What do you think?
Rate this book
48-Hour Start-up: From idea to launch in 1 weekend
Fraser Doherty’s 48-Hour Start-Up is your handy and essential cheat sheet to starting your own business giving the key steps for developing an idea and getting it to market quickly. Almost everyone dreams of starting their own business but very few do. But what if it only had to be a decision of a weekend and it didn’t cost a fortune? In 48-Hour Start-Up, Fraser Doherty uses his experience building a multi-million-dollar company to attempt an experiment; starting with a blank piece of paper, he sets out to start a profitable new business over a weekend, without relying on any technical ability whatsoever. He succeeds and you can, too. By following his journey, in which Fraser shares all of his lessons and mistakes, he will explain all of the shortcuts and online tools that make it possible to: 48-Hour Start-Up pioneers the idea of a microbusiness, a creative outlet, income stream and business you can run in your spare time at the weekends without having to quit the day job. This book is perfect for
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2017
180 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 24, 2017
Fraser does a good job of taking the reader through his journey as an entrepreneur. I like how he differentiates between "wanterpreneurs" and entrepreneurs and how one can take the step from wishing to doing.
He provides a "cheat sheet" of ways to start up a business in a weekend or 48 hours. He list tools that can help facilitate the quick launch of a business venture you're passionate about.
Rating: 4/5
Favourite Quote: "The 48-Hour Start-Up is an experiment in focus. If you just devote all of your energy to a task that has a simple and clearly defined goal, you can achieve in days what you previously thought would take years.
If, instead, you try starting a business in the usual way, with all of the distractions that our modern lives bring, it may well indeed take you years."
Fraser does a good job of taking the reader through his journey as an entrepreneur. I like how he differentiates between "wanterpreneurs" and entrepreneurs and how one can take the step from wishing to doing.
He provides a "cheat sheet" of ways to start up a business in a weekend or 48 hours. He list tools that can help facilitate the quick launch of a business venture you're passionate about.
Rating: 4/5
Favourite Quote: "The 48-Hour Start-Up is an experiment in focus. If you just devote all of your energy to a task that has a simple and clearly defined goal, you can achieve in days what you previously thought would take years.
If, instead, you try starting a business in the usual way, with all of the distractions that our modern lives bring, it may well indeed take you years."
November 6, 2016
Useful tips aimed particularly to the middle to advanced entrepreneurs. Based on the author's extensive experience in the field of innovative ideas, it offers a tight schedule for launching a start-up, from idea to outsourcing and final launch. My observation is that somehow the budget part is not particularly covered, although in most cases for a speed start-up launch the budget is what you should start with. Without enough money most of the fast-forward objectives cannot be achieved in such a short amount of time. However, there is enough guidance and personal stories for a successful implementation of an idea - whatever the domain of activity - into project. Cultivating the 'wantrepreneurs' spirit it is also an inspiring book, just in case you are stuck in a project or idea.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange of an honest review
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange of an honest review
April 16, 2019
There is often a very big barrier to trying something new. Most of it is in our mind that comes down by a hands-on experience. Business is one such thing that for the once who have no exposure to it, through family business or any other way, might feel the same way about.
The book does a great job at showing that anyone can start a business and what matters is not if you succeed in your first attempt but that you make enough attempts that you eventually succeed. In the book, the author teaches you with and example that it is possible to start a business not in months or even a week but just two days, if you know what you are doing. The book in the end will act as a to do list for starting your own business (what to focus on and what not to focus on) and a real life example that what might seem impossible can be done.
My learning from the book was that rather than seeing your first, one or two attempts of starting a business as a do or die case, you should see it as a project in college, in the sense that though most probably you might fail, it will still be worth it for the things you learn.
.
Also the book says startup, but felt more like a 48 hour business..
The book does a great job at showing that anyone can start a business and what matters is not if you succeed in your first attempt but that you make enough attempts that you eventually succeed. In the book, the author teaches you with and example that it is possible to start a business not in months or even a week but just two days, if you know what you are doing. The book in the end will act as a to do list for starting your own business (what to focus on and what not to focus on) and a real life example that what might seem impossible can be done.
