What do you think?
Rate this book
Street Smarts: An All-Purpose Tool Kit for Entrepreneurs
"One is tempted to say 'the only book you'll need on starting a business.' Brilliant! Genius! Choose your superlative-it'll fit."-Tom Peters
People starting out in business tend to seek step-by-step formulas or rules, but in reality there are no magic bullets. Rather, says veteran company-builder Norm Brodsky, there's a mentality that helps street- smart entrepreneurs solve problems and pursue opportunities as they arise.
Brodsky shares his hard-earned wisdom every month in Inc. magazine, in the hugely popular "Street Smarts" column he cowrites with Bo Burlingham. Now they've adapted their best advice into a comprehensive guide for anyone running a small business.
People starting out in business tend to seek step-by-step formulas or rules, but in reality there are no magic bullets. Rather, says veteran company-builder Norm Brodsky, there's a mentality that helps street- smart entrepreneurs solve problems and pursue opportunities as they arise.
Brodsky shares his hard-earned wisdom every month in Inc. magazine, in the hugely popular "Street Smarts" column he cowrites with Bo Burlingham. Now they've adapted their best advice into a comprehensive guide for anyone running a small business.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
122 people are currently reading
2905 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 58 reviews
October 2, 2023
This is the most practical and readable book for entrepreneurs I've read. And I've read a lot of them; my job is to consult to entrepreneurs.
He walked through lessons and insights that he often learned the hard way. The way he writes is very easy to understand, but far from simplistic. He makes it clear why people would misunderstand an issue--he's not judgmental at all and explains the forces causing confusion. But then he shares thoughtful reasons why we should avoid that trap. Best of all gives specific tips on what to do instead.
Topic by topic, this book marches from choosing an initial concept to finding capital to first hires to growing past the first few staff to shaping culture to creating a salesforce that is healthy and loyal to working with outside experts (like lawyers and accountants and consultants). Time and again, he offers wisdom, backed by insightful stories and flavored with transparency and humility.
Lessons range from: expect that you are being over optimistic and get objective, outside review before you run with your first business plan; there's a life or death difference between sales and profitable sales (avoid the trap of selling unused excess at discount); and accountants are trained to be great historians, not great futurists (use them as they're intended to be used).
I do have one STRONG disagreement with him. He has a section on why not to be real friends with your employees--to keep distance between you and them. His explanations (with supporting stories) say that it is much harder to make the hard choices (e.g. dealing with poor performance or not promoting unqualified people). I'd totally agree that it's harder to do that with friends. But I know from years of doing it myself that it's possible to be true friends and still make the right choices. In fact, I've fired people and remained friends more than once. It seems like in that section he violates one of his other principles in the book--don't create a systemwide policy to solve for a weakness in one person or area in the business. Grow their abilities instead of hampering the entire organization.
That being said, anyone who is thinking about starting a business MUST read this book.
---------
I am finishing up my year of re-reading and still enjoyed this book. And I re-iterate that he's totally wrong about friends at work. I'm sad he never got to know the deep satisfaction of working with close friends. But the rest of the book is so good that it was still worth reading again.
He walked through lessons and insights that he often learned the hard way. The way he writes is very easy to understand, but far from simplistic. He makes it clear why people would misunderstand an issue--he's not judgmental at all and explains the forces causing confusion. But then he shares thoughtful reasons why we should avoid that trap. Best of all gives specific tips on what to do instead.
Topic by topic, this book marches from choosing an initial concept to finding capital to first hires to growing past the first few staff to shaping culture to creating a salesforce that is healthy and loyal to working with outside experts (like lawyers and accountants and consultants). Time and again, he offers wisdom, backed by insightful stories and flavored with transparency and humility.
Lessons range from: expect that you are being over optimistic and get objective, outside review before you run with your first business plan; there's a life or death difference between sales and profitable sales (avoid the trap of selling unused excess at discount); and accountants are trained to be great historians, not great futurists (use them as they're intended to be used).
I do have one STRONG disagreement with him. He has a section on why not to be real friends with your employees--to keep distance between you and them. His explanations (with supporting stories) say that it is much harder to make the hard choices (e.g. dealing with poor performance or not promoting unqualified people). I'd totally agree that it's harder to do that with friends. But I know from years of doing it myself that it's possible to be true friends and still make the right choices. In fact, I've fired people and remained friends more than once. It seems like in that section he violates one of his other principles in the book--don't create a systemwide policy to solve for a weakness in one person or area in the business. Grow their abilities instead of hampering the entire organization.
