Upstarts!: How GenY Entrepreneurs are Rocking the World of Business and 8 Ways You Can Profit from Their Success

by Donna Fenn

They’re young, they’re brash, they’re smart―and they’re 77-million strong. Generation Y is creating startups at an unprecedented rate, and their approach to business is unlike anything you’ve seen. The generation described by the media as spoiled, entitled, even narcissistic, is proving these notions false every day. Inspired by the rock-star entrepreneurs of previous generations and driven by a burning desire to control their own destinies, GenY is rewriting the entrepreneurial playbook one cool startup at a time. Inc. magazine writer Donna Fenn interviewed more than 150 young CEOs to learn what makes them tick. While upstarts are motivated by similar aspirations of past generations, their way of doing business is radically different―and it’s changing the way everyone must do business now. Upstarts examines and analyzes this entrepreneurial revolution to reveal eight critical lessons every entrepreneur and marketer must learn. Fenn describes a generation of entrepreneurs that is highly collaborative and team-oriented. It’s quick and alert when it comes to new technologies. It’s hell-bent on changing the world. And it’s totally impatient with outmoded business models. The sooner you adapt to the new way of business, the greater chance you have to grow and profit in the years ahead. Upstarts provides key insight

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Leyendecker1874 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, this book does have a self life of sorts. But that aside, it was easy to read regardless of several grammatical errors. A little repetitive, but I don’t feel as if I want my time back.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Report about how GenY entrepreneurs are shaking up business

Small-business expert Donna Fenn reports on the impact of Gen Y “upstarts” on the world of commerce. Entrepreneurial in spirit, as well as bold and brash, many Gen Yers have already formed their own highly lucrative companies. Indeed, some are now grizzled business veterans, having started their companies while they were still in high school. Many of their firms are Internet-based, while others are in more traditional business sectors. On the Web and in other industries, Gen Y companies differentiate themselves from the competition through clever use of technology, superior branding and imaginative business practices. getAbstract recommends Fenn’s book to older businesspeople who want to know how these trendsetters operate and how to sell to the massive, affluent Gen Y market. This book also serves as a valuable learner’s manual for Gen Y members who want to create their own businesses, but have not done so – yet.

To learn more about this book, go to the following link: http://www.getabstract.com/summary/12...

[Shankar Ganesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

250 pages filled with awesome stories on how several Gen Y entrepreneurs got started, partnered, adapted and then became successful. There's so much to take away from the narratives in every page of this book. Thankfully, a summary of the key learnings is presented after every chapter.

The author has done very, very extensive research before writing this book - and that can be seen in every single page

I'll definitely recommend this book to not just anyone who's starting up, but also to others who will be willing to learn from the anecdotes of their younger counterparts. The book deserves to be more popular than it currently is.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'm perplexed as to who edited this book. 4 typos in 50 pages? Sheesh, and you publishing folks call yourselves professionals...good thing the content of the book was awesome. Loads of inspiring stories and insights into how to capitalize on things us GenY lovelies excel at. I wish there would've been more examples of entrepreneurs outside of the tech realm though. It would've been nice to have a bit more balance in that area. All in all, a helpful read!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an excellent book. The 8 characteristics of gen y entrepreneurs is spot on, and I think applies to more than just the entrepreneurs, but to Gen Y in general. The author did a good job bringing in examples to support her claims. Overall, I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone interested in understanding Gen Y or learning how they can be innovative in their careers.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book ahead of it's time. It's great to learn about reverse mentoring early. Us baby boomers can learn from gen y'ers and vice versa. I'm learning the fun side of my biz team. Lots of relaxed team meetings.

[Klaas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barely any academic research used as input, this books is more of a positive storytelling on Gen Y entrepremeurs in the tech-scene.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool stories of young entrepreneurs.

[Nick Woodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Not only did it help me understand the younger generation and how they think in business, but I got a whole lot of good ideas from it as well!