My learning from the book was that rather than seeing your first, one or two attempts of starting a business as a do or die case, you should see it as a project in college, in the sense that though most probably you might fail, it will still be worth it for the things you learn.
.
Also the book says startup, but felt more like a 48 hour business..
May 23, 2017
It's a start; start into the business world!
May 6, 2017
Recensione
Review
Fraser Doherty, giovanissimo ideatore di SuperJam, in questo libro propone i passi da seguire per creare una startup in 48 ore, a partire dall'ideazione di un prodotto per concludere con una sua primissima commercializzazione.
L'idea del libro è molto interessante, e il testo si rivela un manuale ricco di consigli utili per gli aspiranti imprenditori (oltre a presentare un elenco di riferimenti nella bibliografia finale), anche se il modello proposto si applica bene per alcune tipologie di prodotti (B2C, non servizi), mentre lo vedo piuttosto difficile da applicare in altri contesti.
Ringrazio l’editore per avermi fornito la copia necessaria per scrivere questa recensione.
Review
Fraser Doherty, giovanissimo ideatore di SuperJam, in questo libro propone i passi da seguire per creare una startup in 48 ore, a partire dall'ideazione di un prodotto per concludere con una sua primissima commercializzazione.
L'idea del libro è molto interessante, e il testo si rivela un manuale ricco di consigli utili per gli aspiranti imprenditori (oltre a presentare un elenco di riferimenti nella bibliografia finale), anche se il modello proposto si applica bene per alcune tipologie di prodotti (B2C, non servizi), mentre lo vedo piuttosto difficile da applicare in altri contesti.
Ringrazio l’editore per avermi fornito la copia necessaria per scrivere questa recensione.
January 11, 2020
The first half was good. It was interesting and I got to know many of trips and tricks the author had used in his startup journey.
The second half was bit boring and was a bit repeating content.
Good book nevertheless!
The second half was bit boring and was a bit repeating content.
Good book nevertheless!
Read
January 26, 2020A must read for anyone aspiring to take an extra step further and become an entrepreneur.
June 14, 2020
A cheerful, straightforward walkthrough of Doherty's steps to launch a startup over the course of one weekend. Particularly recommended for:
1. People who want to start their own business but either don't have an idea or are intimidated by the idea of getting started.
2. People who are launching a physical product. Not that you won't learn anything from the book if you're going for something like SaaS, but Doherty primarily focuses on physical products, specifically food products.
The book's best feature is the encouragement to "just get started" rather than sitting around overplanning and procrastinating. Doherty's success in building a business in 48 hours is galvanizing, as intended, and it makes the process feel less daunting. With that said, it's important to note that his precise timeframe here probably isn't worth emulating. Starting a business in 48 hours is a terrible idea for the average person, both for the product and the person's stress levels. Doherty only manages it due to his prior experience with launching a food product, his existing funds, some good luck, and a willingness to pay extra for rush jobs from designers and other collaborators (he doesn't mention how much he paid to get a turnaround of a few hours on a Saturday, but it's surely beyond the novice entrepreneur's budget). The unrealistic nature of the timeline is something he should have emphasized more. I get that "48-hour startup" is literally the name of the book, but some acknowledgement is needed on how a.) this probably wouldn't have been possible for someone with fewer connections, resources, and years of experience, and b.) a more practical timeframe would have yielded a better product and lower costs.
In any case, the book achieves it's goal of encouraging "wantrepreneurs" to take action and start their business, and offers some useful tips along the way. Nothing terribly revolutionary, but it doesn't aim to be. It's a pleasant, to-the-point, and surprisingly wholesome book that is exactly what it claims to be: a guy showing you how he started a fancy oatmeal company in 48 hours.
1. People who want to start their own business but either don't have an idea or are intimidated by the idea of getting started.
2. People who are launching a physical product. Not that you won't learn anything from the book if you're going for something like SaaS, but Doherty primarily focuses on physical products, specifically food products.
