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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Built, Not Born summary
Tom Golisano
A Self-Made Billionaire's No-Nonsense Guide for Entrepreneurs
19 mins
Table of Contents
Built, Not Born
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Deciding if entrepreneurship works for you
Before starting a billion-dollar company Tom Golisano was a regular guy trying to make the best out of a decent job. He’d failed to get several ventures off the ground but, undeterred, he decided to start Paychex, a payroll business.
Yes, it was risky, but even traditional employment carries risks these days with layoffs and disappearing pensions. Ultimately, the choice between playing it safe or taking a chance boiled down to his appetite for risk.
So, before jumping in head-first, you should reflect deeply on your motives and abilities. Ask yourself if you truly have the drive and resilience required for the entrepreneur lifestyle. Are you passionate about the knowledge you’ll need of your target market, offerings, and customers?
And if you’re considering taking on investors, be realistic about what your potential market share could be. As an entrepreneur, you’re likely optimistic by nature, but smart goal-setting will avoid unnecessary pressure down the line.
You don’t need a business to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, though. You can challenge assumptions, spot unmet needs, and drive innovations that create value even within a traditional corporate setting.
Whatever form your entrepreneurship takes, it necessitates both bravery and creativity. But by fixating on problems begging for solutions, taking smart risks, and persevering through setbacks, you can make your business dreams a reality and reap the personal and financial rewards. Financial success aside, being the master of your destiny is the ultimate reward of the entrepreneurial lifestyle.
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What is Built, Not Born about?
Built, Not Born (2022) is an instruction manual that explores how to transform any promising business idea into a thriving enterprise. Detailing the key steps for success from early planning stages through exits and everything in between, it dismantles the myths of exclusivity surrounding entrepreneurship to prove that concrete and learnable principles can lead any determined person toward sustained success.
Built, Not Born Review
Built, Not Born (2020) by Tom Golisano is an insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on building a successful business from the ground up. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- This book provides practical strategies and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, guiding them through the process of building a business based on real-life experiences.
- With a wealth of personal stories and anecdotes, it offers a relatable and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
- What sets this book apart is its emphasis on personal growth and the importance of core values in business, making it both insightful and thought-provoking.
Who should read Built, Not Born?
- Entrepreneurs trying to start, buy, and grow businesses
- Managers intent on building profitable and performant departments within organizations
- Any successful entrepreneur looking for a good exit strategy
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Built, Not Born FAQs
What is the main message of Built, Not Born?
The main message of Built, Not Born is that entrepreneurship can be learned and developed through hard work and perseverance.
How long does it take to read Built, Not Born?
The reading time for Built, Not Born varies for each reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Built, Not Born a good book? Is it worth reading?
Built, Not Born is a worthwhile read for aspiring entrepreneurs. It offers valuable insights and practical advice for building a successful business.
Who is the author of Built, Not Born?
The author of Built, Not Born is Tom Golisano.
How many chapters are in Built, Not Born?
There are 12 chapters in Built, Not Born.
How many pages are in Built, Not Born?
Built, Not Born contains 288 pages.
When was Built, Not Born published?
Built, Not Born was published in 2020.
What to read after Built, Not Born?
If you're wondering what to read next after Built, Not Born, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Raising Critical Thinkers by Julie Bogart
- Positive Chaos by Dan Thurmon
- The Business Of The 21st Century by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- The Poetry and Music of Science by Tom McLeish
- Doing Good Better by William MacAskill
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Tiny Humans, Big Emotions by Alyssa Gloria Campbell & Lauren Stauble
- All It Takes Is a Goal by Jon Acuff
- Rich AF by Vivian Tu
- Good to Great (new version) by Jim Collins
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