Reading List Archives : Brian Tuttle

Reading List: Zero to One, by Peter Thiel

Brian Tuttle — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 12:36:03 +0000

I really enjoyed this book. I knew a little about the author, Peter Thiel- his history with PayPal, venture capital investment, support for Trump, and something to do with Hulk Hogan, but I didn’t really know what to expect.

Based on the notes taken by then-student Black Masters, while in Thiel’s Stanford University class, “CS:183 Startup,” the author gives advice and viewpoints on starting and growing business.

He opens by talking about the need for contrarian thinking and the danger of competition in business- successful businesses should not be seeking to viciously compete, they should be seeking to innovate and use technology so they don’t have to compete in the first place.

Thiel touches on many topics, but one very interesting chapter is dedicated to the story of the so-called “PayPal Mafia,” the name given the original group of PayPal founders. There are (many) more than a few successful companies (SpaceX, YouTube, LinkedIn) that have been founded by this group of people. More than I realized…

The book also discusses the need for sales people & teams. He touches on this a couple of times, but one chapter specifically, and states that even having the best product does not guarantee sales success. The best companies are the ones led by people that can sell their ideas. Think Tesla / SpaceX / Elon Musk…

I listened to the audiobook version, which is actually narrated by Blake Masters. He has a somewhat monotone delivery, but it works and again, the book is very good.

Your local library probably has it, but you can also get it over at Amazon: Zero to One

The post Reading List: Zero to One, by Peter Thiel appeared first on Brian Tuttle.

Reading list: Superconnector by Scott Gerber and Ryan Paugh

Brian Tuttle — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 00:40:54 +0000

Superconnector is a book that aims to get people to “Stop networking and start connecting.” The authors, Scott Gerber and Ryan Paugh, contend that the old way of networking, simply collecting names and business cards instead of really connecting and building relationships, is an outdated and ineffective waste of time.

The book talks about their experience of being what they call Superconnectors, or people that understand the power of deep relationships and powerful, meaningful connection.

I listened to the audiobook version and it offers some great insights and ideas. I like the idea of habitual generosity, as well as their recommendation to host and plan unique events that bring together smart, interesting people, for no other reason than the belief that they should know each other. (and, of course, when smart and interesting people get together, great things often happen).

I’ve been thinking about the concepts in this book quite a bit, lately, and will be putting them into practice. If you’re interested to learn more, the book as available here (Amazon link):

The post Reading list: Superconnector by Scott Gerber and Ryan Paugh appeared first on Brian Tuttle.

Reading list: The Expanse books 1-3, by James S.A. Corey

Brian Tuttle — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 06:39:55 +0000

I didn’t watch the television version of The Expanse when it originally aired, but heard the books were really good, from many people. I finally bought the audio book version of Leviathan Wakes a few months ago and was immediately hooked. It’s always great to get into a book and learn there are a dozen more books already in existence! I just started book 4, and highly recommend this series… Links below are Amazon links.

Let me know in the comments below if you can recommend any good books- sci-fi is not a requirement, but I definitely enjoy these types of books.

Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse Book 1)

Caliban’s War (The Expanse Book 2)

Abaddon’s Gate (The Expanse Book 3)

The post Reading list: The Expanse books 1-3, by James S.A. Corey appeared first on Brian Tuttle.