The book's best feature is the encouragement to "just get started" rather than sitting around overplanning and procrastinating. Doherty's success in building a business in 48 hours is galvanizing, as intended, and it makes the process feel less daunting. With that said, it's important to note that his precise timeframe here probably isn't worth emulating. Starting a business in 48 hours is a terrible idea for the average person, both for the product and the person's stress levels. Doherty only manages it due to his prior experience with launching a food product, his existing funds, some good luck, and a willingness to pay extra for rush jobs from designers and other collaborators (he doesn't mention how much he paid to get a turnaround of a few hours on a Saturday, but it's surely beyond the novice entrepreneur's budget). The unrealistic nature of the timeline is something he should have emphasized more. I get that "48-hour startup" is literally the name of the book, but some acknowledgement is needed on how a.) this probably wouldn't have been possible for someone with fewer connections, resources, and years of experience, and b.) a more practical timeframe would have yielded a better product and lower costs.
In any case, the book achieves it's goal of encouraging "wantrepreneurs" to take action and start their business, and offers some useful tips along the way. Nothing terribly revolutionary, but it doesn't aim to be. It's a pleasant, to-the-point, and surprisingly wholesome book that is exactly what it claims to be: a guy showing you how he started a fancy oatmeal company in 48 hours.
August 31, 2020
This book is better than I expected it to be. Although, I think I should have read his book on Superjam first.
This book discusses the ways and the steps in which anyone can create a start-up from ideation to launch in just 2 days.
I believe this is only possible if you've read this book or anything similar and you have your mind prepared to actually do so. Based on the contents of the book, there's actually a lot to think about and process. There are many creative decisions that one has to make. And despite being able to outsource some of these thinking and creative decision, it is still the owner of the start-up that has the final call for everything. With this in mind, doing a start-up in 48 hours require some level of mental clarity and preparedness. <<< This part is not discussed in the book but I wish it did to help people better.
The contents of the book are really good. The steps are well-described and the author has given the details of the steps that he himself has taken. It was also very coherent.
Towards the end, there were methods that to me seem outdated, but with the current situation, I think some marketing methods will have to come back and some will eventually die so we can't really say anything black and white regarding this right now.
I'd recommend this book to people who have some start up ideas and are just afraid to get started.
This book discusses the ways and the steps in which anyone can create a start-up from ideation to launch in just 2 days.
I believe this is only possible if you've read this book or anything similar and you have your mind prepared to actually do so. Based on the contents of the book, there's actually a lot to think about and process. There are many creative decisions that one has to make. And despite being able to outsource some of these thinking and creative decision, it is still the owner of the start-up that has the final call for everything. With this in mind, doing a start-up in 48 hours require some level of mental clarity and preparedness. <<< This part is not discussed in the book but I wish it did to help people better.
The contents of the book are really good. The steps are well-described and the author has given the details of the steps that he himself has taken. It was also very coherent.
Towards the end, there were methods that to me seem outdated, but with the current situation, I think some marketing methods will have to come back and some will eventually die so we can't really say anything black and white regarding this right now.
I'd recommend this book to people who have some start up ideas and are just afraid to get started.
January 16, 2021
This book is more than just advice and prompts to help start your business and make it a success, it’s got an autobiographic, personal touch that had me gripped. Learning about Fraser’s early stages of entrepreneurship was so interesting to read about and you have to admire his determination in bringing his ideas to life
What I also appreciated was that he doesn’t give readers any false hope – he is realistic. Although he encourages you to persevere with your ‘amazing’ idea, he also advises you to make sure it is pursuable first, by choosing the right people to judge it. He states that family and friends will only give positive feedback because of their love for you, yet even though most of us recognise this, we are afraid to face criticism, especially when it concerns something we solely believe in. By confronting ideas to family and friends, we are guaranteed to receive positive feedback, which is why we do it. Although we yearn for this feeling of encouragement, Fraser teaches how it’s not all about the positive remarks on your ideas – criticism actually works in your favour by allowing you to save time in not pursing particular ideas that may prevent your business from growing or achieving its optimum.
If you are a young entrepreneur or someone who dreams of starting up a business, this book if for you.
