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PERFORM: The Unsexy Truth about (Startup) Success
The startup ecosystem of NewEurope is growing. And with it the urge for guidance and knowledge on how to build a successful company and a strong team to pull it off. Silicon Valley stories are not always relatable, and there aren’t many resources exploring the specifics of the startup journey in this region. We wrote PERFORM out of necessity. It’s as much of a book about entrepreneurship, as it is about personal leadership, team management and building a strong startup culture. This book is based on the PERFORM Methodology, successfully applied by 250+ startup teams in 25+ countries. Based on hundreds of workshops and coaching sessions, we carefully collected the best tools, ideas and strategies and included them in the book. PERFORM features also examples, tools and case studies from 50+ successful startup founders and thought leaders from NewEurope. If you are looking for a quick fix, the magic pill or the big secret that will solve all your
THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOU! PERFORM will give you the recipe, but it’s up to you to apply it.
And if you’re consistent and you are willing to do what it takes, you might have a shot.
THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOU! PERFORM will give you the recipe, but it’s up to you to apply it.
And if you’re consistent and you are willing to do what it takes, you might have a shot.
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2021
7 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 10, 2021
I had the pleasure of being mentored by one of the authors of the book, Cristobal Alonso during my time in the Startup Wise Guys (SWG) accelerator Batch 7 in Riga in 2016. I was impressed by Cristobal's drive back then and I'm not surprised by the extent to which SWG scaled since the time of writing this review in August 2021 (it is now running batches in multiple countries in Europe and Africa). I was excited to read his thoughts about startups, performance and growing a company distilled into a book.
PERFORM is a very useful guide for founders globally (although the authors state that besides their general framework, they addressed challenges faced by founders from the CEE & CIS regions specifically, which I think makes the book unique). The suggestions and the methodologies in the book are supported by studies and international experts of the respective fields and referenced. These references can also function as a useful list of resources for further reading. An area that I was missing and which could be elaborated in later editions could be learning, reading and self-development (individually and as an organisation).
A highly recommended read for startup founders and C-level executives.
PERFORM is a very useful guide for founders globally (although the authors state that besides their general framework, they addressed challenges faced by founders from the CEE & CIS regions specifically, which I think makes the book unique). The suggestions and the methodologies in the book are supported by studies and international experts of the respective fields and referenced. These references can also function as a useful list of resources for further reading. An area that I was missing and which could be elaborated in later editions could be learning, reading and self-development (individually and as an organisation).
A highly recommended read for startup founders and C-level executives.
April 27, 2022
Quite a great book for those who are working with or in startups. There is some 'motivational' nonsense, which I do not appreciate, but in comparison to other books covering the topic of managing startups, there's very little of that. It's mostly actually useful advice with proper examples and special systems for using the advice.
October 30, 2021
Excellent book!!!
Very clear, practical and straight to the point. Real insights from very experience people.
A gift for those who are about to start and for those who have already started and about to succeed.
Very clear, practical and straight to the point. Real insights from very experience people.
A gift for those who are about to start and for those who have already started and about to succeed.
November 16, 2021
As an experienced entrepreneur (co-founder of RemoteMore), I recommend this book to all my founder friends.
Think of this book as a comprehensive guide on how to be productive as a founder. Each chapter explains about one area that you need to master, giving the details on how to be in the top on this area/skill. The reason why the authors talk about "unsexy truth" - is that most of the productivity skills are common sense, it is just that most founders apply it. Not anything so glamorous, but incredibly effective.
I also love how the book is based on the European context (it is refreshing!). This is a book that tells you with practical steps how to be successful with limited resources. Not how to fundraise/spend crazy amounts. If you want to be among the best at achieving more with less, this is the perfect book for you.
P.S. This is one of the most practical books that you would ever read.
Think of this book as a comprehensive guide on how to be productive as a founder. Each chapter explains about one area that you need to master, giving the details on how to be in the top on this area/skill. The reason why the authors talk about "unsexy truth" - is that most of the productivity skills are common sense, it is just that most founders apply it. Not anything so glamorous, but incredibly effective.
I also love how the book is based on the European context (it is refreshing!). This is a book that tells you with practical steps how to be successful with limited resources. Not how to fundraise/spend crazy amounts. If you want to be among the best at achieving more with less, this is the perfect book for you.
