea of having a "Dream Ten", a list of ten people who I personally know that would LOVE to pay for my product/service.
He has example emails of asking his friends things like "Hey, you know how much I love jerky. I'm about to buy some in bulk. I know you like healthy snacks too. Lemme know if you wanna hop on this order. If so, just Venmo me $20. More details: ..."
If a purchase is a no-brainer, I am doing someone a service. The sale is framed in a way that makes me think, "Oh yeah, thanks for thinking of me and taking care of that."
What I most appreciate about Noah's approach is his light-heartedness. I can really feel that he wants entrepreneurship to be FUN. The focus is not about grinding to build an empire, but the rush of making your first dollar.
I liked how actionable the book tries to be, with exercises throughout each chapter. It's simply written and not any fluffier than it needs to be. The leanness of the book is reflective of its "Just go do step 1 and we'll worry about the rest later" attitude. It's not an A to Z solution, but it doesn't try to be.
Why I knock off a star is that the book starts to meander in focus after Chapter 4. It started to feel like a compilation of advice / pro-tips from a successful serial entrepreneur. Don't get me wrong, these tips were good, but it felt like a bit of whack-a-mole advice rather than a cohesive piece.
I'd recommend it as a light read for anyone who wants step 1 of starting a business to be demystified. If you've already earned more than $100 in sales, you might get more out of a different book. If you haven't made your first $100, then it's pretty instrumental to getting started.
I've already started my running list of business ideas. At 18 now!