What I also appreciated was that he doesn’t give readers any false hope – he is realistic. Although he encourages you to persevere with your ‘amazing’ idea, he also advises you to make sure it is pursuable first, by choosing the right people to judge it. He states that family and friends will only give positive feedback because of their love for you, yet even though most of us recognise this, we are afraid to face criticism, especially when it concerns something we solely believe in. By confronting ideas to family and friends, we are guaranteed to receive positive feedback, which is why we do it. Although we yearn for this feeling of encouragement, Fraser teaches how it’s not all about the positive remarks on your ideas – criticism actually works in your favour by allowing you to save time in not pursing particular ideas that may prevent your business from growing or achieving its optimum.
If you are a young entrepreneur or someone who dreams of starting up a business, this book if for you.
April 2, 2022
The book reminds you of a very fundamental question when starting a business, and that is "Why are you doing this?". Most of us don't want to actually build a unicorn or a decacorn, we just want freedom, and for that, we need not look for and build a technology-heavy business that can go public someday.
And keeping that in mind, Fraser takes you on a journey of building a business in mere 2 days. It's a crash course in how to get started to building a brand and bringing something simple, yet value-adding into the hands of the consumers as fast as possible, with as minimal investment needed as possible.
This book can be very useful for you after you have read books in startups that make you beleive that you have to have a mind boggling product, a 1Bn dollar market size to have a great business etc. This book challenges those ideas in some manner.
It is great read if you want to understand how to start working for yourself by building a small to medium scale business/brand.
Greatest takeway - The ideas and methodologies to build a brand from the ground up and the hacks of getting up to speed with a business idea in a very small time
And keeping that in mind, Fraser takes you on a journey of building a business in mere 2 days. It's a crash course in how to get started to building a brand and bringing something simple, yet value-adding into the hands of the consumers as fast as possible, with as minimal investment needed as possible.
This book can be very useful for you after you have read books in startups that make you beleive that you have to have a mind boggling product, a 1Bn dollar market size to have a great business etc. This book challenges those ideas in some manner.
It is great read if you want to understand how to start working for yourself by building a small to medium scale business/brand.
Greatest takeway - The ideas and methodologies to build a brand from the ground up and the hacks of getting up to speed with a business idea in a very small time
May 22, 2019
This is a great book introducing the basics of getting it out there. The author provides his own road map as well as concise summary regarding the various topics, as well as adding his own experiences.
In my opinion, he covered a few areas well. One of them was design which i wished i have read before starting my business(could've helped me save alot of money). The author also gave many ideas and resources for idea generation, one of which is to look at current trends and trying to make a business out of it. He was able to give a broad view of different ways to market our products which gives us a good idea how to create a marketing plan.
However one limitations of the book is that the author is mainly experienced in creating physical product business, so he lacks the insight of creating a software or service business.
Overall i think its a good book as it not only gives information but the author uses his personal stories of starting business to engage with the readers. Really great and fast read
In my opinion, he covered a few areas well. One of them was design which i wished i have read before starting my business(could've helped me save alot of money). The author also gave many ideas and resources for idea generation, one of which is to look at current trends and trying to make a business out of it. He was able to give a broad view of different ways to market our products which gives us a good idea how to create a marketing plan.
However one limitations of the book is that the author is mainly experienced in creating physical product business, so he lacks the insight of creating a software or service business.
Overall i think its a good book as it not only gives information but the author uses his personal stories of starting business to engage with the readers. Really great and fast read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
Excellent, some really useful advice. Great for quick reference.
Doherty walks the reader though the various steps he would take starting up a food-based business, while not universally transferable, there's still plenty of insightful anecdotes and woven stories from previous ventures that help inspire confidence and encourage the reader to just get started - commonly cited mantra amongst the entrepreneurial community. Doherty crams a lot for the first 48hrs, potentially possible for a serial entrepreneur like him, but for a novice could be drawn out to a first couple of weeks or months instead of days.
I don't really have any negative comments to make, it's too the point, grounded, well-structured, and entertaining. If you're planning on starting a business in the UK, especially a food based one, this book is well worth a read.
5-stars, excellent.
Doherty walks the reader though the various steps he would take starting up a food-based business, while not universally transferable, there's still plenty of insightful anecdotes and woven stories from previous ventures that help inspire confidence and encourage the reader to just get started - commonly cited mantra amongst the entrepreneurial community. Doherty crams a lot for the first 48hrs, potentially possible for a serial entrepreneur like him, but for a novice could be drawn out to a first couple of weeks or months instead of days.
