Author/Writer/Channel
Haru Yauchi
URL
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmXY6EVhOI-/?img_index=2
Evaluation
Category
- Book
Book Review
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I read this book last summer while living a less happy life as a small business owner, a multi-jobber, and an aspiring entrepreneur, after experiencing the failure of a startup and investment fraud.
The shabbiness discussed in this book does not refer to insignificance, but rather to a lightness and simplicity stripped of all excess fat. The author elevates everyday minimalism into a startup and shares the success formula for a 'shabby startup' through the process of growing it.
Through this book, I was able to find a few reasons why I failed at founding a startup.
📙 P63. It is reckless to constantly start from scratch without special skills or capital, thinking, "This is my dream!" or "This business will be profitable!" I believe that business does not begin with an idea, but rather by finding what you can do and starting based on conditions such as connections with people around you or the given environment.
The author states that business is about reflecting on one's network, environment, and strengths, and starting with what one is capable of doing. However, when I first decided to launch a startup, I did not prioritize these factors. Although the item originated from my major field, I tried to forcefully attach elements of "coolness" and "impressiveness," resulting in a business plan that exceeded my capabilities. Looking back now, during the more than a year I spent preparing for the startup, I seem to have been obsessed with creating an overhyped product, focusing only on the exterior packaging rather than building and testing the service to solidify its substance. I find myself reflecting on whether I was too desperate to find gullible investors willing to pay me.
📙 P70. They (investors) invest in people who are likable, do interesting work, and won't run away with the money. The point here is that 'doing' interesting work and 'thinking' about it are distinctly different matters. Anyone can come up with a business idea.
I took pride in the idea I had conceived and planned as something incredibly fun, cool, and hip. However, that was as far as it went, and I failed to bring about results based on action. I think I jumped on the bandwagon of the startup investment bubble, believing that I, too, could fleece investors out of their "blind money."
Through this book, I was also able to reflect on the direction I should take in the future. I objectified my current situation and assessed what I could immediately try among the things I want to do right now. I listed what my biggest source of income is right now, which of the side jobs and projects I have been doing have expansion potential, and what I can execute immediately without the help of others based on my past experiences.
After much deliberation, I settled on a direction and began a 'humble leap' toward it.
📙 P79. Profitability and average transaction value are matters to consider when you want to generate more profit, after the store has reached a level where it is packed with customers or all the merchandise is sold out. (...) Ultimately, it is okay to give away items for free. It is also okay to give away free rides.
I thought that what I could start right now was 'knowledge-based entrepreneurship.' Although the content on page 79 is based on the store the author opened, I thought that this could be fully applied to 'knowledge-based entrepreneurship' as well. Sharing the knowledge I possess with those who need it, without expecting anything in return—that was the beginning of my 'humble leap.'
📙 P90. Someone who will help me came to me of their own accord!
Several months have passed since then. Just as described in this book, other Givers have come to find me, now that I have become a Giver*, offering me great help. These Givers are not only assisting with the expansion of my business but are also providing me with diverse opportunities and experiences in my daily life, beyond the realm of business. I am actually experiencing the 'infinite loop of good relationships and good results' (p. 93). Please read Adam Grant 's * Give and Take*.
🏤 Published by #BookPeopleHouse
