Whether hailed as heroes or cast as threats to social order, entrepreneurs - and their innovations - have had an enormous influence on the growth and prosperity of nations. "The Invention of Enterprise" gathers together, for the first time, leading economic historians to explore the entrepreneur's role in society from antiquity to the present. Addressing social and institutional influences from a historical context, each chapter examines entrepreneurship during a particular period and in an important geographic location. The book chronicles the sweeping history of enterprise in Mesopotamia and Neo-Babylon; carries the reader through the Islamic Middle East; offers insights into the entrepreneurial history of China, Japan, and Colonial India; and, describes the crucial role of the entrepreneur in innovative activity in Europe and the United States, from the medieval period to today. In considering the critical contributions of entrepreneurship, the authors discuss why entrepreneurial activities are not always productive and may even sabotage prosperity. They examine the institutions and restrictions that have enabled or impeded innovation, and the incentives for the adoption and dissemination of inventions. They also describe the wide variations in global entrepreneurial activity during different historical periods and the similarities in development, as well as entrepreneurship's role in economic growth. The book is filled with past examples and events that provide lessons for promoting and successfully pursuing contemporary entrepreneurship as a means of contributing to the welfare of society.

'Bower's book is a devastating indictment' Sunday Times 'Explosive ... Bower reveals a remarkable and sinister picture of the man who likes to appear as the ever-smiling hero' Daily Mail A sensational critical biography of the man and his business practices. No British tycoon is better known, few claim to be richer and none has masterminded a more recognisable brand than Richard Branson. What is behind the success of the buccaneering balloonist, the tabloids' favourite celebrity nude, the 'grinning jumper' and the scourge of corporate goliaths? Tom Bower has a uncovered a different tale to the one so eagerly promoted by Virgin's publicists. Here is the full story of Branson: his businesses, his friendships, his ambition, his law-breaking, his drug-taking, his bullying. Offering an intimate scrutiny of exactly how Richard Branson created and sold himself, this biography reveals Branson to be a single-minded profiteer who, while occasionally generous to others, has a fixed purpose to enhance his family's wealth in secret off-shore trust funds. Instead of a glittering saint, Branson emerges as a devious actor, proud of plucking for his own profit the good ideas of others.

"Silicon Valley's popular approach to creating new ventures is rooted in trial and error-test markets with new concepts and a minimum amount of capital, and hope for valuable businesses to emerge. But this fail-fast, hit-or-miss, step-and-pivot, or tech-first philosophy can leave a trail of destruction and loss in its wake. It can be like a random walk in the forest-without a compass. This book is about helping the great entrepreneurs find true north. Henry Kressel and Norman Winarsky-technologists, inventors, and investors with stellar track records-have an approach for those who wish to create a market-leading company that will make an impact on the world: a disciplined and staged approach they've used to launch, invest in, and develop dozens of successful companies-and to create whole new markets. The method they describe takes the entrepreneur by the hand, step-by-step, through the critical stages of development of a great venture, from concept to acquisition or public offering, to being a mature company seeking to maintain its culture of innovation. It is a guide by innovators and for innovators, with approaches that are timeless. If You Really Want to Change the World is your guide to creating massively successful ventures. Drawing on the authors' experiences as well as those of their partners from around the world, Kressel and Winarsky share the stories of their triumphs and misses as of a way of demonstrating their method and inspiring their readers. They guide entrepreneurs and innovators in companies of all scale-start-ups, research institutions, government agencies, and corporations-on how to execute with the aim of creating companies that can change the world. "--

Life is changing at the speed of light it seems, careers are shifting, entire industries that we grew up with are totally fading away and new ones are coming in to the forefront. As Boomers, we need to adopt new ideas and strategies to succeed and one of those is having a "Plan B"... just in case you are or have experienced job loss, downsizing, rightsizing, or maybe just maybe in a moment of boldness, decide it's time for you to "Bust Out" and it's time for a change...it's time to do your own thing... pursue your passion and launch your own business! In Bust Out-Ignite your Inner Entrepreneur you will get the ideas, tools, tips and resources to help you "Bust Out" and launch your venture successfully. We cite case studies, have you do workshops, share interviews, articles and load you up with very cool ideas to help you navigate the world of launching your own small business. So, if you're a Boomer who is making the change, or you need to have a "Plan B" in place...if you have a dream, a vision, the drive and a darn good idea...then "Bust Out" is the book to help you Ignite Your Inner Entrepreneur!

