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 A Fortunate Find Oct 05, 2009
The premise of Bo Peabody's book is the smart people don't become entrepreneurs, but entrepreneurs can be smart if they can recognize when they have been lucky. This loopy but wise premise is the entry point for many keen observations, including my favorites:
- "Lucky things happen to entrepreneurs who start fundamentally innovative, morally compelling, and philosophically positive companies."
- The entrepreneur has two tasks: 1) Create an innovative environment where smart people will gather; 2) Be smart enough to get out of the way and let luck happen."
Disarming humility, offbeat humor, and frank assessments are woven into this fast-moving narrative. I have read many books, web posts and articles on entrepreneurship; heard dozens of speakers; and I've have had the good fortune to work with many smart, and lucky, entrepreneurs. Among all of these influences, Lucky or Smart is one of the best. Recommended reading for anyone contemplating an entrepreneurial adventure, or for anyone who works, loves, or is friends with an entrepreneur.
Brief Bullseye! Jan 19, 2009
I saw there was only one review and had to add my two cents. I actually listened to the CD version and didn't have high expectations from a 2-CD publication. I was very impressed though with the no-fluff info and examples that Bo Peabody gives. He outlines a few important priciples and pitfalls that visionaries need to know before starting a business. He doesn't get caught up in ego and personal accomplishment like some of the big names in the business community. I read or listen to about 50 books a year, mostly on business and personal improvement. I think this book is an absolute must-read for anybody that thinks they are (or wants to be) an entrepreneur. This book will either correct your fantasy or help you on your way.
Story of a dot-com entrepreneur who lucked out Dec 19, 2008
Bo Peabody is a lucky guy indeed. He founded Tripod and sold it to Lycos in 1997 for $58 million in stock, even though his company never made a profit. He was restricted from selling his stock for two years, during which the value increased tenfold. After the lockup period expired, he sold his stock at the peak of irrational exuberance.
Bo describes himself as a B-student who surrounded himself with A-students. His original idea for Tripod was a nonstarter, but his staff developed a homepage builder which quickly gained traction - eventually 1 million registered members.
"Start a company that is fundamentally innovative, morally compelling, and philosophically positive. Create an aura of authenticity around your start-up by carefully crafting your mission and communicating it with charisma and passion. Your company will attract smart, inspired people who will work very hard... Provide them with a clear action plan and give them the latitude to exercise their creativity."
In a down-to-earth style, Bo says: Don't believe your own press. Learn to love the word no. Always be gracious. And know what you don't know.
Think of this as an autobiography with insights into life in a start-up, rather than a repeatable formula - the chances of selling your unprofitable venture for $58 million are between slim and none.
I like that this book is short. He says what he has to say in 50 pages without padding it to fill a quota, like so many 200-page books out there. The book gets four stars. What could be more appropriate for a B-student?
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Yawn. Sep 28, 2007
This book is useless. I'm so surprised others gave it four stars. The author just got lucky with his timing and he inflated the valuation of his company by posing as a slacker CEO while in reality he was working 100 hour work weeks.
Then he was smart because he cashed out instead of going IPO because in his own words, he knew that the company was "all hat, no cattle". Then he took his money invested it in other companies that he "started" through his venture capital company. He actually doesn't talk about any of those operations so one wonders if he considers investing the same as starting a company.
Personally I wasn't looking for someone's luck story. I wanted "secrets to an entrepreneurial life" as the cover claims and what I really wanted was information that I could implement in the next company I start. This didn't teach me any. It was like reading an article in some bad paper, like USA Today, just longer.
If you want an autobiography of a random lucky guy, this is the book for you. If you want to make your business more successful without lying to the press or being someone you aren't, read Adrian Slywotzky. He can tell you some real entrepreneurial secrets that you can apply to your business.
Short but very informative Aug 13, 2007
I thouroughly enjoyed the read, it was like listening to a good story page after page and gleaning 1 or 2 lessons from it.
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