Launch!

December 23, 2013
Serial entrepreneur Duffy, currently CEO of the Launch Project, has learned from the best; he's worked with Tony Robbins and Richard Branson's Virgin Group has acquired his latest venture. Here, he offers a "flight plan" for entrepreneurs and corporate managers who are launching a business or product. The present is the best possible time to be an entrepreneur, argues Duffy, whether you are starting your own business or expanding your company'sâthere's a low barrier to entry and plenty of opportunity for growth. According to Duffy, speed is essential, as is carefully building out and developing your big idea. Duffy illustrates his points with examples from businesses such as Starbucks and Spanx. He advises readers to surround themselves with smart, encouraging people, assemble resources, plan carefully and well, and dream big. Though he addresses the nitty-grittyâraising money, navigating your first 30 days on the marketâhe concentrates on bigger questions: getting unstuck from fear and striving for big dreams, big projects, and big possibilities. Readers will appreciate this quick, snappy primer for getting business ideas off the ground. Agent: Nena Madonia, Dupree/Miller & Associates.

February 15, 2014
A breezy handbook for entrepreneurs on how to launch a new business, product or service. Business consultant Duffy debuts with a realistic view of entrepreneurship, balancing both inspiration and caution. "There has never been a better time to be an entrepreneur," he writes. "Today there are more businesses, products, and services being launched than at any time in history." However, success demands vision, passion and perseverance, as well as the ability to move from idea to the marketplace quickly--within 90 days. Speed is critical in an era of exponential change when the competition is faster, more agile and better equipped. Based on his experiences working with business coach Tony Robbins and with major media brands, Duffy describes a three-part systematic approach to entrepreneurial ventures, from limiting your personal risk to assembling financial and other resources to developing the strategies and partnerships needed to introduce your product. Stressing that large companies take too long to execute their best ideas, he explains how an unhappy customer can start a competitive company with just a laptop, a mobile phone, an Internet connection and a social media account. For instance, Sara Blakely, a young Floridian, invested $5,000 in her vision for the future of underwear to create Spanx, a company that now boasts yearly sales of more than $250 million. Duffy balances dream-come-true stories with cautionary advice on how to mitigate risk and how to manage when things go awry. His practical tips include the need to stay focused, avoid perfectionism, surround yourself with positive people, build a culture of teamwork and innovation, and get plenty of stress-relieving exercise. Be fast, and keep it simple (one-page business plans only). Solid advice for novice risk-takers.

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