About the book
Against the myth of the young dropout who defies the doubters and makes billions, Rand Fishkin sets the real story of Moz, his marketing software company. Fishkin describes a business that began as a mother-and-son family firm that fell deep into debt, and says his company and reputation took fifteen years to grow. Drawing on the years he spent building, running and leaving a tech company, he questions common advice: a minimally viable product can do damage if launched at the wrong moment, growth hacking can fizzle, revenue does not prevent layoffs, and venture money always has strings attached. He argues that the lessons apply at early-stage startups and mature companies alike.
Seth Godin endorsed it as an honest, generous and useful view of both the highs and lows of building a company. Nir Eyal praised it as a raw look at founding a tech startup, and Facebook product design vice president Julie Zhuo called Fishkin funny, warm and refreshingly honest.
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This book has 4 recommendations
Seth Godin (Author & Entrepreneur)
Rand Fishkin is the real deal. This book is an honest, generous and useful look at what actually happens when you build a company, including the downs as well as the ups... I wish I had read it thirty years ago.
Chris Guillebeau (Author/The $100 Startup)
This is a truly courageous book. It's one part business-building guide and two parts Indiana Jones-style adventure memoir. And if you've ever wondered if the 'timeless wisdom' you often hear about startups is bullsh*t, here's the proof.
Nir Eyal (Author/Hooked)
You won't find a more honest, raw, and helpful look into the trenches of founding a tech startup than this book. Rand Fishkin shares the rare hard-won insight no one else dares tell you.
Julie Zhuo (VP of Product Design/Facebook)
Rand Fishkin is like the industry friend we all wish we had - funny, warm, and refreshingly honest about the rollercoaster ride that is founding your own company.
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Seth Godin, Chris Guillebeau, Nir Eyal, Julie Zhuo