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The Idea Is the Easy Part summary

Brian Dovey

Myths and Realities of the Startup World

4.2 (50 ratings)
18 mins
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    The Idea Is the Easy Part
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    The myth of the tech bro

    Most people have a distinct mental image when they picture an entrepreneur. The whiz-kid striking gold with a billion-dollar idea before the age of 30. But the reality looks quite different. Let’s see what successful startup founders really look like, and why you probably have what it takes to join them.

    Whilst founders in their twenties might get a lot of press, this is the exception, not the rule. The average age of successful tech company founders is 39, with most of the work done over the age of 45. This makes sense when you think about it. With age comes experience, so older entrepreneurs can be more likely to see gaps in their industry and have the knowledge to meet that need. 

    Startups are inherently risky, but a good entrepreneur will have a more calculated risk attitude than you might assume. Contrary to the reckless gambler stereotype, seasoned entrepreneurs act to mitigate risk, not chase it. They ask questions, listen, thoroughly research, and work to inform themselves before big decisions, even if they don’t have access to the full picture.

    It might also surprise you to learn that founders are rarely in the startup world to get rich quick. The best entrepreneurs have a vision and a sense of purpose that goes deeper than money. Venture capitalists are quick to rule out the ones who seem only interested in the payday since they rarely have the passion to make their big idea a reality. Profit follows purpose, and investors can see it.

    Of course, the startup scene isn’t perfect. Venture capitalists globally are beginning to realize how discriminatory financing practices based on gender, race, or cultural background are holding them back. The good news is that many companies are acknowledging these problems and trying to solve them. In 2021 Goldman Sachs set up a new initiative, One Million Black Women, to support startups by at least a million Black and female entrepreneurs by 2030. Diverse ideas come from diverse people, and whilst it still isn’t perfect, investors are catching up.

    So, what does it take to be an entrepreneur?

    The biggest indicator of success is commitment to your purpose and the drive to understand a problem. You don’t need a Harvard business degree – or any degree for that matter – to be successful. Entrepreneurs can blossom at any age from any background. But what they share is a willingness to dive into problems, a habit of due diligence, and a sense of purpose that drives them to change the world.

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    What is The Idea Is the Easy Part about?

    The Idea is the Easy Part (2023) offers a refreshing, no-nonsense guide to the entrepreneurial journey, countering common myths about startup success and failure. With insights from decades of firsthand experience, it’s an enthusiastic yet realistic manual for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on making informed decisions at every stage of the startup process, from ideation to execution.

    The Idea Is the Easy Part Review

    The Idea Is the Easy Part (2021) by Brian Dovey is a book that offers valuable insights into the process of turning ideas into successful businesses. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:

    • It provides practical strategies for transforming ideas into viable business models, offering readers actionable steps towards entrepreneurial success.
    • Through real-life stories and examples, the book illustrates the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and offers valuable lessons on navigating those hurdles.
    • With its engaging anecdotes and useful advice, this book breaks down complex business concepts, making it both informative and entertaining.

    Who should read The Idea Is the Easy Part?

    • Current and aspiring entrepreneurs
    • Anyone wanting to sort the startup fact from fiction 
    • People with big ideas that they want to become a reality

    About the Author

    Brian Dovey, a former partner at Domain Associates, significantly contributed to the venture capital world by investing in over 250 pharmaceutical and life-sciences startups. Prior to his venture capital career, he was the president of Survival Technology Inc., where he played a key role in developing the EpiPen. He’s also recognized for his educational contributions, teaching business at San Diego State University, and his active involvement in various non-profit organizations before his passing in August 2023. 

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    The Idea Is the Easy Part FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Idea Is the Easy Part?

    The main message of The Idea Is the Easy Part is that execution is the key to success.

    How long does it take to read The Idea Is the Easy Part?

    The reading time for The Idea Is the Easy Part varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Idea Is the Easy Part a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Idea Is the Easy Part is worth reading because it provides valuable insights on entrepreneurship and practical tips for turning ideas into reality.

    Who is the author of The Idea Is the Easy Part?

    The author of The Idea Is the Easy Part is Brian Dovey.

    How many chapters are in The Idea Is the Easy Part?

    The Idea Is the Easy Part is divided into several chapters:

    1. Chapter 1: Introduction
    2. Chapter 2: The Myth of the Million-Dollar Idea
    3. Chapter 3: Building a Team
    4. Chapter 4: Market Research
    5. Chapter 5: Testing and Iterating
    6. Chapter 6: Finding Product-Market Fit
    7. Chapter 7: Scaling and Growth
    8. Chapter 8: Execution and Persistence
    9. Chapter 9: Conclusion

    How many pages are in The Idea Is the Easy Part?

    The Idea Is the Easy Part contains 200 pages.

    When was The Idea Is the Easy Part published?

    The Idea Is the Easy Part was published in 2019.

    What to read after The Idea Is the Easy Part?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Idea Is the Easy Part, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • The Genius of Empathy by Judith Orloff
    • Free Speech by Jacob Mchangama
    • Testing Business Ideas by David J. Bland and Alexander Osterwalder
    • Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ by Robert T. Kiyosaki
    • LIT by Jeff Karp