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Million Dollar Weekend: The Surprisingly Simple Way to Launch a 7-Figure Business in 48 Hours
The founder and CEO of AppSumo.com, Noah Kagan, knows how to launch a seven-figure business in a single weekend—and he’s done it seven times. Million Dollar Weekend will show you how.
Now is the best time in history for entrepreneurship. More than ever, the world needs new businesses and it’s cheaper than ever to create them.
And, let’s be most day jobs suck. People spend too much time doing too much work for too little money—and they know it. They want out.
But, if the barriers to starting a business are getting lower and lower, why is it SO HARD TO DO for SO MANY PEOPLE? Why are there so many wantrepreneurs playing at business on social media and so few entrepreneurs actually running them?
Ask
All those Frequent Excuses are solvable. The plan is simple—so simple it can be completed in a single weekend, but so powerful that Kagan has used to build seven businesses now worth more than $1
By Monday, you’ll have a market-tested, scalable business idea and you’ll be a entrepreneur on the path to seven figures. Million Dollar Weekend is the path to creating your dream life and attaining financial freedom. LFG.
Now is the best time in history for entrepreneurship. More than ever, the world needs new businesses and it’s cheaper than ever to create them.
And, let’s be most day jobs suck. People spend too much time doing too much work for too little money—and they know it. They want out.
But, if the barriers to starting a business are getting lower and lower, why is it SO HARD TO DO for SO MANY PEOPLE? Why are there so many wantrepreneurs playing at business on social media and so few entrepreneurs actually running them?
Ask
All those Frequent Excuses are solvable. The plan is simple—so simple it can be completed in a single weekend, but so powerful that Kagan has used to build seven businesses now worth more than $1
By Monday, you’ll have a market-tested, scalable business idea and you’ll be a entrepreneur on the path to seven figures. Million Dollar Weekend is the path to creating your dream life and attaining financial freedom. LFG.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published January 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
February 22, 2024
7+/10 I liked it.
The Book in 3 Sentences
1. Just start the business and iterate from there.
2. Aim to solve problems and validate the potential within a short time span.
3. Grow your business by experimenting with tactics and then doubling down on what works.
How I Discovered It
I discovered the book through the podcast “Deep Dive” with Ali Abdaal. It was the episode “How to Start a Business in 48 Hours - Noah Kagan”. I was intrigued by the podcast and could not wait to get the book.
Impressions
I wish the examples were more for poor people and people with small networks. His examples often include just being connected to people with capital. Having “Rejection Goals” is a great idea. The idea of just starting is an idea I will try because it is very easy to use preparation as procrastination and the generation model is cool to an extent, but as a poor, my problems would mostly be solved by money, not some new service or invention.
Validating the business by getting paid promptly cuts through a lot of nonsense.
Using entrepreneurism as a version of life design is appealing.
The chapter on e-mail was intriguing and I like how Kagan made content marketing digestible.
Who Should Read It?
People who are interested in business and entrepreneurship. Even for people who want to modestly monetize hobbies or side hustles might want to give the book a read.
How This Book Changed Me
The book is making me think of how I can use entrepreneurship to make small sums of money. I do plan on applying the ideas immediately. I mean, you don’t retain information if you don’t apply it.
Top 3 Quotes From the Book
“NOW, not how.”
Customers don’t care about your ideas; they care about whether you can solve their problems.”
“Everyone’s interested until they have to pay.”
The Book in 3 Sentences
1. Just start the business and iterate from there.
2. Aim to solve problems and validate the potential within a short time span.
3. Grow your business by experimenting with tactics and then doubling down on what works.
How I Discovered It
I discovered the book through the podcast “Deep Dive” with Ali Abdaal. It was the episode “How to Start a Business in 48 Hours - Noah Kagan”. I was intrigued by the podcast and could not wait to get the book.
Impressions
I wish the examples were more for poor people and people with small networks. His examples often include just being connected to people with capital. Having “Rejection Goals” is a great idea. The idea of just starting is an idea I will try because it is very easy to use preparation as procrastination and the generation model is cool to an extent, but as a poor, my problems would mostly be solved by money, not some new service or invention.
Validating the business by getting paid promptly cuts through a lot of nonsense.
Using entrepreneurism as a version of life design is appealing.
