Building a Business Isn’t Easy Ben Horowitz Shares Real-World Experiences
Successful entrepreneurs often focus on how fulfilling and enjoyable it is to run their businesses. However, very few are honest about the challenges they face every day and how difficult it was to get started. Sometimes, this attitude makes it difficult for new or aspiring entrepreneurs to find the information they desperately need to push through necessary discomforts to reach their goals. In “The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers,” Ben Horowitz dissects the many challenges that stand in the way for leaders and entrepreneurs. As one of Silicon Valley’s top entrepreneurs and co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, Ben Horowitz offers a unique perspective born from his valuable experiences. His book is full of practical information that can aid the reader in navigating the everyday challenges of getting a startup off the ground, running the business, or growing the company. The book’s content is drawn from both Horowitz’s successes and failures. Discussions about many of the humbling later experiences gives the book the bulk of its information about the process of correcting tough mistakes. One of the key quotes from his book reads, “Almost all management books focus on how to do things correctly so you don’t screw up. These lessons provide insight into what you must do after you have screwed up.” This willingness to discuss the realities of failure gives this book credibility. As one Amazon reviewer puts it, “This book is written from the perspective of a CEO who’s been to hell and back. You may not always agree with his ideas, but they are always grounded in reality, as opposed to the abstract theory of most other management books.” Another writes, “It is unusual to find such an honest account of the struggle that is always part of a great business.” Horowitz also shares some of the invaluable insights he’s gained while running some of the world’s premier technology companies. Drawing inspiration from his favorite genre of music, rap, he adds intrigue to his business lessons by integrating them with lyrics from his
favorite songs. He doesn’t mince words when dealing with some of the most challenging aspects of running a successful business, like firing friends, poaching competitors, developing the right CEO mentality, and knowing when to cash in. With over 5,000 reviews on Amazon alone, Horowitz’s book resonates with a variety of different readers, and it’s no wonder why. Humorous, valuable, and direct in its messaging, “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” is an excellent read for current and aspiring entrepreneurs looking for reputable advice on tackling some of the most daunting challenges in business.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” –Isaiah 9:6 NIV
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