The Start-up of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your Career

Written by Ben Casnocha and Reid Hoffman

Narrated by Kaleo Griffith

From the co-founder and chairman of LinkedIn and author Ben Casnocha comes a revolutionary new book on how to apply the strategies of successful entrepreneurship to your career: in other words, how to run the 'start-up of you'.

In a world where wages are virtually stagnant, creative disruption is rocking every industry, global competition for jobs is fierce, and job security is a thing of the past, we're all on our own when it comes to our careers. In the face of such uncertainty, the key to success is to think and act like an entrepreneur: to be nimble and self-reliant, to be innovative, and to know how to network and stand out from the crowd. And this is precisely what Hoffman and Casnocha show you how to do in a book that is both inspirational and supremely practical.

Just as LinkedIn is the one online community that no professional can afford not to belong to, this is the book that no professional can afford to be without.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House UK Audio
• Release date: Feb 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781448166169

Reviews for The Start-up of You

[lucaconti-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good, simply and wise

[franklyncee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm glad this book exists because I think the concept behind it (which you know before you read it) is powerful and should be taken seriously by everyone who needs to make a living these days. It's a quick read, and probably most worth it for the young, un- or under-employed and needing a boost, or the old-schooled.

[tlockney_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This one is a tough one to rate. I was initially inclined to give it just three stars, which is actually a pretty good rating, I'd say -- it means something is worth reading, just not something I'd likely read again. A lot of what's in here presents concepts I'm personally already familiar with, but what was refreshing was hearing some actionable ideas for putting them to work. It certainly feels at times like it could be a thinly veiled advertisement for LinkedIn, but... the ideas given seem like they could be translated to other social networks both internet-based and otherwise.

I'm not going to suggest I necessarily agree with all the ideas and suggestions presented here, but there's a lot here to bring to your personal direction both in terms of your career and your life outside of your work. I feel inclined to recommend this book to various past and present coworkers, colleagues and friends, but the truth is that some of the ideas are already things I've suggested in the past. Also, I think some of this needs to be tested by the "common man" so-to-speak, given that most of the case studies cited are what most of us would consider exceptional.

[pbirch01 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

For two guys from the tech industry who relied on creativity to succeed, its incredible how bland and insipid this book is. I picked up this book after a glowing review in Wired magazine and was quite disappointed in the lack of imagination expressed. The book is basically one ad for LinkedIn as well as lots of name dropping (including Sheryl Sandberg in pretty much every chapter) and glamorized stories of people in silicon valley. I frequently found myself asking "Is this really that bad?" Yes, it is. Basically, the modern workplace is different and networking is important - and this book makes that point over and over again, unfortunately in some of the most tired success cliches possible.

[chaosmogony · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good common-sensey stuff here. Worth a read for anyone looking for professional development.

[brikis98 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An important read and perhaps one that should be required for everyone graduating from college these days. People still act as if there are these fixed "job" entities just waiting for them as soon as they get a degree; unfortunately, this is just not the case. Nowadays, it's more of a pure market than ever and you are a merchant selling your skills.

The book does meander into the "self-help" flavor at times and the "you should REALLY be using LinkedIn" at other times. However, for the most part, it's full of compelling anecdotes, good advice on networking, and a strong theme of personal growth and adaptation.

My favorite part:

"Opportunities do not float like clouds. They are firmly attached to individuals. If you're looking for an opportunity, you're really looking for people."

[beatgammit · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book felt like a giant advertisement for LinkedIn, but there were useful nuggets as well.

I guess my biggest takeaway is that I need to get out and make valuable connections, and there were some good pointers on how to do that effectively.