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The Bootstrapper's Bible
Starting out in 1986 with practically nothing, book packager and cyberentrepreneur Seth Godin has created a new- and old-media business that now employs 40 and generates around $5 million in annual revenue. In The Bootstrapper's Bible: How to Start and Build a Business with a Great Idea and (Almost) No Money, Godin shows precisely how his own venture, and a slew of others like Dell Computer, Burton Snowboards, Bose Corporation, Starbucks, and many lesser-known companies, ultimately managed to turn that nothing into something quite substantial. "Bootstrappers built this country, and they continue to make it great," he writes. "Virtually every business--from IBM to the local dry-cleaner--was bootstrapped, usually by people with far less smarts, less money, fewer connections, and less vision than you have right now." He elaborates on specific practices that he believes are critical to entrepreneurs who may have great ideas and boundless enthusiasm but lack the financial resources to launch their businesses in the traditional way. Writing in a clear and straightforward manner, he lays out Nine Magical Rules (such as "Find people who care about cash less than you do"), Ten Commandments (including "Don't forget where you came from"), and lots of other helpful tips. --Howard Rothman
103 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 1998
17 people are currently reading
1613 people want to read
About the author
Seth Godin
164 books6,566 followersSeth W. Godin, also known as "F. X. Nine", is an American author and a former dot com business executive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 16, 2014
I love Seth Godin, and I stumbled across this book he wrote almost 15 years ago about bootstrapping a business. Considering venture-backed startups are all the rage, it's refreshing to find a tract to back up my theory that you can build a business without up-front investment. Some details/examples in the book are out of date, but the principles are solid and portable, and there are plenty of golden bits that are as applicable as ever.
August 10, 2012
If you only read one book before you launch a business this should be it. Classic Godin, first published in 2004, but still highly relevant.
Godin explains key principles clearly and in a way that is easy to apply to your own business ideas. At just 104 well-written pages this is a quick read too, unlike the weighty tomes many business authors feel compelled to churn out:
"Hereʼs my best advice to you: Stop planning and start doing.
You donʼt have to quit your day job. But you do have to get out there and do it. The more you do, the more you do. Doors will open. Opportunities will appear. Your model will change, your reputation will increase, you will become a magnet for smart people, good customers, and investors. But none of this will happen if you stay inside and keep planning.
Build your business. One day at a time, one customer at a time. Lower your downsides, focus on the upsides, and start building. But start."
The Bootstrapper's Bible, Seth Godin
Godin explains key principles clearly and in a way that is easy to apply to your own business ideas. At just 104 well-written pages this is a quick read too, unlike the weighty tomes many business authors feel compelled to churn out:
"Hereʼs my best advice to you: Stop planning and start doing.
You donʼt have to quit your day job. But you do have to get out there and do it. The more you do, the more you do. Doors will open. Opportunities will appear. Your model will change, your reputation will increase, you will become a magnet for smart people, good customers, and investors. But none of this will happen if you stay inside and keep planning.
Build your business. One day at a time, one customer at a time. Lower your downsides, focus on the upsides, and start building. But start."
The Bootstrapper's Bible, Seth Godin
March 29, 2017
The name says it all, this is a bootstrapper bible indeed. I live the way Seth puts his point in a clear and succinct manner to pass the key message that all bootstrappers need.
One key takeaway that I have got from this book is that the bootstrapper journey to build an organization is not a straight path but has multiple loops which can be used as focal point for learning.
The key reason why most startups fail within the first year of inception is due to lack of customers that's why iterating the customer development approach is very key until you find the product market fit, matching what the customer needs to your product. Always sell want people want period.
A good book to recommend to all founders in their early stage of entrepreneurial journey.
One key takeaway that I have got from this book is that the bootstrapper journey to build an organization is not a straight path but has multiple loops which can be used as focal point for learning.
The key reason why most startups fail within the first year of inception is due to lack of customers that's why iterating the customer development approach is very key until you find the product market fit, matching what the customer needs to your product. Always sell want people want period.
A good book to recommend to all founders in their early stage of entrepreneurial journey.
September 19, 2018
A good kick in the pants.
This diverges dramatically from Godin's usual fare of provocations for unique and special snowflakes in the drift. It's brass tacks. It's an exhortation not to be flashy or original or unique or exciting or do anything that even remotely stands a chance of pushing your bloodflow to your face or your nethers. Rather the opposite. Find something that works already and do it too. Don't borrow money for a business. Find people to sell to, then sell to them. Don't gamble on new, unproven ideas. Write letters. I literally did not know Godin could be so dry or so rigidly, almost mechanistically, practical.
It was what I needed too.
Recommended for anyone looking to start a business of their own or who is already in the process of doing so.