That being said, anyone who is thinking about starting a business MUST read this book.
---------
I am finishing up my year of re-reading and still enjoyed this book. And I re-iterate that he's totally wrong about friends at work. I'm sad he never got to know the deep satisfaction of working with close friends. But the rest of the book is so good that it was still worth reading again.
October 3, 2021
This is probably the most practical book for entrepreneurs I've ever read. Topic by topic, this book marches from selecting the initial concept, to finding capital, to making the first hire, to growing beyond the first few employees, to shaping the culture, to creating a healthy and loyal sales force, to working with outside experts (such as lawyers, accountants, and consultants). Each stage is backed up with insightful stories 👍 I have one disagreement with the author at the moment - it's the issue of the compensation system for salespeople. This is because he proposes a system largely based on fixed salary plus a small variable part for the team's (company's) performance and lastly a very small part dependent on their performance. I'll be thinking about this and watching companies that have such a system 🤔
That said, anyone thinking of starting a business MUST read this book. And even if you already have a business, it's worth taking the internal exam. For all those who are from the big business world - I also recommend it, we often get approached by people from small business asking for advice. This book will help you with that 😎 My PERSONAL recommendation is this: if you only read 10 books a year, this book has to be one of them👍
That said, anyone thinking of starting a business MUST read this book. And even if you already have a business, it's worth taking the internal exam. For all those who are from the big business world - I also recommend it, we often get approached by people from small business asking for advice. This book will help you with that 😎 My PERSONAL recommendation is this: if you only read 10 books a year, this book has to be one of them👍
August 18, 2017
Este libro es estilo manual, 17 capítulos con puntos importantes para emprendedores y dueños de empresas pequeñas/medianas.
Me encantó la forma práctica, sencilla y puntal con la que aborda los temas, desde la idea de emprendimiento, pasando por socios e inversores hasta ventas y márgenes de ganacias.
Algunos ejemplos y anégdotas un poco exageradas o rebuscadas y tal vez algunos toques de ego, pero viniendo de alguien que ha creados varios negocios exitosos, es entendible y hasta podría pasar inadvertido.
Creo que trata los puntos clave para todo emprendedor sin que la lectura sea densa, complicada y abrumadora.
Me encantó la forma práctica, sencilla y puntal con la que aborda los temas, desde la idea de emprendimiento, pasando por socios e inversores hasta ventas y márgenes de ganacias.
Algunos ejemplos y anégdotas un poco exageradas o rebuscadas y tal vez algunos toques de ego, pero viniendo de alguien que ha creados varios negocios exitosos, es entendible y hasta podría pasar inadvertido.
Creo que trata los puntos clave para todo emprendedor sin que la lectura sea densa, complicada y abrumadora.
January 28, 2018
Sometimes ruthless, mostly reasonable.
July 7, 2018
Lots of practical ideas in this one. No abstract points or 'checklists', just a businessman sharing lessons from building a couple of businesses and some mistakes he made.
June 1, 2018
This was an incredibly practical handbook for aspiring entrepreneurs. The author supports all of his advice with diverse case studies in which he was a part of in some way or another- beginning with how and why one should have a well-thought-out business plan. It covers business basics for novices as well as delving deeper into business myths. I learned that sales are the foundation of growing a business, but also that sales are not everything. I got insight on building a team culture, listening to the needs of others, and the role of patience in business success. I listened to the audiobook format, but will absolutely go buy a hard copy to highlight and mark with sticky notes. The end of each chapter was punctuated by "the bottom line" in which the author summarizes the key points of advice from that section. I'm sure I will revisit the content of this book time and again as I launch my own business.
August 16, 2018
So many great tips on starting and growing a business. Definitely not a formula, but a great description of the pitfalls, stages, and most importantly the relationships needed to be successful. From someone who has had failures and successes, this advice comes from someone who has personally had the experience of being an entrepreneur, and also from coaching others in their journey. I think the most important thing I gained from the book is how important the relationships are that are built, with customers, vendors, lenders, employees, and even competitors. There was also a great discussion about determining what business you are really in and discovering ways to look at your business differently. This may give you a different perspective on how to grow it, or it may give you a competitive advantage because you spent the time to think about it.
February 27, 2024
Unlike so many books on entrepreneurship I've read, this often felt uncomfortable. It makes it sound like building a successful business takes a lot of work, that you can't just jump in full speed ahead but need to go patiently step by step to just get a business viable before profitable before growing into something bigger. Instead of "pedal to the metal" it has a feel of "pump the brakes".
And for all those reasons, it feels like a book that can be trusted from an entrepreneur that has been in business for a while. It isn't comfortable, but it seems pragmatic. I'm also glad that it's old enough to barely mention the internet. It's easy to get hyperfocused on building a business just for today, but sound business principles from the pre-digital era are still very applicable.
And for all those reasons, it feels like a book that can be trusted from an entrepreneur that has been in business for a while. It isn't comfortable, but it seems pragmatic. I'm also glad that it's old enough to barely mention the internet. It's easy to get hyperfocused on building a business just for today, but sound business principles from the pre-digital era are still very applicable.
October 5, 2018
This is my assessment of the book Street smarts by Norm Brodsky according to my 7 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 4 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 4 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non English native) - 4 stars
5. too long and boring or every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
6. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
7. Same old stuff - It has rich content - 4 stars
Total 3.85 stars
1. Related to practice - 4 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 4 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non English native) - 4 stars
5. too long and boring or every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
6. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
7. Same old stuff - It has rich content - 4 stars
Total 3.85 stars
November 27, 2019
Learned of this book from The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman, who suggested that you can get an MBA-equivalent education by reading the best business books.
Street Smarts has many good points and suggestions. A lot of examples from pre-Internet days, but the principles still hold true.
Street Smarts has many good points and suggestions. A lot of examples from pre-Internet days, but the principles still hold true.
June 9, 2017
This book changed the way I look at business numbers, awesome nuggets for anyone looking to open or already running a business.
August 31, 2018
Awesome book with unique business lesspns
This book contains so many insights for any entrepreneurs.
I have applied many of his teaching to how I run my business
This book contains so many insights for any entrepreneurs.
I have applied many of his teaching to how I run my business
February 22, 2022
I found this book to be very interesting. It's full of great tidbits about business.
September 24, 2022
Great tidbits of information that any business can use and implement. I took several notes and will probably relisten to it soon and take when more notes.
October 3, 2023
Business book about business. Who'd have thought...
February 13, 2018
It's like a mentor or business coach full of experiences and stories in a book.
September 19, 2014
I picked up this book primarily because the subtitle on the cover. It reads, "Street Smarts: An All-Purpose Tool Kit for Entrepreneurs." I read the abstract and many of the reviews, but I still wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I found the subtitle compelling enough that I decided to give it a try.
Having been in two start-ups (one as an executive), prepared and reviewed several start-up business plans, and managed large R&D budgets, I found that Street Smarts by Norm Brodsky and Bo Burlingham really lived up to its name. The book is less a how-to guide for small business owners, though there are certainly those aspects to it, and more of a set of hard learned principles for how to properly think about and manage the nuts and bolts of a small business. I wish I had read this book when I jumped to my second start-up more than a decade ago.
I didn't agree with every piece of advice in Street Smarts ("always write your first P&L using pen and paper." Hmm.) but overall there is so much great insight and hard won experience in the book that it should be required reading for anyone applying for a business loan or pitching for start-up funding.
Highly recommended.
Having been in two start-ups (one as an executive), prepared and reviewed several start-up business plans, and managed large R&D budgets, I found that Street Smarts by Norm Brodsky and Bo Burlingham really lived up to its name. The book is less a how-to guide for small business owners, though there are certainly those aspects to it, and more of a set of hard learned principles for how to properly think about and manage the nuts and bolts of a small business. I wish I had read this book when I jumped to my second start-up more than a decade ago.
I didn't agree with every piece of advice in Street Smarts ("always write your first P&L using pen and paper." Hmm.) but overall there is so much great insight and hard won experience in the book that it should be required reading for anyone applying for a business loan or pitching for start-up funding.
Highly recommended.
July 18, 2013
Street Smarts is a worthwhile business book, and I DO recommend this book to anyone interested in entrepreneurial material, however the author played a bit of a deception in the reader. In the beginning he emphasizes that his knowledge of business comes from street smarts, beginning with the lessons he learned on the street from his father. Later on in the book you will learn that the author is a law school graduate, and that he built a $100 million company. Great credentials - but not consistent with the scrappy small business image that begins this work. I believe he offers excellent advice for anyone building a small business in the first five years of activity.
August 21, 2013
Great insight from a person still running a business. He does not hold back in his advice or opinions as well not holding back in his failings and what he learned from them, which is the sign of a great person.
The opening chapter as he retells his meeting with the Stones is a gold mine for anyone considering starting a business. Brodsky asks great questions many of us would never consider. This is one I will listen to again taking copious notes.
The only negative I have is the narrator. While he does an excellent job, I would have prefered someone with a slight Brooklyn accent. The book seems that it is written as Brodsky would talk; I would have like to have heard that voice.
The opening chapter as he retells his meeting with the Stones is a gold mine for anyone considering starting a business. Brodsky asks great questions many of us would never consider. This is one I will listen to again taking copious notes.
The only negative I have is the narrator. While he does an excellent job, I would have prefered someone with a slight Brooklyn accent. The book seems that it is written as Brodsky would talk; I would have like to have heard that voice.
November 25, 2014
Excellent business advice that's applicable to almost all entrepreneurs. I wish I had read this book twenty years ago.
I think the most eye-opening point of the book for me was the dangers of measuring business success by sales. As a life-long salesman and entrepreneur, sometimes it's hard to change hats and differentiate between being a business owner and a salesman. This book explored many facets of this dilemma that I had never considered.
I recommend this read to anyone in business or thinking of starting a business.
I think the most eye-opening point of the book for me was the dangers of measuring business success by sales. As a life-long salesman and entrepreneur, sometimes it's hard to change hats and differentiate between being a business owner and a salesman. This book explored many facets of this dilemma that I had never considered.
I recommend this read to anyone in business or thinking of starting a business.
April 2, 2014
Street smarts is a very interesting read. It contains a lot of (life) lessons and (conterintuitive) tips. Being an entrepeneur himself, the reader gets interesting insight in the experience the author gathered over the years. One of the counterintuitive tips I founder was the fact that you should, as a small business, look for lost of small customers instead of a few big ones, to spread the risk. The book contains many more. Very well recommended...
February 19, 2011
A great book for anyone interested in entrepreneurship. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned entrepreneur, have an Ivy-league MBA or are just getting started. This book has sound advice for every stage of running your own business. It may sound as common sense once you read it, but we somehow we always need to be reminded.
June 28, 2012
I love Norm's perspective and there is a tremendous amount of wisdom for all entrepreneurs in this book. This books seemed a lot like "The Knack" also by Norm and I read these two books a year apart so I am not sure but a lot seemed familiar. None the less it was a good book for any start up leader.
April 16, 2014
Not sure about the title of Street Smarts. But it will give you a very good idea about how to be a good business owner. Doesn't mean you will be successful but at least you know where some of the common potholes are located.
It's a great book and if I had my way. I would make all high school students read it!
It's a great book and if I had my way. I would make all high school students read it!
January 10, 2024
One of the most practically minded business books I've read (bar textbooks of course). Provides really great tips and highlights areas to look out for without adding too much of his own subjective ego into things, though it's still there it is negligible. It's a well rounded book. Would recommend to anyone who is starting up.
January 6, 2014
Great advice for people who aren't quite beginners in the business game. As a beginner, I would have loved to have heard more about the "early" days of the businesses he spoke about. Felt like it was a little beyond where I am at this point.
February 11, 2014
Good overview of principles running a business. The first bit of the book was a little bit too basic, talking about the differences in sales and cashflow. However, it got better and managed to upkeep my interest towards the end. Was expecting more indepth experiences and views to be shared though.
April 8, 2014
This was a great book with plenty of practical business advice with real examples. I am a big fan of Norm Brodsky from his columns in Inc. magazine. If you have a business or are thinking of starting a business, this is the book for you. Highly recommended!
July 14, 2014
Some really good advice on running your business. Lots of advice for first time entrepreneurs. Some really interesting and counter intuitive examples as well, including not paying sales a commission and not hiring "rockstar" salespeople. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews