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Masters of Scale

summary ofMasters of ScaleBook by Reid Hoffman, June Cohen, Deron Triff

11 min
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You’ll learn

  • The meaning of “scale”
  • To value the final “yes”
  • Why mindset is better than skills
  • How to benefit from your mistakes

first KEY POINT

Apple wasn’t built in a day

Old business thinking is barely reliable in these uncertain times. The problem is many beginners don't know when yesterday's genius strategy becomes old. Navigating your business to success is often perilous, unpredictable, and complex. However, one belief stays strong — every individual can develop a business idea that will eventually lift off as long as they know how to scale.Great business leaders come from different places, be it tiny communities or big cities (and everywhere in between). However, they all share winning techniques, embarrassing gaffes, and sad loss moments. Reid Hoffman knows all three very well.

Resistance generates friction; perseverance ignites progress.

As an entrepreneur and an investor, Hoffman understands what it takes to scale a business, and he has collected the most practical advice to help you in your next business venture.In this summary, you will see how one leader's insights link to another's ideas, helping you find counsel and analysis. So, seize the opportunity to unravel the secrets of growing a small, thriving business into a global power by following this piece to the end. Let's begin!

second KEY POINT

Show them what you’ve got

The first rule of entrepreneurship and investing is that the most innovative ideas are always counter-intuitive; they go so far against the popular belief that they appear hazardous and absurd. These types of concepts hear a lot of “no.” Thus, when pitching an unconventional idea that disrupts established norms and envisions improved methodologies, brace yourself for numerous rejections and accept them as learning opportunities. The increasing chorus of “no” should be your cue that you might be on the right track.When you're still young and green in your job, it's difficult not to have doubts when constantly receiving rejections from the most successful investors in Silicon Valley. However, you must trust your instincts.Why should one “yes” outweigh many “no’s” from a group of investors? It's simply because specific rejections are more important than others; significant knockbacks can prompt you to refine your idea, while doubtful ones may cause you to reassess the opportunity's worth. These are the rebuffs you must learn from.Then there are the dismissive rejections, which you should instantly disregard and sidestep. No matter how astute or adept, every investor has an anti-portfolio — a list of companies that prospered without their backing. When these investors should have said “yes,” they chose “no” and later lamented their choice.

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first KEY POINT

Embrace your humble beginnings

second KEY POINT

There’s no lightbulb in the socket

third KEY POINT

Company culture matters

fourth KEY POINT

Get some guinea pigs

fifth KEY POINT

Remember to stay human

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Reid Hoffman is an American entrepreneur and LinkedIn co-founder. June Cohen and Deron Triff are also entrepreneurs and founders of the media company WaitWhat.

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Frequently asked questions

What is 'Masters of Scale: Surprising Truths from the World’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs' about?

'Masters of Scale' by Reid Hoffman explores the strategies and insights of successful entrepreneurs who have built influential companies. It presents key principles for scaling a business, drawing from fascinating anecdotes and real-world experiences.

What are the key takeaways from 'Masters of Scale: Surprising Truths from the World’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs'?

Key takeaways include the importance of adaptability, understanding market dynamics, and leveraging network effects. Reid Hoffman emphasizes that the journey of scaling is filled with unique challenges and crucial decisions that define successful entrepreneurs.

Is 'Masters of Scale: Surprising Truths from the World’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs' worth reading?

Yes, 'Masters of Scale' is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and business strategy. It offers deep insights from notable figures in the tech industry, making it a valuable resource for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.

How many pages is 'Masters of Scale: Surprising Truths from the World’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs' and when was it published?

'Masters of Scale' is approximately 240 pages long and was published on September 12, 2023. This concise format makes it an accessible read filled with impactful lessons.

Who is the author of 'Masters of Scale: Surprising Truths from the World’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs'?

The author of 'Masters of Scale' is Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a prominent entrepreneur and venture capitalist. His unique perspective, gained from years in the tech industry, enriches the book's valuable insights.