The chapter on e-mail was intriguing and I like how Kagan made content marketing digestible.
Who Should Read It?
People who are interested in business and entrepreneurship. Even for people who want to modestly monetize hobbies or side hustles might want to give the book a read.
How This Book Changed Me
The book is making me think of how I can use entrepreneurship to make small sums of money. I do plan on applying the ideas immediately. I mean, you don’t retain information if you don’t apply it.
Top 3 Quotes From the Book
“NOW, not how.”
Customers don’t care about your ideas; they care about whether you can solve their problems.”
“Everyone’s interested until they have to pay.”
February 10, 2024
I was a member of the book launch crew providing feedback on the first chapter and bonus resources for this book.
After years of following Noah’s journey with AppSumo, the experiment quickly creating Sumo Jerky as a side business, to today, this book welcomes you to get out of your comfort zone of average results and offers more. I can appreciate the psychology and mindset of asking for 10% off or getting your first dollar. This book is instilling courage and confidence to try something new, even if you don't have an idea for your own Million Dollar business yet.
I’d recommend reading it quickly the first time to absorb the message and then return to complete the activities - don’t forget to fill out your certificate 🏅
After years of following Noah’s journey with AppSumo, the experiment quickly creating Sumo Jerky as a side business, to today, this book welcomes you to get out of your comfort zone of average results and offers more. I can appreciate the psychology and mindset of asking for 10% off or getting your first dollar. This book is instilling courage and confidence to try something new, even if you don't have an idea for your own Million Dollar business yet.
I’d recommend reading it quickly the first time to absorb the message and then return to complete the activities - don’t forget to fill out your certificate 🏅
January 3, 2024
This book was game changing. I was given a free advanced copy, and it helped change my business. Gave me the idea of a brand new product in a current business, rather than starting a new business like I tend to lean towards
July 11, 2024
هبطل اقرأ كتب عن ازاي تعمل فلوس لأن بجد كله كلام كلام واللي زاد الفترة دي انك ازاي تعمل الفلوس ف وقت قليل زي مثلا ٢٤ ساعة تعمل الف دولار أو خلال اسبوع تعمل مليون ؟!!
مجهود يحترم وطريقة كتابة الكتاب كأنه بوست كبير ع الفيسبوك يجذب الناس ف الأول بس ع الوقت بدأت أمل والجداول والتخطيط والكلام ده كله بيقفلني
عرفت عن الكتاب لأني شوفت للكاتب فيديوهات ع اليوتيوب لاستضافة ناس أغنياء وبيتكلم معاهم
هل فعلًا الأغنياء ممكن يشاركوا نجحهم بالسهولة دي زي م بيعرضوا ف الفيديوهات ولا كله كلام علشان يجيبوا مشاهدات وخلاص ...
الموضوع سهل اوي كده فعلًا زي م بيتروج له؟
صورت أجزاء من الكتاب ع حسابي ف x / Twitter 👇
@mai_designer92
مجهود يحترم وطريقة كتابة الكتاب كأنه بوست كبير ع الفيسبوك يجذب الناس ف الأول بس ع الوقت بدأت أمل والجداول والتخطيط والكلام ده كله بيقفلني
عرفت عن الكتاب لأني شوفت للكاتب فيديوهات ع اليوتيوب لاستضافة ناس أغنياء وبيتكلم معاهم
هل فعلًا الأغنياء ممكن يشاركوا نجحهم بالسهولة دي زي م بيعرضوا ف الفيديوهات ولا كله كلام علشان يجيبوا مشاهدات وخلاص ...
الموضوع سهل اوي كده فعلًا زي م بيتروج له؟
صورت أجزاء من الكتاب ع حسابي ف x / Twitter 👇
@mai_designer92
May 19, 2024
I liked the first chapter but it felt like the more I read the more out of touch the author was with reality. Not everybody has immediate access to friends who own million dollar businesses who can just give you all the clientele you'd need, yet that seems to be his advice to many readers.
May 21, 2024
Million Dollar Weekend is a short, simple, actionable book with minimal thrills. Noah doesn't waste time going into unnecessary detail. So, it's possible to read the entire book in one weekend (like I did).
It's given me lots of ideas for increasing my income and getting more customers.