I don't really have any negative comments to make, it's too the point, grounded, well-structured, and entertaining. If you're planning on starting a business in the UK, especially a food based one, this book is well worth a read.
5-stars, excellent.
December 31, 2022
Everything in the book is pretty much common sense so there wasn't anything revolutionary in there but I really appreciate the way Fraser has shared his story and approach. The most important lesson that I've received from the book which hasn't even been stated explicity in it and one which I(and a lot of others)already knew but haven't implemented is to 'just get going'. To just take action and you'll learn things along the way and make adjustments. Don't wait for the perfect time or product. Get going and create the perfect time. Get going and one day you'll get to do build more complex products which a novice can't. Several hacks and web resources mentioned in the book are quite handy too. I'd recommend this book to anyone who hasn't taken action. This book might just give you that push.
October 6, 2018
48 Hour Startup by Fraser Doherty
This book is actually for quick business setup, author explained his methods that can be helpful to start business as quick as possible.
He mentioned many techniques and tools to start a business, also with the startegies he used to start his own in 48 Hours.
The good thing about this book is that, the content is based on digital latest trends. As, i am already into digital field from many years. So, many of my concepts were clear like building website, app, domain handling, promotion, idea generation techniques, fund raising etc stuff.
(From idea generation to Launch)
Recommended, if you want to learn about latest techqniues about the business startup.
Score: 4/5
#Happy_Reading
This book is actually for quick business setup, author explained his methods that can be helpful to start business as quick as possible.
He mentioned many techniques and tools to start a business, also with the startegies he used to start his own in 48 Hours.
The good thing about this book is that, the content is based on digital latest trends. As, i am already into digital field from many years. So, many of my concepts were clear like building website, app, domain handling, promotion, idea generation techniques, fund raising etc stuff.
(From idea generation to Launch)
Recommended, if you want to learn about latest techqniues about the business startup.
Score: 4/5
#Happy_Reading
June 12, 2024
The book takes you through step by step how the author created a start up in 48 hours.
It talks about the following:
The importance of picking a business you have an interest in and plays to your strengths.
How to hire freelancers, use online resources , advertising and marketing.
Talking with customers and experts.
The book is built around the author creating a premium oat brand called awesome oats and the steps taken to get to market:
creating the product.
Getting the domain name.
Designing logos and branding.
Creating website.
etc...
The book does not discuss questions of technical founders such as IP, patents or Saas.
Instead it looks more at globalisation than innovation,
Overall I think this was a very well structured book that lives up to its title.
It talks about the following:
The importance of picking a business you have an interest in and plays to your strengths.
How to hire freelancers, use online resources , advertising and marketing.
Talking with customers and experts.
The book is built around the author creating a premium oat brand called awesome oats and the steps taken to get to market:
creating the product.
Getting the domain name.
Designing logos and branding.
Creating website.
etc...
The book does not discuss questions of technical founders such as IP, patents or Saas.
Instead it looks more at globalisation than innovation,
Overall I think this was a very well structured book that lives up to its title.
November 30, 2017
This was a very concise and engaging read, provided by an experienced start-up guru who clearly knows how to create a new business from virtually one afternoon's brainstorming session. I doubt any of my business ideas could be launched in a mere two days, but Doherty makes room for that. However, his style and buoyant optimism makes one excited enough to try! I definitely plan to employ a number of his concepts and suggestions, as well utilize the helpful links he threads throughout the book (also aggregated as an addendum at the end). I listened to this one on audio (Hoopla), and Doherty's lighthearted Scottish brogue provided an added pleasant element to the experience.
May 12, 2024
"48 Hour Startup" by Fraser Doherty chronicles the journey of starting a business from scratch in just two days. Through his own experiences and those of other successful entrepreneurs, Doherty shares practical tips, strategies, and insights for launching a business quickly and efficiently. From idea generation to product development, marketing, and sales, the book provides a step-by-step guide for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality in a short timeframe. With its actionable advice and inspiring stories, "48 Hour Startup" is a must-read for anyone looking to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey and bring their business ideas to life rapidly.