This diverges dramatically from Godin's usual fare of provocations for unique and special snowflakes in the drift. It's brass tacks. It's an exhortation not to be flashy or original or unique or exciting or do anything that even remotely stands a chance of pushing your bloodflow to your face or your nethers. Rather the opposite. Find something that works already and do it too. Don't borrow money for a business. Find people to sell to, then sell to them. Don't gamble on new, unproven ideas. Write letters. I literally did not know Godin could be so dry or so rigidly, almost mechanistically, practical.
It was what I needed too.
Recommended for anyone looking to start a business of their own or who is already in the process of doing so.
December 31, 2008
I didn't even realize this was written by Seth Godin, but now I understand why I liked it so much.
April 7, 2014
Great book. Initially this was offered as free book. Also featured in changethis.com website
April 29, 2011
Книга датирована 1998 годом. С тех пор культура старатапов не просто шагнула вперед, она рвонула в космос, потому многие советы Сета выглядят если не наивно, то в духе "Капитана Очевидность". Не залезайте в кредиты, тщтаельно выбирайте партнеров и коллег. Сет вещает прописные и очень дипломатичные истины - ни в какое сравнение со стратегией 37 signals (книга Rework) это не идет. Однако прочесть "Библию" нужно - она из обязательного списка. Все еще. Пока еще.
August 7, 2007
If you don't come from a rich entrepreneurial family, bootstrapping is a must to grow your business. You don't have a choice. By reading Seth's thoughts and knowledge about Bootstrapping, you're in a good hands. If you're a start up or even have a growing business, i think you should read this book. Yeah, i think you should.
February 3, 2013
A lot of great information on prepare ring yourself for starting a business with out asking for loans or investors. While I don't agree with everything Godin states in the book, he always gets me thinking!
February 9, 2016
Every future or present entrepreneur should read this book. How to bootstrap with tons of practice and application tips, what to notice, what to get used to, what's the mentality you need to succeed as a startup is fantastically described with example. Hell of a gooread it is.
August 12, 2008
Surprised me. Some pretty good tips in there.
March 11, 2009
A good introductory book on entrepreneurship and starting a small business. Good practical advice from a person I respect
November 29, 2023
Provides guidance on starting and growing a business with limited resources.
1. **Bootstrapping Defined:**
- Bootstrapping is a method of building and growing a business with minimal external funding. The focus is on leveraging existing resources, creativity, and innovation to achieve success.
2. **Embracing Constraints:**
- The book encourages entrepreneurs to see constraints as an opportunity for creativity. Instead of viewing limited resources as a hindrance, use them as a catalyst for innovative solutions.
3. **The Importance of a Great Idea:**
- A great idea is the foundation of a successful business. The book emphasizes the significance of a unique and valuable concept that meets the needs of a specific market.
4. **Starting Small:**
- Bootstrappers begin with modest resources and gradually scale their business. Starting small allows for testing and refining the business model before seeking significant investments.
5. **Lean Operations:**
- The book advocates for keeping operations lean and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Bootstrappers focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and maximizing the value of every resource.
6. **Building a Prototype:**
- Creating a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) is a key step. It allows entrepreneurs to test their idea, gather feedback, and make improvements without extensive upfront costs.
7. **Leveraging Personal Networks:**
- Bootstrappers tap into their personal networks for support, advice, and initial customers. Word-of-mouth and personal connections play a crucial role in the early stages.
8. **Customer-Focused Approach:**
- The book emphasizes the importance of understanding and serving the needs of customers. Building a customer-centric business ensures long-term success and growth.
9. **Iterative Development:**
- Bootstrappers embrace an iterative approach to business development. They learn from feedback, adapt their strategies, and continually improve their products or services.
10. **Revenue Generation:**
- Generating revenue early on is a key aspect of bootstrapping. The book encourages entrepreneurs to focus on sustainable revenue streams and profitability to fuel further growth.
"The Bootstrapper's Bible" serves as a practical guide for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow a business with limited financial resources. It provides insights into creative problem-solving, efficient operations, and customer-centric strategies that can lead to a successful and sustainable venture.
1. **Bootstrapping Defined:**
- Bootstrapping is a method of building and growing a business with minimal external funding. The focus is on leveraging existing resources, creativity, and innovation to achieve success.
2. **Embracing Constraints:**
- The book encourages entrepreneurs to see constraints as an opportunity for creativity. Instead of viewing limited resources as a hindrance, use them as a catalyst for innovative solutions.
3. **The Importance of a Great Idea:**
- A great idea is the foundation of a successful business. The book emphasizes the significance of a unique and valuable concept that meets the needs of a specific market.
4. **Starting Small:**
- Bootstrappers begin with modest resources and gradually scale their business. Starting small allows for testing and refining the business model before seeking significant investments.