From the perfect lip stick to mergers and acquisitions,Lessons of a Lipstick Queenfollows Popy King's extraordinary journey through the world of business and teaches you how to be more entrepreneurial in your own life.If an eighteen-year-old girl's search for the ideal matte lipstick can turn into a multimillion-dollar company, anything is possible. When Poppy King finished high school, all she had to show for herself were some lackluster grades and a hundred and one ways to get out of phys ed. Within three years, however, she was president of her own hugely successful lipstick brand, Poppy Industries.How did she do it?InLessons of a Lipstick Queen, Poppy reveals how she managed to launch her business, extracting valuable lessons from the experience as she goes along. Through Poppy's example, you can learn how to become a real entrepreneur -- from recognizing a good idea and finding financing, to marketing yourself and your brand, to approaching the media and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you are looking to go into business for the first time, or simply want to build on your current career, Poppy King is the voice of experience that you should be listening to.In a world where everyone is eager to get ahead, it's essential to think like an entrepreneur. Much more than just a guide to success,Lessons of a Lipstick Queenis a candid adventure story designed to take you on a journey of self-discovery.Filled with exercises, concrete tips, and Poppy's personal and professional anecdotes, this motivational book will help readers get in touch with their inner entrepreneur.

Provides a ten-stage SEED (Sustainable Enterprise and Empowerment Dynamics) programme on how to create a sustainable enterprise the feminine way.

Practical, inspirational and motivational the book provides a complete blueprint of how to create a business - from concept to launch. It uses 'feminine' methods, meaning there is an emphasis on personal growth, ethics, sustainability and the work/life balance within the challenges of starting a new business.

The British Bulldog, David Seymour grew up searching for freedom. He was born in London England and made the journey to America to achieve the freedom that burned deep in his soul. He didn't know exactly how he was going to break free but he found his passion in a disaster that he never expected. In fact the whole United States didn't expect this disaster to happen. When the 9/11 attacks hit America Dave didn't only lose his comrades... he lost his wife, his house and his job. He then discovered his inner flame that sparked his passion and spread like wild fire into achieving financial freedom and success. Dave is now running successful businesses in life coaching and real estate, in a market where everybody else is running for cover Dave is running in!In this heart pounding, action packed auto biography Dave shares how he turned his setbacks into success and how he can help you do the same. His life mission is to help as many people extinguish FEAR and run into a life of happiness, financial success and fulfillment. This book can change your life.

The average book sells 300 copies and doesn't change the career-or life-of its author whatsoever. Instead, it becomes a shelf decoration, just one that happened to take a lot of money and effort to create. It doesn't have to be this way. After all, you probably already have a beautiful shelf! Whether you're ready to share your expertise with the world, want to launch a book that will serve you for your entire career or are tired of releasing books that don't do anything to help your business, On Good Authority: 7 Steps to Prepare, Promote and Profit from a How-To Book that Makes You the Go-To Expert is for you. Culled from dozens of interviews with top founders, CEOs, thought leaders and authors like Robert Greene, Chris Voss and Jay Abraham, On Good Authority walks you through a proven system for planning, promoting and profiting from your own how-to book while also breaking down how this kind of book can build your authority in ways nothing else can. In this book, you'll learn how to: Find an idea that will attract your ideal client so you can actually generate income from your book Nurture an audience while your book is being written so you don't end up releasing your book to crickets Break into the media big leagues by scoring appearances on shows like Today and Good Morning America Land podcast interviews that can lead to big book sales Create and secure paid speaking gigs with your newfound authority Have a tool that builds your business 24-7 for the rest of your life, without ever asking for a raise or complaining As Robert Greene says himself (in this book), "A book is the royal path to any kind of success you want in life." Still, the royal path requires very specific steps (but no curtseys). Learn what they are by reading On Good Authority today.

