Worthless, Impossible, and Stupid

Full of stories about the David Isenberg's extensive business experiences, this extended lesson shows how entrepreneurs find success by thinking differently, seeing things others don't see. The author's writing has an academic or perhaps engineering quality--it conveys a way of looking at things that is mostly analytical and certainly lacking in charisma. This aspect of the book seems exaggerated by David Drummond's performance, which hits all the enunciation and phrasing marks but has a low-key, unwavering urgency that would be more appropriate for a military training film than a lesson like this. This is an audio with some important insights to offer, but, whether it's the performance or the something about the author's perspective, it comes across in audio as intellectually removed and inaccessible. T.W. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

April 22, 2013
Veteran venture capitalist Isenberg highlights entrepreneurial efforts happening around the world and offers problem-solving tips and encouragement for aspiring businesspeople at all stages of their careers. Debunking the myth that entrepreneurs must be young innovators, Isenberg provides some tough love about working hard, the necessity of focusing on profits, and the benefits of adversity. Isenberg effectively captures the varied landscape of new and innovative work, and inspiring stories and coverage of many different kinds of businesses fully support his premise. However, the book’s effusive tone can overwhelm the ideas: “Entrepreneurship... is part of the human experience. In this respect, it is similar to art, poetry, music, and storytelling.” In addition, dedicating only eight paragraphs to the contribution of women cannot help but be out of touch. The book may satisfy readers looking for a motivational kick-start, but it’s unlikely to stand out in the crowded marketplace. Agent: Jacque Murphy, Inkwell Management.

October 15, 2014

Isenberg (entrepreneurship practice, Babson Coll.) presents a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship, one that focuses on helping enterprising individuals see hidden value in opportunities and on how to use this skill to develop products and services that consumers initially may not even know they want. Isenberg links with entrepreneurism the important function of a business to create new value in new ideas that otherwise would not have been created. Isenberg also assists budding entrepreneurs with developing a mental clarity that helps them recognize opportunities where others see nothing, while maintaining a high level of commitment to being extraordinary. He emphasizes contrarian thinking that breaks the mold of traditional venture-capital investing and targets a new class of global entrepreneurship. Quality improvement professionals will recognize in this work some of the key principles championed by W.E. Deming, one of the world's most important quality consultants. The many stories of successful new businesses around the world that broke the traditional rules of start-up and narrator David Drummond's solid, steady reading help listeners connect with this important contribution to business literature. VERDICT Recommended for the business collections of public libraries.--Dale Farris, Groves, TX

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.