5. **Lean Operations:**
- The book advocates for keeping operations lean and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Bootstrappers focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and maximizing the value of every resource.
6. **Building a Prototype:**
- Creating a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) is a key step. It allows entrepreneurs to test their idea, gather feedback, and make improvements without extensive upfront costs.
7. **Leveraging Personal Networks:**
- Bootstrappers tap into their personal networks for support, advice, and initial customers. Word-of-mouth and personal connections play a crucial role in the early stages.
8. **Customer-Focused Approach:**
- The book emphasizes the importance of understanding and serving the needs of customers. Building a customer-centric business ensures long-term success and growth.
9. **Iterative Development:**
- Bootstrappers embrace an iterative approach to business development. They learn from feedback, adapt their strategies, and continually improve their products or services.
10. **Revenue Generation:**
- Generating revenue early on is a key aspect of bootstrapping. The book encourages entrepreneurs to focus on sustainable revenue streams and profitability to fuel further growth.
"The Bootstrapper's Bible" serves as a practical guide for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow a business with limited financial resources. It provides insights into creative problem-solving, efficient operations, and customer-centric strategies that can lead to a successful and sustainable venture.
November 23, 2017
Any tech book from 2004 is going to be dated in certain areas, but a lot of Seth’s advice is golden.
It is also interesting to read this as the US government may destroy net neutrality. It’s real hard to get a start if a big company chokes small start-ups out of the Internet. [which is why they’re doing it, of course]
***
One of my kids was starting a business… and one of his partners wanted to ask an artist to make art for them under contract and then refuse to pay. My kid was absolutely enraged. Seth deals with this early on at page 4.
Exactly.
Don’t rip people off ever; not even when you’re new. He didn’t continue with that partner.
***
One thing it does it explain business concepts in very easy to understand terms, with examples of figures and analyses of ideas. It’s free to download and has an easy print option.
That’s Seth’s business mantra.
4 stars
It is also interesting to read this as the US government may destroy net neutrality. It’s real hard to get a start if a big company chokes small start-ups out of the Internet. [which is why they’re doing it, of course]
***
One of my kids was starting a business… and one of his partners wanted to ask an artist to make art for them under contract and then refuse to pay. My kid was absolutely enraged. Seth deals with this early on at page 4.
I realize that treating people well on the way up will make it nicer for me on the way back down. I will be scrupulously honest and overt in my dealings, and won’t use my position as a fearless bootstrapper to gain unfair advantage. My reputation will follow me wherever I go, and I will invest in it daily and protect it fiercely.
Exactly.
Don’t rip people off ever; not even when you’re new. He didn’t continue with that partner.
***
One thing it does it explain business concepts in very easy to understand terms, with examples of figures and analyses of ideas. It’s free to download and has an easy print option.
You are given the unlimited right to print this manifesto and to distribute it electronically (via email, your website, or any other means). You can print out pages and put them in your favorite coffee shopʼs windows or your doctorʼs waiting room. You can transcribe the authorʼs words onto the sidewalk, or you can hand out copies to everyone you meet. You may not alter this manifesto in any way, though, and you may not charge for it.
That’s Seth’s business mantra.
4 stars
April 11, 2018
"Bootstrapping isn't always rational. For some of us (like me), it's almost an addiction. The excitement and sheer thrill of building something overwhelms the desire to play it safe."
A must read for entrepreneurs contemplating a journey of bootstrapping their startups. The author offers frugal startup tips on how to develop resilience and make the odds work out in the entrepreneur's favor.
A must read for entrepreneurs contemplating a journey of bootstrapping their startups. The author offers frugal startup tips on how to develop resilience and make the odds work out in the entrepreneur's favor.
April 30, 2021
This book was recommended reading for the entrepreneur course I'm doing. Simply brilliant. The concept difference between being a freelancer and a business owner really brought home the difference between what I am doing and what I hope to accomplish. Must read for whoever is interested in start up business culture.
November 1, 2021
There is not the miracle you are looking for here.
Just common sense ideas, good if you have money to start a business.
If you are poor like 99% of world population forget, do not waste your time and money
Just common sense ideas, good if you have money to start a business.
If you are poor like 99% of world population forget, do not waste your time and money
January 27, 2021
A great gift for bootstrappers like me. Thank you, Seth.
Read
March 13, 2021a starter guide for launching a successful company without money
November 5, 2024
Full of highly recommended business secrets for any one starting his/her own business
Great book
Great book
Read
January 15, 2009While I enjoy Seth Godin’s ideas and his discussion on “bootstrapping” in general, I didn’t see enormous relevance to W&N. My primary reaction was that we are beyond the boostrapping model in many ways—we have an established company with an established business model that works. We’re not quite the start-up that Godin seems to be targeting in this particular book.
