Customer Reviews - STarting a business

A must-read entrepreneur book for anybody who is starting a business. Garry’s 50 lessons are down-to-earth and easy to understand. I have been involved in startups, and I started my own business — and I wished I had read Garry’s book at the time. Was I ready to ask myself the tough questions, such as ‘Are you ready to fail?’ or ‘How well do you know the market that you are contemplating going into?’

Garry’s list of 50 lessons is very much to the point, such as Lesson #9: Not hearing ‘yes’ from a VC means 'no thank you'. First, Garry lists the lessons and then he embeds them in the life cycle of his venture Yellow Brick Road Entertainment. The lessons are put in context when he hears repeatedly from VCs to ‘come back when you have traction’. How often did I hear those same words when I was out trying to raise money - and I also thought they were words of encouragement, little did I know that they meant ‘No, we are not interested!’

Garry takes us through the life of Yellow Brick Road Entertainment, from inception to failure. He shares life lessons and lessons learned in a very pragmatic, no-nonsense way. A must read for entrepreneurs and those thinking about how to start a business.

This book is honest, pulls no punches, and shows an author who is willing to look in the mirror and take responsibility for costly mistakes. What I like about "Lessons" is the close linkage between what Garry did (or didn't do) with the impact of those actions. His narrative takes you in the back seat of his journey and you see the lessons unfold, as he did. It made him a better, shrewd, and astute businessman and entrepreneur, and will make you a better business person and entrepreneur as well. Jump in! 

 Although not an entrepreneur, nor a wannabe, I was intrigued by the title. The book is easy to read/comprehend and the author's style lends to a quick read. I became immersed in the author's "adventure" and it became a page-turner, providing an up-close and personal look at the complexity of start-ups. Definitely a good read for anyone interested in becoming their own boss as it details the process and successes/pitfalls that the author experienced in his quest for the big payday. 

With the tough love of a caring parent, the urgency of a drill instructor preparing recruits for battle, and the formidable, gale-force energy of a Nor’easter, New Hampshire native Garry Wheeler delivers a must-read for any would-be entrepreneur. Informative, sobering, and entertaining, the author shares his experiences with unabashed honesty, providing a refreshing take on the challenges of turning an attractive idea into a business reality. Above all, the book has heart. As we witness the bearing of his entrepreneurial soul, it is clear Mr. Wheeler genuinely wants to spare us the avoidable pain and heartbreak of an ill-conceived venture, or help us survive (and thrive) trying. You need a keen mind and a thick skin to succeed as an entrepreneur. If you can embrace the fifty insights and withstand the harsh truths presented in this generous tell-all, you may have a chance. 

Interesting story with real-life lessons from someone who is willing to share the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. The author's honesty and ability to personalize each lesson makes this book a valuable addition to anyone thinking about starting their own company. I found myself with many "aha" moments and will be keeping this book handy on my bookshelf for future reference. Highly recommend! Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.