Five stars.
It's given me lots of ideas for increasing my income and getting more customers.
Five stars.
June 8, 2024
What a fun book to read and get activated for practical business success.
June 7, 2024
this is SUPER actionable and doable book. slightly click-baity title, but def a recommend for anyone wanting to start a business and not knowing how/where to start. he breaks it down into simple actionable steps and shows how you can do it with little to no money/investment.
the key is you gotta be willing to at least try ✨
my takeaways:
1. just start - you learn more from doing than from researching/thinking
2. fail quick / iterate fast - if it's not working, move on to something else whether it be marketing, the idea in general, etc.
3. once you find something that's working, focus on growth/scale!
the key is you gotta be willing to at least try ✨
my takeaways:
1. just start - you learn more from doing than from researching/thinking
2. fail quick / iterate fast - if it's not working, move on to something else whether it be marketing, the idea in general, etc.
3. once you find something that's working, focus on growth/scale!
February 4, 2024
A Catalyst for Action and Resilience in Entrepreneurship
Noah Kagan's 'Million Dollar Weekend' is an indispensable guide for any aspiring entrepreneur. From the outset, Kagan challenges readers with the innovative 'coffee challenge,' designed to break down the fear of rejection by encouraging them to ask for a 10% discount on coffee. This simple yet profound exercise is not at all about saving money; it's a lesson in resilience and overcoming the mental barriers that so often hinder progress.
The book delves deep into the psychological aspects of starting a business, recognizing that mental blocks are the primary obstacle for many. Kagan's insights into these barriers are enlightening, offering readers a clear understanding of how to navigate their own entrepreneurial journey with confidence.
Furthermore, 'Million Dollar Weekend' addresses the common pitfalls of over-preparation and the quest for perfection. Kagan makes a compelling case for the value of action over excessive planning. His argument against over-reading and trying to know everything before launching is particularly striking. He suggests that many entrepreneurs spend too much time and resources on perfecting their ideas instead of testing them in the real world. The book advocates for a more practical approach, demonstrating how initial concepts can be tested with minimal investment, often for $20 or free, rather than waiting for perfect conditions that may never come.
This book is not just a read; it's a call to action. It urges readers to move past planning and into doing, highlighting the importance of real-world experience over theoretical knowledge. I am inspired by Kagan's approach and plan to apply his strategies in the coming weeks, testing out ideas rapidly to see what works, rather than getting caught up in the minutiae.
In conclusion, 'Million Dollar Weekend' is a powerful, actionable book that has the potential to transform the way aspiring entrepreneurs approach their ventures. It's a must-read for anyone ready to tackle the mental hurdles and practical challenges of starting a business. Kagan's insights are not just valuable; they are essential for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the entrepreneurial world.
Noah Kagan's 'Million Dollar Weekend' is an indispensable guide for any aspiring entrepreneur. From the outset, Kagan challenges readers with the innovative 'coffee challenge,' designed to break down the fear of rejection by encouraging them to ask for a 10% discount on coffee. This simple yet profound exercise is not at all about saving money; it's a lesson in resilience and overcoming the mental barriers that so often hinder progress.
The book delves deep into the psychological aspects of starting a business, recognizing that mental blocks are the primary obstacle for many. Kagan's insights into these barriers are enlightening, offering readers a clear understanding of how to navigate their own entrepreneurial journey with confidence.
Furthermore, 'Million Dollar Weekend' addresses the common pitfalls of over-preparation and the quest for perfection. Kagan makes a compelling case for the value of action over excessive planning. His argument against over-reading and trying to know everything before launching is particularly striking. He suggests that many entrepreneurs spend too much time and resources on perfecting their ideas instead of testing them in the real world. The book advocates for a more practical approach, demonstrating how initial concepts can be tested with minimal investment, often for $20 or free, rather than waiting for perfect conditions that may never come.
This book is not just a read; it's a call to action. It urges readers to move past planning and into doing, highlighting the importance of real-world experience over theoretical knowledge. I am inspired by Kagan's approach and plan to apply his strategies in the coming weeks, testing out ideas rapidly to see what works, rather than getting caught up in the minutiae.
In conclusion, 'Million Dollar Weekend' is a powerful, actionable book that has the potential to transform the way aspiring entrepreneurs approach their ventures. It's a must-read for anyone ready to tackle the mental hurdles and practical challenges of starting a business. Kagan's insights are not just valuable; they are essential for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the entrepreneurial world.
February 14, 2024
Million Dollar Weekend.
While I think the title is a little misleading (it’s about starting your potential million dollar business over a weekend - not that you’ll hit 7 figures in 48 hours), I still enjoyed it.
With books like these, it really comes down to whether or not you’re willing to do what the book says.
I will say that most of the steps it suggests are doable if you’re willing to really put yourself out there.
For me, I was reading more to just learn some ideas and see what tips I found realistic for me.
I would recommend if you’re looking to get traction on an idea.
7.5/10
While I think the title is a little misleading (it’s about starting your potential million dollar business over a weekend - not that you’ll hit 7 figures in 48 hours), I still enjoyed it.
With books like these, it really comes down to whether or not you’re willing to do what the book says.
I will say that most of the steps it suggests are doable if you’re willing to really put yourself out there.
For me, I was reading more to just learn some ideas and see what tips I found realistic for me.
I would recommend if you’re looking to get traction on an idea.
7.5/10
June 3, 2024
A great set of practical steps for success at entrepreneurship. I expect to return to this over the coming years, as I will try and follow it to build on a plan this year.
For anyone who is looking to venture into entrepreneurship, this is a good practical guide. Not a must read otherwise.
For anyone who is looking to venture into entrepreneurship, this is a good practical guide. Not a must read otherwise.
April 16, 2024
Simple, actionable, with no frills. Really liked the mini challenges. He doesn’t mention many difficulties or complexities, but maybe it’s just that simple?
“Now, not how” - this is something Mish told me the other day. Run some quick numbers, yes, but just jump into action!
“No ask, no get”
“Rejection is treasure”
“Be customer focussed”
“Now, not how” - this is something Mish told me the other day. Run some quick numbers, yes, but just jump into action!
“No ask, no get”
“Rejection is treasure”
“Be customer focussed”
April 17, 2024
Interesting book that calls you for action! Some tips can't be used in Ukraine but I like the overall idea of the book. Easy and fun to read
March 14, 2024
This review is odd because I know the author personally. I've worked with him for 12 years at AppSumo.
My experience of this book was unique in that I've met and interacted with many of the people that Noah mentions within the book. When I read business books, I often read them with the sense that the stories are just parables made up for the purposes of furthering the author's point. In this case, however, I was in the room as many of these stories were taking place. The people Noah mentions in the book came to our office. I tried their products. I saw their businesses grow from an idea to huge businesses.
So when I say that this book is full of tips to actually launch a business, I mean I've seen it actually happen. Over and over, I've witnessed people come through our office, take advice from Noah, and make huge leaps forward.
So while it's totally your prerogative to think that I'm writing a generous review because I know Noah personally -- I think the usefulness of this review is that it's a first-hand account of seeing the advice in the book help people to make their entrepreneurial endeavors come to fruition. I think he's done an excellent job distilling what he's seen work and not work into a super well-written book.
My experience of this book was unique in that I've met and interacted with many of the people that Noah mentions within the book. When I read business books, I often read them with the sense that the stories are just parables made up for the purposes of furthering the author's point. In this case, however, I was in the room as many of these stories were taking place. The people Noah mentions in the book came to our office. I tried their products. I saw their businesses grow from an idea to huge businesses.
So when I say that this book is full of tips to actually launch a business, I mean I've seen it actually happen. Over and over, I've witnessed people come through our office, take advice from Noah, and make huge leaps forward.
So while it's totally your prerogative to think that I'm writing a generous review because I know Noah personally -- I think the usefulness of this review is that it's a first-hand account of seeing the advice in the book help people to make their entrepreneurial endeavors come to fruition. I think he's done an excellent job distilling what he's seen work and not work into a super well-written book.
February 7, 2024
Too many tropes and truisms. I enjoyed the idea that you should collect rejections and practice asking for discounts on regularly priced items to flex your rejection muscles.
March 11, 2024
You are ultimately naive if you think that a book can turn you into a millionaire in one weekend.
But you are not if you think that copying mental models from the best and acting on them—indeed, can advance you much in life.
Since I started to read the book:
1. I launched a new product (https://OpenGraphExamples.com) on Product Hunt on a weekend and made it to the top product of the day.
2. I became an affiliate partner for https://ogimage.org to make a dollar or two.
3. I got one real United States dollar from Noah Kagan via PayPal.
4. I published my first newsletter issue.
And it feels like it is only the beginning of my journey. However, did I make a million? No.
But I started to act as never before and I opened myself to the possibility of starting a business on a weekend that indeed might lead me to my first million dollars.
No book will make you richer, but some books in the right context might inspire you to act towards your dream. The value of these books is not in the information they share, but in the energy the author of the book possesses and is vibing.
I started to read Noah's book because I saw Jason Cohen (the top business writer you can ever find on the Internet—https://longform.asmartbear.com) was reading it. I didn't know anything about Noah Kagan before. But I heard about AppSumo and they reached out to me with a proposition to feature my ScreenshotOne. I politely denied the proposition, but it is a different story.
Why did the chemistry of the book work for me, though?
I was on a low day because one of my customers sent me a deeply saddening message—(it didn't relate to my product or its quality directly, it was something else if you are curious). But that same day, I asked Noah for a dollar and he replied, then we had a small chat.
I decided, you know what? I will not only stop crying and languishing, but I will stand up, and push as twice as hard as possible despite whatever mood or state I have.
I will focus on people who want me to win, and not on those who wish me bad luck. I will promote and help others as much as I can. I will keep fighting "the naive cynicism movement" and not surrender to it by being extremely naive, kind, and open.
And that's why I am grateful to Noah Kagan because he simply replied and changed the sign of my mood.
But you are not if you think that copying mental models from the best and acting on them—indeed, can advance you much in life.
Since I started to read the book:
1. I launched a new product (https://OpenGraphExamples.com) on Product Hunt on a weekend and made it to the top product of the day.
2. I became an affiliate partner for https://ogimage.org to make a dollar or two.
3. I got one real United States dollar from Noah Kagan via PayPal.
4. I published my first newsletter issue.
And it feels like it is only the beginning of my journey. However, did I make a million? No.
But I started to act as never before and I opened myself to the possibility of starting a business on a weekend that indeed might lead me to my first million dollars.
No book will make you richer, but some books in the right context might inspire you to act towards your dream. The value of these books is not in the information they share, but in the energy the author of the book possesses and is vibing.
I started to read Noah's book because I saw Jason Cohen (the top business writer you can ever find on the Internet—https://longform.asmartbear.com) was reading it. I didn't know anything about Noah Kagan before. But I heard about AppSumo and they reached out to me with a proposition to feature my ScreenshotOne. I politely denied the proposition, but it is a different story.
Why did the chemistry of the book work for me, though?
I was on a low day because one of my customers sent me a deeply saddening message—(it didn't relate to my product or its quality directly, it was something else if you are curious). But that same day, I asked Noah for a dollar and he replied, then we had a small chat.
I decided, you know what? I will not only stop crying and languishing, but I will stand up, and push as twice as hard as possible despite whatever mood or state I have.
I will focus on people who want me to win, and not on those who wish me bad luck. I will promote and help others as much as I can. I will keep fighting "the naive cynicism movement" and not surrender to it by being extremely naive, kind, and open.
And that's why I am grateful to Noah Kagan because he simply replied and changed the sign of my mood.
February 11, 2024
LOVE THIS BOOK. “I’m grateful they dumped me so I could go out and explore the world — my way.” Love this quote Noah put at the last chapter. We’ve all been there being dumped, getting laid off, life not going well, but each time it pushed me to a new direction I would have never taken, I became fit and healthy, moved countries, become confident because of the experience of trying out, failing and trying. About this book! it’s the best book to motivate people take action, every time I read something in the book I tried out, I asked for 10% coffee discount, sent email/messages to Noah Kagen multiple times! And excited to try out the MDW idea on my personal venture and professional pursuit.
Good thing is, it’s also straightforward and easy to read! Get it now and read it. 🙌🏻
Good thing is, it’s also straightforward and easy to read! Get it now and read it. 🙌🏻
April 12, 2024
I found this to be a great idea generator. An overall tone of, "hey, do some little experiments, keep your costs and infrastructure super low, and just start now. You'll quickly learn if it works or not." is a really refreshing approach. I have some drum music transcribing ideas, and this book pushed me to fire off some messages to people I know seeing if they'd like to buy. Prior to that, I was fussing about what my domain name and logo would be. Thanks for the push, Noah!
“Overthinking seems like the ‘smart’ way to launch, but it’s far less effective. Super-successful people do the opposite–they take action first, get real feedback, and learn from that, which is a million times more valuable than any book or course. And quicker!”
Gems:
P10 “focus above all else on being a starter, an experimenter, a learner”
P14 “Overthinking seems like the ‘smart’ way to launch, but it’s far less effective. Super-successful people do the opposite–they take action first, get real feedback, and learn from that, which is a million times more valuable than any book or course. And quicker!”
P19 “if you commit to nothing, you’ll be distracted by everything”
P26 “Intentionally developing your Ask muscle is a requirement for entrepreneurial success…I get scared every single time I face rejection, and I get sad when it happens. Every day, I feel the sting of rejection. And because of that, I succeed.”
P27 “I remind myself I’m going to die eventually and none of this really matters. Seriously. And on top of that, would any of these people come to my funeral? No! Which is a pretty effective way to lessen the impact their rejection has on my emotions.”
P30 “If you believe your product or service can fulfill a true need, it’s your moral obligation to sell it.” - Zig Ziglar
P42 start with the customer experience and work backwards
P44 “Sign up for and observe companies outside of your target market for inspiration.”
P49 “The problem with Minimum Viable Products and older entrepreneurial approaches is, we get so fixated on what we want to make that we lose sight of the people who want it. I call this the Founder First mentality, in which entrepreneurs focus on their own experience (Yay, I get to build something!) instead of Customer First.”
P52 “When novice entrepreneurs search for opportunities, they too often look beyond their Zone of Influence. They think the action is happening somewhere else, in some other location or industry. But seasoned entrepreneurs almost always find and create opportunities within the context of who they are, what they know, and especially who they know.”
P58 “When you intentionally practice problem-spotting, eventually it becomes something your mind just does automatically. It’s become a game to me–a profitable one.”
P81 “Revenue dials:
Average order value: increase the amount someone purchases
Frequency: increase how often someone will buy your service
Price point: increase or decrease your price point to affect total sales
Customer type: approach a more lucrative/wealthier customer segment
Product line: add additional products to make the business more attractive to start
Add-on services: if you’re selling a product like cookies, can you offer a service like setting up birthday parties or cooking at the person’s home
P95 “Price + Benefit + Time
For $25, I will teach you how to save an hour a day on your Mac, in just twenty minutes
For $69, I will teach you how to write better in two hours.
“We are like X but Y.”
P95 “There’s a big difference between what people say and what people do. Everyone’s ‘interested’ until they have to pay. That’s why you don’t ask ‘Would you be interested?” when you’re validating.
P98 rejection follow-ups:
“Why not?”
“Who is one person you know who would really like this?”
“What would make this a no-brainer for you?”
“What would you pay for that?”
P112 “People get hooked on characters. People do business with real people. Especially those who feel like a friend.”
P114 “What’s your unique angle in thirty seconds or less?” example: “I’ve been a performance coach for the last fourteen years, working with the best athletes in the world. Helping people perform better is my groove. I want to help anybody who wants to have a great day and shift them into the mentality to dominate their life. I have information to share when it comes to dealing with the best.”
P124 “If I’ve learned anything from the thousands of videos I have created for YouTube, it is that people don’t want to be lectured at by an all-knowing guru–they want to tag along with a guide. That’s why I post so many videos where I reveal the nuts and bolts of my processes.”
P134 “Email is the king and queen of communicating with customers...The number one regret of just about every entrepreneur I know is, ‘I wish I started my email list sooner.’”
P143 "Lead magnets:
A checklist that can be used to properly perform something I explained in a video.
A template for determining, say, a business’s profit margin.
An advanced guide that goes further into the details of a subject of one of my videos.
A unique book that provides substantial value but is offered for free."
“Overthinking seems like the ‘smart’ way to launch, but it’s far less effective. Super-successful people do the opposite–they take action first, get real feedback, and learn from that, which is a million times more valuable than any book or course. And quicker!”
Gems:
P10 “focus above all else on being a starter, an experimenter, a learner”
P14 “Overthinking seems like the ‘smart’ way to launch, but it’s far less effective. Super-successful people do the opposite–they take action first, get real feedback, and learn from that, which is a million times more valuable than any book or course. And quicker!”
P19 “if you commit to nothing, you’ll be distracted by everything”
P26 “Intentionally developing your Ask muscle is a requirement for entrepreneurial success…I get scared every single time I face rejection, and I get sad when it happens. Every day, I feel the sting of rejection. And because of that, I succeed.”
P27 “I remind myself I’m going to die eventually and none of this really matters. Seriously. And on top of that, would any of these people come to my funeral? No! Which is a pretty effective way to lessen the impact their rejection has on my emotions.”
P30 “If you believe your product or service can fulfill a true need, it’s your moral obligation to sell it.” - Zig Ziglar
P42 start with the customer experience and work backwards
P44 “Sign up for and observe companies outside of your target market for inspiration.”
P49 “The problem with Minimum Viable Products and older entrepreneurial approaches is, we get so fixated on what we want to make that we lose sight of the people who want it. I call this the Founder First mentality, in which entrepreneurs focus on their own experience (Yay, I get to build something!) instead of Customer First.”
P52 “When novice entrepreneurs search for opportunities, they too often look beyond their Zone of Influence. They think the action is happening somewhere else, in some other location or industry. But seasoned entrepreneurs almost always find and create opportunities within the context of who they are, what they know, and especially who they know.”
P58 “When you intentionally practice problem-spotting, eventually it becomes something your mind just does automatically. It’s become a game to me–a profitable one.”
P81 “Revenue dials:
Average order value: increase the amount someone purchases
Frequency: increase how often someone will buy your service
Price point: increase or decrease your price point to affect total sales
Customer type: approach a more lucrative/wealthier customer segment
Product line: add additional products to make the business more attractive to start
Add-on services: if you’re selling a product like cookies, can you offer a service like setting up birthday parties or cooking at the person’s home
P95 “Price + Benefit + Time
For $25, I will teach you how to save an hour a day on your Mac, in just twenty minutes
For $69, I will teach you how to write better in two hours.
“We are like X but Y.”
P95 “There’s a big difference between what people say and what people do. Everyone’s ‘interested’ until they have to pay. That’s why you don’t ask ‘Would you be interested?” when you’re validating.
P98 rejection follow-ups:
“Why not?”
“Who is one person you know who would really like this?”
“What would make this a no-brainer for you?”
“What would you pay for that?”
P112 “People get hooked on characters. People do business with real people. Especially those who feel like a friend.”
P114 “What’s your unique angle in thirty seconds or less?” example: “I’ve been a performance coach for the last fourteen years, working with the best athletes in the world. Helping people perform better is my groove. I want to help anybody who wants to have a great day and shift them into the mentality to dominate their life. I have information to share when it comes to dealing with the best.”
P124 “If I’ve learned anything from the thousands of videos I have created for YouTube, it is that people don’t want to be lectured at by an all-knowing guru–they want to tag along with a guide. That’s why I post so many videos where I reveal the nuts and bolts of my processes.”
P134 “Email is the king and queen of communicating with customers...The number one regret of just about every entrepreneur I know is, ‘I wish I started my email list sooner.’”
P143 "Lead magnets:
A checklist that can be used to properly perform something I explained in a video.
A template for determining, say, a business’s profit margin.
An advanced guide that goes further into the details of a subject of one of my videos.
A unique book that provides substantial value but is offered for free."
January 31, 2024
Hit home is so many ways. I can succeed,!
Parents many of the challenges that Noah laid out in this book. He gave simple guidance that was impactful and really challenged me to succeed by just acting and doing. Love this book! Get it!
Parents many of the challenges that Noah laid out in this book. He gave simple guidance that was impactful and really challenged me to succeed by just acting and doing. Love this book! Get it!
March 7, 2024
Thanks Noah for making this book. I was always curious about how to begin a startup from the very beginning with least risk, now I learned it.
All the lessons in the book are easy enough for a nerd like me to start without fear.
