I was first introduced to how 37signals, a boostrapped and profitable startup, did business when I read their free book – Getting Real.  It was a great read.  It was more about assurance then anything else.   I had always looked at the “standard” venture capital startup world with a bit of confusion: There seemed to be a lot of very expensive failure going on.  And not a lot of lessons being learnt.  Most venture capitalists and angel investors lose money.

So reading about 37signals ressured me that what I was doing – building my startups using my own money and boostrapping through to profitability, was a smart and sensible approach.

When they released Rework, I jumped at the chance to pick up a copy and did so while I was in Oxford at the famous Blackwell Bookshop.

This is one of those books that can be read in an afternoon.  Its a very easy read, with the book broken down into a series of short essays.  The information is quick and precise and easy to take in.

While you may not agree with every point the book makes (and that is a good thing), you are sure, no matter how large your startup or company, to take away some points of advice.

This is one book I recommend all startup founders and those looking to build web apps should read.  Don’t be fooled into creating lengthy business plans full of pseduo planning, or getting downtrodden when noboddy will invest in your idea.  There is a much more down to earth and proven approach to doing business in this day and age, and this is the guide for it.

Other books from the bookshelf