P.S. This is one of the most practical books that you would ever read.
November 22, 2021
Simply said: no fluff just stuff!
Greatly recommended to everyone involved with startups. We are at a crazy race against time. No matter how much time and effort you spent, productivity is what can determine your success. This books is full of practical advices which will help you work smarter.
Don’t just work hard, work hard and smart!
Greatly recommended to everyone involved with startups. We are at a crazy race against time. No matter how much time and effort you spent, productivity is what can determine your success. This books is full of practical advices which will help you work smarter.
Don’t just work hard, work hard and smart!
November 20, 2021
With so much experience and knowledge Stoyan and Cristobal truly know what they are talking about. I enjoyed the different perspectives and clear stories. It's also refreshing to see so many graphic examples.
November 5, 2021
An excellent read!
The book is very practical and insightful. I was fascinated by the PERFORM Methodology and the way all these everyday habits and principles for a healthy and successful life are organized.
What is more, this book has become a handy guide to me. I need to reread some fragments every now and then when I need motivation or a productivity boost.
The book is very practical and insightful. I was fascinated by the PERFORM Methodology and the way all these everyday habits and principles for a healthy and successful life are organized.
What is more, this book has become a handy guide to me. I need to reread some fragments every now and then when I need motivation or a productivity boost.
November 4, 2021
There is plenty of practical and applicable advice. It has great strategies for startup success and growth, but also a lot of guidelines on how to be more productive, efficient, and balanced on an individual level. Use it as a textbook, not a book. In order to be useful, you have to learn from it by applying it, instead of just reading it.
November 4, 2021
Amazing must read for everyone who is looking to boost their productivity. Stoyan is a rockstar!
November 4, 2021
Top choice for any entrepreneur or professional
March 25, 2021
Having experienced a startup roller-coaster myself, I really wish this book was around back then! But take the chance and read it now and get ahead of the huge learning curve much faster, more confidently, and actually thrilled, not terrified. So easy to read, turn back to as a guide, highly practical, and the real-life stories just make it complete. Thank you!
January 21, 2021
Great consise summary about essential things what matters at work. Based on startups examples, but applicable more widely in professional path. Part of tools, methologies and ideas are borrowed from some other good authors, but this not weakens this book.
August 31, 2021
Best book ever for startups beginning
November 15, 2021
I really enjoy how visual the book is - it's almost like a magazine. It helps you understand and remember certain key points and quotes much easier. The illustrations are simple and memorable and the full-page quotes - "instagramable" as I heard a lady say once.
Many books on the topic of productivity and leadership include examples mainly from the US and it was like a breath of fresh air to read about so many interesting and innovative companies in the New Europe region.
Highly recommend it to anyone who's leading or managing a team, or even solopreneurs who just want to get sh*t done not only faster but smarter and sustainable as well.
Many books on the topic of productivity and leadership include examples mainly from the US and it was like a breath of fresh air to read about so many interesting and innovative companies in the New Europe region.
Highly recommend it to anyone who's leading or managing a team, or even solopreneurs who just want to get sh*t done not only faster but smarter and sustainable as well.
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November 29, 2021As an aspiring entrepreneur this book has been a valuable part in the development of my business. Strongly recommend not only for when establishing your business, but also as a guide during the journey you have taken on. A book to come back to and assure you, your values and your business are on the right track.
November 4, 2021
Nice choice for an early-stage startup Founder that is planning the journey of the company or even for more mature startup Founder that faced some issues with the team dynamics or personal challenges.
Easy to read with a lot of examples and interviews form real startup founders.
Easy to read with a lot of examples and interviews form real startup founders.
December 22, 2021
This was one of the most inspirational and to-the-point productivity books I have ever read. The combination of practical knowledge and real “on the field” stories make this book a must-read for every entrepreneur.
Thank you guys for gifting us with this jewel in the form of a book.
Thank you guys for gifting us with this jewel in the form of a book.
December 8, 2022
My favorite business book to guide any manager or entrepreneur. Easy read with practical examples easy to apply on your day to day activities. You will finish the book knowing how to be more focused and more effective. Results in your business will only make this book purchase a bargain.
November 12, 2021
Not only an excellent book for start-up companies but for any business owners or someone interested in business. Strongly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews