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Summary: Uncommon Common Sense
Review: This is a wonderful, even perfect, book (as much as any book or work of art can be perfect). It is smoothly written and loaded with uncommon, common sense which unmasks many conventional business "truisms." Take this for example: "Research into small business has shown that most fail because of a lack of working capital. But that's like saying the cause of most divorces is conflict." By focusing on the inner business, Hawken helps any business person create an enterprise that is ideally suited to its owner. It's smart capitalism with a human face. If this sounds appealing, also consider The Mindful Money Guide. It's not about establishing a business per se (although it does have a whole section on finding truly satisfying work), but it will complement Hawken's book well, by thoughtfully (and amusingly) addressing one's whole financial life.
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Summary: A superb book.
Review: This is as brilliant -- and unique -- a business book as I have ever read. It is equalled by few, surpassed by none. Admittedly it focuses on running an honest business, which may turn off some readers. Read it anyway; it contains a great deal of wisdom.That Hawken is a damn good writer doesn't hurt.
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Summary: Capitalism With A Human Face
Review: This perfect book was written by someone who really built a business - Smith & Hawken - from the ground up. As we all know, everyone crows on the failure of communism, but no one crows about the real failure of capitalism. It is a more slow dying weed than the communism, but it is a dying weed as well. Every business is different, the same way we are. By focusing on the inner business, Mr. Hawken helps anybody create an enterprise that is ideally suited to its owner. It is smart capitalism with a human face. He uses numerous examples to make his points, and talks about the practical as well as the philosophic. It is a must read for anyone who wants to go into business or desires to grow a business.
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Summary: The best & most helpful business book I've ever read.
Review: This was the first and most important book I read when I started my business. I credit it with much of my success, and continue to re-read it 5 years later when things get trying in the day-to-day of running a small-to-mid-sized company.
I couldn't recommend any book more highly than this one; I have bought copies for everyone in my company.
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Summary: A critical book for the bootstrapping entrepreneur
Review: When I started my business with $20,000 in 1996, I stumbled upon this book. It helped me form the core values of my company and to build it with only a one year loan of $40,000 (in year 2, repaid in year 3) to $3M in sales, 20 employees and strong profitability in 4 years (and we are not even a tech company!). If you want to grow fast, this is not necessarily the book for you. If you want to build value and profitability - read it, know it, live it.
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