Own Your Future Lib/E: How to Think Like an Entrepreneur and Thrive in an Unpredictable Economy

by Paul B. Brown

It used to be that if you studied and worked hard, you could be assured of an extremely satisfying career. But in a world of constant layoffs and dying industries, it has become increasingly difficult to "plan" your way to success. So what is the solution? Well, when it comes to dealing with uncertainty, nobody handles it better than successful entrepreneurs. That's why you want to take the same approach they do! Based on extensive research and interviews, "Own Your Future "shows how to apply the simple model they use--Act. Learn. Build. Repeat--to reinvent the way you maneuver in an unpredictable job market. Here's how it works. Instead of picturing your perfect career and working backwards, simply begin with the direction you want to go and take a small step. Thinking alone will never change your life--you must ACT. Then evaluate the lessons you learn from that first step, build on them, and take another step in your desired direction. Repeat this process until you have achieved your goal. When you consider that your job--perhaps even your industry--may disappear, you have no choice but to take control. Filled with stories of professionals of all kinds who have profited from this proactive approach, "Own Your Future "gives you the tools you need to succeed--no matter what comes your way.

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Nonfiction

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

PAUL B. BROWN is a long-time contributor to the New York Times and a former writer and editor for BusinessWeek,
Forbes, and Inc.

Reviews

[Aom Ruka · Rating 4 out of 5]

เล่มนี้เรารู้สึกเฉยๆนะ ดูไม่ค่อยมีอะไรแปลกแหวกแนวไปจากหนังสือพัฒนาตัวเอง เช่นเรื่องทำงานในสิ่งที่ตัวเองรัก แล้วเงินก็จะมาเอง (เป็นวลีคุ้นหู ที่เหมือนทุกเล่มต้องมี 555)

[Karmelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book! It should be noted that I listened to the audiobook, and often did so before falling asleep, so it was like a practical meditation on taking responsibility. It gave me courage to 'own my future', as it were.

People are complaining of the redundancy, which certainly exists, but I actually appreciated it.

I find that guidebooks often tell you a bunch about what to do, but then when I'm done reading, I just feel like I absorbed knowledge (that tends to fade quickly). Because of the repetition in this one, its a good reminder to stay on track and to keep the model in the back of your mind as you attack your goals. I would still recommend listening to it multiple times (or habitually) to further ingrain the method into your routine.

[Jay French · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts with the belief that the best way to get ahead in your career is to apply entrepreneurial skills, either within your job working for someone else, or running your own business. The book then gets a bit repetitive, covering typical career advice mixed in with describing a process for creating new businesses. The combination of those two facets of work is interesting, but as both are very well covered in other books, you look for things that really stick out. I didn't find anything incredibly unique here. I did enjoy the author's personality in the text, and would consider reading others by him on a more specific topic.

[Chanwit Chaimeesuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

รีวิวนี้เป็นการอ่านรอบที่ 2 ของผม
รอบแรกที่อ่านนั้น น่าจะเป็นเมื่อ 3-4 ปีก่อน ผมไม่ชอบเลย อ่านยาก เหมือนไม่ให้กำลังใจ หดหู่เหมือนอย่างที่บทนำบอก
แต่พออ่านครั้งนี้ผมกลับพบว่า มันดีนะ ผมไม่ได้โฟกัสว่าจะต้องนำมาใช้กับอาชีพการงานเท่านั้น แต่ผมนำมาปรับใช้กับชีวิตโดยรวม อย่างที่หนังสือบอก ไม่ว่าะเป็นลูกจ้างนายจ้างหรือว่างงาน ก็สามารถใช้ได้ โดยใช้แนวคิดแบบผู้ประกอบการ ไม่ได้หมายความว่าะต้องไปเป็นผู้ประกอบการซะหน่อย เมื่อผมได้อ่านอีกครั้งและคิดตาม มันทำให้ผมรักหนังสือเล่มนี้เลย

[Angtburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite simple but powerful mag: Act. Learn. Build. Repeat.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The general idea is good. See other reviews. But I didn't love it.

[Cyrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives great insight on how to prepare yourself for the constantly changing economy. It teaches you the steps to think like an entrepreneur, even if you never intend to go out on your own and start your own business. In this economic climate, it is necessary for almost everyone to have the kind of mind set that will allow you to change jobs or create your own job or even totally reinvent your career. To do this without undue risk, the key is to Act, Learn, Build, and Repeat until you find the sweet spot for your career. Own Your Future illustrates this clearly with lots of examples drawn from real life.

If you are not independently wealthy and retired, this book is worth a read, especially if you are in an industry that could go the way of Blockbuster or travel agencies.

Another "good read".

[Steve Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

An organized and audio-friendly (good for driving commuters sick of their jobs) walk-through of why and how to execute next steps in careers, focusing on entrepreneurship, but as an attitude and battle-plan (Act-Build-Learn-Repeat) rather than as a mandate to avoid working for a paycheck.

[Rose D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars really. Gets a good msg across, but a bit repetitious

[Bill · Rating 1 out of 5]

A waste of time. The only thing even remotely useful in the book was a reminder that your "network" ages and it's important to keep it fresh. Other than that, nothing of any practical use.