May 28, 2024
This is an enjoyable and refreshing look at the simple tasks required to think of an idea, research it, take it to market and figure out how to scale it up.
Of course Fraser’s expertise is in retail product BUT much of what he says and his methodical way of organising the few things needed to get in place are really transferable to other types of products as well.
Sharing the knowledge about the pitfalls he has encountered during his time as an entrepreneur is very helpful to anyone wanting to take the first leap into starting your own business.
In a nutshell this is practical, helpful and entertaining.
It well worth a read (or a listen as I did).
Of course Fraser’s expertise is in retail product BUT much of what he says and his methodical way of organising the few things needed to get in place are really transferable to other types of products as well.
Sharing the knowledge about the pitfalls he has encountered during his time as an entrepreneur is very helpful to anyone wanting to take the first leap into starting your own business.
In a nutshell this is practical, helpful and entertaining.
It well worth a read (or a listen as I did).
August 7, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I liked this book a lot because it was filled with practical tips and useful information. I like how the author is candid about the mistakes that he made along the way, and how he tries to help you so that you don’t make the same mistakes. This is perfect for this individuals who want to start a business but have no clue where to begin.
August 31, 2018
I liked it because it was so practical and useful. It was well organized and he highlighted countless of important issues to be aware of as you prepare to launch your own business. I liked his writing style, and i can definitely recommend this book to people that are interested in startup companies and the culture behind.
May 25, 2019
I strongly recommended to everyone who wants to start a business. I can give you one assuration that after reading you will be fare ahead in your business.take a look! give your carrier a new way & direction. writer share about his business from 1st day to becoming a brand. he also how to start your business, each step of it, how he did & how you should do.
June 19, 2020
Really good! The author's experience clearly shines out in his words.
He basically explains how he would build his startup in 48 hours. He explains the importance of each step and provides resources for each step.
It's more about building any kind of business and not exactly SaaS.
Nice and simple read!
He basically explains how he would build his startup in 48 hours. He explains the importance of each step and provides resources for each step.
It's more about building any kind of business and not exactly SaaS.
Nice and simple read!
January 11, 2022
It contains lots of nice ideas and the belief “that everything is possible”, yet the author promotes this idea as already experienced entrepreneur with a big network. At the same time an idea is a feminine energy that also needed to evolve and sometimes flow, this seems too much masculine pushing or “thrive thrive” mentality. Both are necessary to be balanced.
August 12, 2022
I enjoyed Fraser Doherty's storytelling. There seem to be many valuable advise given in this quick read, however, (spoil to the potential readers) you should be aware that most of them refer to a real product (not a product as a service or an IT tool).
I found myself keeping different notes that are definitely going to be used in the future.
I found myself keeping different notes that are definitely going to be used in the future.
August 22, 2022
Nice ideas though quite unreasonable to actually do within 48 hours as much work involves outsourcing to others on premium rates and quite some expense. If money is no issue, then, I'm sure it's achievable.
A good checklist to follow and advice to do things but unlikely to have any actual business within the timeframe without previously having all contacts and a large investment upfront.
A good checklist to follow and advice to do things but unlikely to have any actual business within the timeframe without previously having all contacts and a large investment upfront.
Read
June 15, 2024I read this book because I thought I would learn about how I would start a startup if I would and that given the lack of time I have, how 48 hours could be enough for this. I remember that I found this book to be quite shallow but I would still rate it decently since I can't rely on my ever declining memory.
October 14, 2024
Even if it's not possible for everyone to start a start-up in a weekend, I like the author's enthusiasm, problem-solving and communication skills.
I liked all his stories in the end. That's exactly the mindset I wish many people have even if their ambition is not to make it big but the broadminded and risk taking attitude is really admirable.
I liked all his stories in the end. That's exactly the mindset I wish many people have even if their ambition is not to make it big but the broadminded and risk taking attitude is really admirable.
July 29, 2017
Despite knowing quite a bit about business I was feeling overwhelmed at the thought of starting my own company. Fraser did a great job of bringing everything back to basics and making everything feel manageable again.
October 10, 2017
Very informative book. Contains information we mostly know but forget to apply. This Book is great for entrepreneurs planning to launch a business. Important ideas and tips are collectively presented in an interesting manner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews