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Startup Field Guide
Thinking about launching a startup or building a new business? In this book, Sean Callahan shares the priceless insight he has gained over the years on what it takes to lead a growing company. In basic, no nonsense terms, he advises budding entrepreneurs with tips to succeed at taking an idea from concept to creation. He will help you navigate around the many mistakes entrepreneurs make building a startup in the areas of finance, marketing, sales, leadership, hiring, business and product development while growing your business. Go into your venture with your eyes wide open and get ahead with this quick and easy read.
58 pages, ebook
First published January 30, 2013
17 people want to read
About the author
Sean Callahan
1 book7 followersSean applies his passion for technology and business through product management, marketing and business development. He enjoys developing new products and growing them.
He founded Plixi, a real-time photo-sharing platform, in London while obtaining his MBA at London Metropolitan Business School. As the CEO of Plixi, he shaped the product toward success and landed several blockbuster partnerships that helped grow the company from zero to over 30 million monthly unique visitors before negotiating a $10 million acquisition by Lockerz, a Kleiner Perkins and Liberty Media backed social commerce platform, in early 2011.
Previously, Sean founded AddsYou, OBEY Clothing, Self Skateboards, and several other Internet-based businesses. In addition to his MBA, Sean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in High Technology Management from California State University of San Marcos.
He founded Plixi, a real-time photo-sharing platform, in London while obtaining his MBA at London Metropolitan Business School. As the CEO of Plixi, he shaped the product toward success and landed several blockbuster partnerships that helped grow the company from zero to over 30 million monthly unique visitors before negotiating a $10 million acquisition by Lockerz, a Kleiner Perkins and Liberty Media backed social commerce platform, in early 2011.
Previously, Sean founded AddsYou, OBEY Clothing, Self Skateboards, and several other Internet-based businesses. In addition to his MBA, Sean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in High Technology Management from California State University of San Marcos.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 11, 2013
FYI, I know Sean personally and this is my first book review, but this is my honest review. Sean is all business. A straight shooter focused on the goal, analyzing from all angles and not letting feelings or emotions get in the way.
Now onto the book. As stated, Sean is very straight forward and so is this book. I've read several of the resources he cites and he does a great job of condensing them down into easy to digest "cliff's notes" style chunks of knowledge. Unlike "The Startup Owner's Manual" by Steve Blank and Bob Dorf which is an ultra detailed step-by-step read (they even remind you not to read too much throughout the book), "The Startup Field Guide" can be read in 1 or 2 sittings. It's a LOT to digest and process, but if you've already read books on startups, business, productivity, well being etc, a lot of it will be familiar. It kind of feels like he took all of his favorite bits and pieces of information he has come across or learned and condensed them down into an easy to understand reference manual. If this is the first startup book you read, you may feel overwhelmed and want to dig deeper to fully understand the multitude of concepts described. On the other hand, his straight forward approach is hard to doubt or argue with… almost text-book like. If you're looking for illustrations, humor or fluff you will not find it here. If you are looking for facts, good advice, and an all-in-one reference guide you'll want to keep this around. Everything is logical, well thought out and nearly undeniable. He makes it sound so simple to keep a level head and execute this formula for success… but so do cookbooks! All of the ingredients are there, it's just a matter of understanding them and trying them out to get a sense of the reality of this recipe to success.
Now onto the book. As stated, Sean is very straight forward and so is this book. I've read several of the resources he cites and he does a great job of condensing them down into easy to digest "cliff's notes" style chunks of knowledge. Unlike "The Startup Owner's Manual" by Steve Blank and Bob Dorf which is an ultra detailed step-by-step read (they even remind you not to read too much throughout the book), "The Startup Field Guide" can be read in 1 or 2 sittings. It's a LOT to digest and process, but if you've already read books on startups, business, productivity, well being etc, a lot of it will be familiar. It kind of feels like he took all of his favorite bits and pieces of information he has come across or learned and condensed them down into an easy to understand reference manual. If this is the first startup book you read, you may feel overwhelmed and want to dig deeper to fully understand the multitude of concepts described. On the other hand, his straight forward approach is hard to doubt or argue with… almost text-book like. If you're looking for illustrations, humor or fluff you will not find it here. If you are looking for facts, good advice, and an all-in-one reference guide you'll want to keep this around. Everything is logical, well thought out and nearly undeniable. He makes it sound so simple to keep a level head and execute this formula for success… but so do cookbooks! All of the ingredients are there, it's just a matter of understanding them and trying them out to get a sense of the reality of this recipe to success.
January 31, 2013
This really is a must read if you are an entrepreneur, start-up founder or work at a start-up. Being a start-up entrepreneur is difficult. Having a Guidebook along the way is imperative. Sean knocks it out of the park with this easy read that has quite a bit of actionable insights. Save yourself a ton of costly mistakes and learn from Sean's experience and the wisdom that he shares in this book. He is the quintessential serial entrepreneur and this book will make your life much easier.
I have worked with Sean as a co-founder of Plixi and as we were on the journey building that business we made a lot of mistakes. The funny thing was we would talk at the end of the day when everyone was gone and reflect on the decisions we made. Were they right, wrong, what could we do different, etc. We used to half jokingly say "That one has to go in a book!" when we had a memorable learning experience.
Do yourself a favor, save yourself a ton of pain and frustration and read this book. You will be glad you did. "It's Gold Jerry, Gold!"
I have worked with Sean as a co-founder of Plixi and as we were on the journey building that business we made a lot of mistakes. The funny thing was we would talk at the end of the day when everyone was gone and reflect on the decisions we made. Were they right, wrong, what could we do different, etc. We used to half jokingly say "That one has to go in a book!" when we had a memorable learning experience.
Do yourself a favor, save yourself a ton of pain and frustration and read this book. You will be glad you did. "It's Gold Jerry, Gold!"
January 30, 2013
I've read a substantial amount of books on startups while going through the process of starting my own company. A lot of the things I read in The Startup Field Guide made me nod my head in agreement as they were mistakes I've made in the past. The book is extremely well structured and quick to read. Perhaps the best thing about this book, is the actionable suggestions Sean makes throughout the book. As a startup founder, you should always be on the lookout for a good value. This book is one of them.
The Startup Field Guide has earned a permanent spot on the Kareer.me bookshelf. A perfect reference for anyone in your company. Get it.
The Startup Field Guide has earned a permanent spot on the Kareer.me bookshelf. A perfect reference for anyone in your company. Get it.
February 4, 2013
I'm in the process of starting a new venture, and I was overwhelmed with where to start. I just finished reading this book, and now I have a larger understanding on what to do next. It serves as a simple yet perfect checklist on how to start a startup. I highly recommend anyone that wants to, is about to, or has started a company to get this book.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us Mr. Callahan!
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us Mr. Callahan!
January 31, 2013
Having started a company in the last year, I really, REALLY enjoyed reading through Sean's book. It's practical, hands on advice that you would typically only get by learning the hard way. Sean will save you time and money with the wisdom here. It's accessible to any entrepreneur in any stage of their business.
January 30, 2013
As I'm working on building my first company, I can attest to two things:
1. Sean knows what he's talking about
2. I wish i read this before I got started
$5 that will pay for itself over and over again as you apply the lessons
1. Sean knows what he's talking about
2. I wish i read this before I got started
$5 that will pay for itself over and over again as you apply the lessons
January 31, 2013
For any entrepreneurs our there....first timers or veteran I highly recommend my good friend Sean Callahan's Startup Field Guide book. For only $5 it will save you time, money and stress of trying to figure this stuff out on your ow!
February 2, 2013
Excellent blue-print on how to create a start-up from scratch. Filled with useful insight and suggestions on what to research and what services to use. Highly recommended.
October 22, 2013
Well done.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews