The Art of the Start

July 26, 2004
Kawasaki (Rules for Revolutionaries
) draws upon his dual background as an evangelist for Apple's Macintosh computer and as a Silicon Valley venture capitalist in this how-to for launching any type of business project. Each chapter begins with "GIST" ("great ideas for starting things"), covering a variety of facets to consider, from identifying your customer base and writing a business plan to establishing partnerships and building brand identity. Minichapters zero in on particular jobs that will need doing, while FAQ sections address the questions readers are most likely to have: Kawasaki covers the basics in an effectively casual tone. Much of the advice, however, consists of generic banalities—start your company's name with a letter that comes early in the alphabet, use big type in presentation slides for older businessmen with declining eyesight, and avoid writing e-mails in all capital letters—that can be found in any mediocre guide. Fortunately, Kawasaki does rise to the occasion here and there. He goes into great detail when it comes to raising capital and offers effective methods for sorting through the nonsense associated with interviewing prospective employees. (Sept. 9)

Forecast:
Drawn in part from readers of the
Forbes column from which the book takes its title, Kawasaki's fan base will seek this one out (and overlook the weaker sections to get to the usable nuggets).

November 1, 2004
Kawasaki has been a Silicon Valley fixture since he helped put Apple Computer Company on the map. Since then, he has started a successful venture capital company and written seven books (e.g., Rules for Revolutionaries). His newest work addresses entrepreneurs who want to grow beyond being a company of one as well as innovators who work for large companies. Kawasaki writes in a conversational style that references his own life experience and sources as divergent as Peter Drucker and Seth Godin. The result is a handbook that has lots of useful information, though it will cause most would-be start-up artists to think twice about ever approaching a venture capitalist. It will also inspire people with great ideas to think hard about building a solid business with real cash flow. Unfortunately, the book seems to be written around the needs of technology start-ups and is not quite as useful for traditional businesses. Therefore, only public libraries with a vast business collection should add, but business school libraries should consider.-Stephen Turner, Turner & Assocs., San Francisco

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.