Never Bet the Farm How Entrepreneurs Take Risks, Make Decisions -- and How You Can, Too

by Iaquinto, Anthony; Spinelli, Stephen

• ISBN13: 9780787983666
• ISBN10: 0787983667
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-03-17
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

In Never Bet the Farm two leading entrepreneurs, Anthony Iaquinto and Stephen Spinelli, turn much of the so-called expert advice for entrepreneurs on its head. They show that by preparing for setbacks and using a framework that can help reduce risks and simplify decision making, entrepreneurs can increase their probability for success. They refute the idea that there is an ideal entrepreneurial "type," and show that luck can be as important as a business plan in many enterprises. Above all, the authors emphasize that entrepreneurship is a career, not a one-time event, and winners are those who can keep themselves in the game. Never Bet the Farm is an easy-to-understand and attractive tool for anyone who has a business idea, but who might be wary of the risks implied in starting their own business.

Author Biography

<b>Anthony L. Iaquinto</b> received his Ph.D. from <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Columbia</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">University</st1:PlaceType> and spent fifteen years as an educator and entrepreneur in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region></st1:place>. He started three businesses, including a language school and two restaurants. In 2005 he was a visiting scholar at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Arizona</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. <p> <b>Stephen Spinelli Jr</b>. is cofounder of Jiffy Lube International. He is currently vice provost at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Babson</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">College</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and holds the John H. Muller Jr. Chair in Entrepreneurship. He is also director of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Arthur</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">M.</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Blank</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> for Entrepreneurship. <p> &#160;

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction by Anthony L. Iaquinto

Introduction by Stephen Spinelli, Jr.

Section I     Developing the Correct Frame of Mind

     Principle #1     Entrepreneurship is a career

     Principle #2     Successful entrepreneurs are just like you

     Principle #3     There are no secrets to success

     Principle #4     Luck is part of the equation

     Principle #5     Never reach for a gallon when you only need a quart

     Principle #6     It shouldn’t only be about money

     Principle #7     Embrace fear

Section II     Making the Right Decisions

     Principle #8     Never bet the farm

     Principle #9     Don’t spend a dollar when a dime will do

     Principle #10     Always tap a bridge before crossing

     Principle #11     Only fools fly without a net

     Principle #12     Connect but protect

     Principle #13     Buddy up

     Principle #14     Learn to play the gray

     Principle #15     Plan a timely exit

Final words

References

An Entrepreneur’s Guidebook