Start Small, Finish Big: Fifteen Key Lessons to Start - and Run - Your Own Successful Business

As several reviewers mentioned, this book is quite dated, published 22 years ago. The micro-lending "movement" also failed in the US. But there are still some valuable observations in this book.Through all the case studies, a profile of an entrepreneur emerges: you have to start early, be driven, take risks, be resourceful and jump on opportunities without hesitation. You have to network well, master marketing, and find the right collaborators or partners. This incomplete list already rules out a large population segment as successful small business owners. Then, you also have to be lucky. Succeding at all of this only gets you to the first level of the "Finish Big" pyramid. Your business survives the proverbial 50 % failure rate in the first five years.Next, you run into differentiation problems, defending your market niche, waging effective strategies, and most importantly, scalability. And this is why I took off that one star of the otherwise fun experience. Most of these businesses found magic in the process of franchising. But some companies do not have franchise characteristics. Without franchising, your options are slugging it out like "Small Giants" or finding someone to buy the business that you have built.The book also uses cases of lesser-known entrepreneurs and genuinely tries to discover persuasive "key lessons." It goes beyond the usual fortune cookie cliches and does not neglect to mention the unavoidable setbacks. Overall, a quick read with some valuable insights.

I agree largely with the other reviews regarding the worth of this book. It’s a great book written with a true desire to help those interested in starting their own small business. While I consider this to be a great book, it has become outdated at this point. I would estimate that about 75% of the businesses mentioned in this book have either been sold, merged or gone bankrupt. The “microlending” movement described in this book is similar to the Keva.org concept which is used to lend to microentrepreneurs abroad. The concept never really took hold here in the United States.If you’re considering purchasing a subway, this book has the potential to give you a few tidbits that might interest you on how Fred DeLuca and his business partner started their company before he was even 18 years old.

I have had this on my Kindle for a year and finally got to read it. I enjoyed this book The author founded Subway with $1000 and a dream. He details that journey and many others through interviews with selected founders. These successful businesses are not all tech start-ups or flashy product companies. They provide a needed service or product that required the founders to work hard at the process, never give up and eventually break into national or regional powerhouses. Its uplifting and realistic and I recommend it to anyone who wants to be their own boss.

I saw a review for this book somewhere online, and immediately thought that my boyfriend would love it since he's thinking about starting his own business. He's currently serving a prison sentence in Texas, and I wanted to get this for him as a little gift. I let the seller know that it was going to a correctional institution, and they were extremely willing to help make sure it got to him in a timely manner without any issues. The communication was prompt and professional and I felt good about working with them. My boyfriend got the book with no problem which made me really happy and he's enjoying it very much. I would definitely buy from this seller again.

I think is a great book, is the story of one of the most incredible stories of success ever. It shows future entrepreneurs how hard it is, but if you keep trying you can do it, it can be tomorrow or it can be in 20 years what really matters is that you do not loose faith and motivation.Great book for entrepreneurs.

This was recommended to me my a mentor. It was an inspiring and important read for business owners especially those starting out. It always good to hear the background story of super successful businesses like Subway.

So inspiring, teaches one that they do not need a lot of money in order to make more money.

Even i just bought used book, but the quality is very goodThank you so much

Great read everyone who eats at subway should pick up a copy.

I like the book - it is very positive.. motivating to undertake something and to try to open own business.. very nice and simple ,lessons, which however need to be repeated from time to time

Very impressive and lot of informations to take away.nice reading. I love all articles. Thank you to whole team and publishers.

Like it !

Great inspirational read