The Hard Thing About Hard Things
By Ben Horowitz
- Release Date: 2014-03-04
- Genre: Management & Leadership
Description
Ben Horowitz, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz and one of Silicon Valley's most respected and experienced entrepreneurs, offers essential advice on building and running a startup—practical wisdom for managing the toughest problems business school doesn’t cover, based on his popular ben’s blog.
While many people talk about how great it is to start a business, very few are honest about how difficult it is to run one. Ben Horowitz analyzes the problems that confront leaders every day, sharing the insights he’s gained developing, managing, selling, buying, investing in, and supervising technology companies. A lifelong rap fanatic, he amplifies business lessons with lyrics from his favorite songs, telling it straight about everything from firing friends to poaching competitors, cultivating and sustaining a CEO mentality to knowing the right time to cash in.
Filled with his trademark humor and straight talk, The Hard Thing About Hard Things is invaluable for veteran entrepreneurs as well as those aspiring to their own new ventures, drawing from Horowitz's personal and often humbling experiences.
Reviews
The best read For women building business in developing nations
5By MeThandoAs a woman leading a IT business in a developing nation, this is one of the most relatable, informative and guiding books I’ve read to date. Written in simple and forthright language, it captures Ben’s reality and maps it again ask your own, and how his wisdom can you enlightenment and courage. It truly is for people and women like me, who face incredible difficulties in building businesses that will live beyond our tenure.Has achieved so much, but is tone deaf
2By lizgrequeenThere are definitely some small nuggets of start tech start wisdom sprinkled throughout this book. But the fact that it was printed with so many rap artists lyrics including a word this white man (should not) dare say in conversation, type in the email, Tweet, etc. Basic 101. Additionally, there are just so many tone deaf statements that made me just want to put the book down. For example, he described someone as acting schizophrenic. It's 2022. Fix this before you print. And do your homework. This is not the same level as cursing at work.Best book on entrepreneurship of read to date
5By TDSanchez031990I feel like I finished an MBA in management science after reading this book. Ben’s real-world experience give credence to every single piece of advice he gives in the book. He walks the walk and talks the talk. Wow I might have to read this book 2 or 3 more times to absorb the chalk full of nuggets and good humor all over again.A very articulate book
5By Fahad JanBen did a fantastic job in putting together this book. It is by far one of the best books I read about entrepreneurship. He succeeded in taking the readers in a journey for building a business. The examples he provide are real experience followed by explanations and additional supporting knowledge about the decisions taken. He reflect well about some challenges he faced as CEO and support his arguments with input from other great entrepreneurs and friends he consider as mentors. I highly recommend this book.Survival guide for start up CEOs
5By Nathan El DooderinoFounding CEO is a job for which there is no guidebook, really no rules and everything is hard because it’s all a first time exercise. Ben breaks down some real world examples of problems you commonly face in the framework of his own companies- LoudCloud and Opsware in an incredibly difficult market. It’s absolutely gripping and his insight into his mindset at the time will resonate with any aspiring or current founding CEO.Amazing!
5By nasdaq2k11Phenomenal read! Hard lessons about the tough decisions that need to be made in order for organizations to survive 💪🏽Fake
1By edzxcvfsaarvApple does not show all reviewsShould be mandatory for all CEOs
5By Adam HonigWow. Compelling, well written and filled with so much great advice that it’s almost hard to absorb. It’s a book I’ll go back to again and again.Couldn't put the book down
5By simizo1Edgy and real....just what I needed to start the new year. A great reminder that the best business stories are the personal ones...a must have for anyone in business...a great companion indeed to remind you life is a struggle...embrace itInspiring book
5By MaKhassak!Every founding CEO will relate to Ben's story. I wish I read this book before starting my enterprise startup, I would have avoided plenty of hiring mistakes and employee drama.Great approachable read!
5By FvhzhbVery common sense read. Direct and to the point. Really well written.Very insightful
5By Chuck McGuckCaptivating from start to finish. As a young, aspiring entrepreneur, I found many direct takeaways. I'll refer to this piece throughout my journey without a doubt...I also share Ben's passion for rap (could introduce you to a few artists that portray similar messages and struggles. I'm sure you're aware, but didn't include since they are not mainstream and most may not be able to relate). 5 star collection of teachings for sure.Read it!
5By Carlos DelatorreA brutally honest, highly insightful, generous, but also self-serving work. Ben Horowitz is a special human being. Every tech leader should read this book- but they won't. And everyone who reads it, should heed its advice- but they won't.Honest and to the point
5By _yupilikeitI’m half way through and I find myself knodding and agreeing with most of the content within this book. I joined a fast growing company that has tripled in size within the past year and I certainly could of used many of the lessons shared in this book. Easy Read Specific advice based on various realistic business scenarios Shows the ugly side of entrepreneurship that is all too often hiddenWriter, Reader
5By BobbyTheEntrepreneurThis book is great if you’re trying to start and also manage a fast growth, technology company. Even if you aren’t, it has some exellent common-sense advie about managing fast growing organizations.