Never regret finding your book at the right time.
All the lessons in the book are easy enough for a nerd like me to start without fear.
Never regret finding your book at the right time.
July 15, 2024
Underrated, very very straightforward business advice, no magic pill, just sensible no nonsense and exactly the kind of attitude I strive for working on my various projects. Great little practical book. Thanks Noah.
May 7, 2024
This is great book that describes an out of the box approach for starting a business. A must read for someone that is willing of doing something new. I recommend it fully since it also very well prepared and enjoyable to read!
May 18, 2024
8.5/10, review later, audiobook
July 27, 2024
I wanted to love this but it was written a bit Facebook-y
May 5, 2024
El libro explica todo el proceso de cómo crear un producto en base a una idea, cómo validar el producto, cómo encarar el marketing del mismo y más, todo esto de forma muy simple y en lenguaje sencillo.
Lo que más me gustó del libro es que tiene muchos consejos accionables y específicos.
Lo que más me gustó del libro es que tiene muchos consejos accionables y específicos.
June 16, 2024
Noah Kagan es simpático, honesto y vulnerable en este libro, algo que es rarísimo en libros de esta clase. Corto, directo y agrable, se lee rápido y es inspirador.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2024
Not an ideal book if you're more into introducing digital products and services.
July 30, 2024
A fine book when you want some tips on launching a business that sells physical products, but not very comprehensive.
February 8, 2024
Noah has taken his life experiences, blended it with his humour and laid it out in the straightforward system to get an idea and quickly put it out into the world to see if it has the potential to be $1 million business.
June 19, 2024
I admire Kagan's enthusiasm and encouragement of readers to jump into entrepreneurship right away, but he's being disingenuous about the possible results by leaving out some very important conditions such as his own incredible luck. What he outlines is the same basic process every tech startup person in Austin has been doing over the past 10, 15, 20 years. I chuckled when the author says to think of your business in terms of "It's like (successful business) but for (something else)" because I made this same observation of every hopeful, scrappy tech startup ~15 years ago. They all had the next "It's LinkedIn but for cyclists" or "It's Groupon for whiskey" ad infinitum.
As others have mentioned, not many of us had the dumb luck to be an original Facebook or Mint employee in their early days and therefore don't have lottery-winning kismet with our connections and being in the right places at exactly the right times. I don't know anyone who would sign on to a 120 dollar beef jerky subscription like Kagan mentioned.
I'm curious how the people pictured with their first dollars in the opening chapter are doing with their Million Dollar Weekend projects. It's a little disheartening when one of Kagan's examples later in the book -- a guy who started a business selling a weird rock climbing goggle product before pivoting to distributing other climbing products -- says he closed the business and is back to delivering mail! That's the success story?
Can we learn what others, who don't have the amazing luck and connections that Kagan has, are doing a year or three or ten later? Also, Kagan's video that he mentions about doing a quick business analysis from the book talks about starting an NFT fund; that video has not aged well in two years.
Kagan's advice is helpful. I don't want to get too down on the book as I think it's worth reading and taking to heart but with a big grain of salt on likely results. I'll probably actually read it again for its empowering ideas but not expecting exactly a million dollars, though that would be great.
As others have mentioned, not many of us had the dumb luck to be an original Facebook or Mint employee in their early days and therefore don't have lottery-winning kismet with our connections and being in the right places at exactly the right times. I don't know anyone who would sign on to a 120 dollar beef jerky subscription like Kagan mentioned.
I'm curious how the people pictured with their first dollars in the opening chapter are doing with their Million Dollar Weekend projects. It's a little disheartening when one of Kagan's examples later in the book -- a guy who started a business selling a weird rock climbing goggle product before pivoting to distributing other climbing products -- says he closed the business and is back to delivering mail! That's the success story?
Can we learn what others, who don't have the amazing luck and connections that Kagan has, are doing a year or three or ten later? Also, Kagan's video that he mentions about doing a quick business analysis from the book talks about starting an NFT fund; that video has not aged well in two years.
Kagan's advice is helpful. I don't want to get too down on the book as I think it's worth reading and taking to heart but with a big grain of salt on likely results. I'll probably actually read it again for its empowering ideas but not expecting exactly a million dollars, though that would be great.
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