That said, there were some good ideas and interesting insights that relate to our work:
• “Products are purchased b/c of what they do, not what they cost”—page 44—we want to strive for a combo of “more convenience, better service, aggressive pricing, and better results” to become irrestible
• the idea of getting paid upfront (pps 47-49) is interesting
• Being busy—success leads to more success (p 50-52)—and revisit the mission statement—don’t get stuck in a rut. This is something W&N has been very successful with in the past.
• Associate with winners—p 52—choose customers wisely (don’t have to work for every client if we’re losing money, etc.)
• Good hiring practices (54)
That said, there were some good ideas and interesting insights that relate to our work:
• “Products are purchased b/c of what they do, not what they cost”—page 44—we want to strive for a combo of “more convenience, better service, aggressive pricing, and better results” to become irrestible
• the idea of getting paid upfront (pps 47-49) is interesting
• Being busy—success leads to more success (p 50-52)—and revisit the mission statement—don’t get stuck in a rut. This is something W&N has been very successful with in the past.
• Associate with winners—p 52—choose customers wisely (don’t have to work for every client if we’re losing money, etc.)
• Good hiring practices (54)
May 23, 2012
A great resource!
From "€œThe Bootstrapper's Bible"€ by Seth Godin:
"Coming up with a brilliant idea for a business is not nearly as important as finding a business model that works... The Business model is HOW you set up a business so you can get money out of it.
Key elements of a biz model:
Distribution: where, what middlemen?
Sales:€“ who is selling for you and how will they be compensated?
Pricing: what do wholesalers and retailers and consumers pay?
Production:€“ how do you make it?
Raw materials: where do you get what you sell?
Positioning:€“ how do the ultimate users position the product in their mind?
Marketing:€“ how do consumers find out about it?
Barrier to entry: how will you survive when competitors arrive?
Scalability: how do you make it bigger?..."
From "€œThe Bootstrapper's Bible"€ by Seth Godin:
"Coming up with a brilliant idea for a business is not nearly as important as finding a business model that works... The Business model is HOW you set up a business so you can get money out of it.
Key elements of a biz model:
Distribution: where, what middlemen?
Sales:€“ who is selling for you and how will they be compensated?
Pricing: what do wholesalers and retailers and consumers pay?
Production:€“ how do you make it?
Raw materials: where do you get what you sell?
Positioning:€“ how do the ultimate users position the product in their mind?
Marketing:€“ how do consumers find out about it?
Barrier to entry: how will you survive when competitors arrive?
Scalability: how do you make it bigger?..."
September 10, 2016
some hidden gems actually but don't believe 100% the content, it's nearly 20-year-old!
October 1, 2010
There's a reason why Seth Godin is such a popular author. He sometimes does some cool mental jiujitsu, that's been his M.O. lately, but his basic popularity is due to the fact that he's just a darn good writer. We're not talking high literature here, but it is clear, concise, and engaging.
The basic takeaways of the book for me was 1) make sure you have a good business model, 2) a surviving business is a heck of a lot more fun than a failing business 3) Cash flow is very important. Like I said, not ground breaking stuff, but well written and an interesting night's read.
The basic takeaways of the book for me was 1) make sure you have a good business model, 2) a surviving business is a heck of a lot more fun than a failing business 3) Cash flow is very important. Like I said, not ground breaking stuff, but well written and an interesting night's read.
March 14, 2011
This is a great book full of sound easy-to-understand advice. I only give it 4 stars because this book wasn't too helpful in what I am interested in, choosing to have a rather narrower focus than I needed. However, for those who want to start a more conventional business with very little to no money, this is definitely the book for you, chock full of ideas, suggestions, and food for thought. For freelancers, and those who are trying to find a more unconventional type of business, you will have to just pick and choose.
June 17, 2009
Seth has a gift for making business and marketing fun. After reading this book it's tough going back to my gig working for the Man. The title is a bit misleading, though, because Seth makes the point that you really don't need a great idea to build a business around; you just need an idea that works and ideas that work aren't necessarily new ideas.
I got this book for free from dailylit.com. Check them out.
I got this book for free from dailylit.com. Check them out.
May 25, 2011
Lots of great advice for starting and growing a new business, the author is a bit of a fast talker salesman type of guy. He mixes up his business ideas with some witty humor. It won't make you a savvy entrepreneur, or an overnight millionaire, but it will add more business arrows to your success quiver!
December 31, 2010
Recently, I have taken an interest in learning more about starting a business. This book emphasizes that you don't need a lot of money, you don't need a brilliant idea, but you do need to focus on sales and advertising.
May 20, 2008
bootstrapping
March 24, 2009
Still thinking about what to do with the information I got out of this book, otherwise it'd be 5 stars. ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews