Worthless, Impossible and Stupid
How Contrarian Entrepreneurs Create and Capture Extraordinary Value
-
-
5.0 • 2 Ratings
-
-
- $26.99
-
- $26.99
Publisher Description
Introducing the global mind-set changing the way we do business.
In this fascinating book, global entrepreneurship expert Daniel Isenberg presents a completely novel way to approach business building with the insights and lessons learned from a worldwide cast of entrepreneurial characters. Not bound by a western, Silicon Valley stereotype, this group of courageous and energetic doers has created a global and diverse mix of companies destined to become tomorrow's leading organizations.
Worthless, Impossible, and Stupid is about how enterprising individuals from around the world see hidden value in situations where others do not, use that perception to develop products and services that people initially don't think they want, and ultimately go on to realize extraordinary value for themselves, their customers, and society as a whole. What these business builders have in common is a contrarian mind-set that allows them to create opportunities and succeed where others see nothing. Amazingly, this process repeats itself in one form or another countless times a day all over the world.
From Albuquerque to Islamabad, you will travel with Isenberg to discover unusual yet practical insights that you can use in your own business. Meet the founders of Grameenphone in Bangladesh, PACIV in Puerto Rico, Sea to Table in New York, Actavis in Iceland, Studio Moderna in Slovenia, Hartwell Metals in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, Given Imaging in Israel, WildChina in China, and many others. You'll be moved by the stories of these plucky start-ups; many of them fueled by adversity and, more often than not, by necessity.
Great stories, stunning successes, crushing failures -- they're all here. What can we, in the East and West, learn from them? What can you learn and what will these entrepreneurial stories, so compellingly told, inspire you to do?
Let this book open doors for you where you once saw only walls. If you've ever felt the urge to turn a glimmer of an idea into something extraordinary, these stories are for you.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