"Entrepreneurs have long been drivers of innovation in developed countries. They start companies and create new industries that keep economies strong and prosperous. Today, however, in developing nations such as China, state-controlled economies are building robust industries at stunning speed and siphoning off jobs from the West. How can entrepreneurs function in the face of this challenge? Can they continue to create economic value in a globalized business environment? This book addresses the crucial issue of state planning vs. free enterprise and examines specific problems surrounding entrepreneurship in the global economy through nine case histories of entrepreneurial companies. It also looks at how and why government gets involved in economic growth and how entrepreneurs contribute to economic value. Based on this analysis, the authors argue that companies can succeed, even in controlled economies, by understanding the customs and policies of countries where they do business"--

A guide to success by one of the world's most renowned entrepreneurs, challenging conventional business attitudes by seeing risk as a means of profit rather than failure.

The Essential Guide to Successful Entrepreneurship The first-step-by-step practical and spiritual guide for current and aspiring entrepreneurs. * A complete guidebook on taking your business from initial inspiration to sustainable success * Ways to identify your entrepreneurial "currencies" and Achilles' Heels * Real-life examples from entrepreneurs illustrating key concepts * A personal workbook to record your progress * A step-by-step program on how to create a strategic business plan and raise capital * 2 Audio CDs with guided exercises on attaining critical self-knowledge Includes: * Guidebook * Personal Workbook * 140 Adviser Cards * 2 Audio CDs

Disruptive businesses are born every day. Someone has a great idea that offers a better choice in terms of price, convenience, service or functionality, and for a moment, they hold the keys to the remaking of an entire industry. Yet many of these businesses let advantage slip through their hands over time because they fail to realize that the fast pace of technology allows a challenge to come from anywhere - large competitors or startups -- and overtake them in an instant. This is Accelerated Disruption. It is business development moving at the speed of the next technological advancement. Businesses that can understand and control the forces of technology will thrive in the coming years. Those that cannot will find themselves displaced. Accelerated Disruption deals with the following critical startup concepts and more: * Choosing the right industries to innovate * Understanding the concept of pain in an industry and turning it to competitive advantage * Using the strength of conventional wisdom to investigate a disruptive idea and test it under the radar * Getting the best out of your people through smart automation * Turning your customer base into a sophisticated R&D team * Mastering the art of quick-release product improvements * Promoting your idea in the face of industry and investor resistance * Developing a capital strategy that supports your business during critical stages of development Author Eric Lefkofsky, a Chicago entrepreneur who helped found five technology startups worth more than a billion dollars, explains how disruptive businesses are formed, grown and sustained and provides an intellectual and conceptual framework for making your idea a reality.

America's most innovative developer and luxury retailing pioneer Malcolm Gladwell has called him one of the unrecognized giants of modern retailing, but he is more widely known as the billionaire who went to jail for his role in a price fixing scandal. Clearly Al Taubman has had an extraordinary life. A dyslexic Jewish kid who grew up in Depression-era Detroit, Taubman made several fortunes in businesses as varied as architecture, land speculation, mall development, luxury housing, chain restaurants, and, of course, the fine art auction business.

While it may be tempting to hoard gold bars under your mattress and brace yourself for the worst, the best thing that you as an entrepreneur can do right now is to turn off the news, get back to work and avoid making any decisions you'll regret. So before you slash your prices, close your doors, run out and get a job, fire your employees or commit any other act of small business desperation, take a deep breath and READ THIS BOOK! You'll find hundreds of road-tested tips, strategies and case studies from Rosalind Resnick, Founder and CEO of Axxess Business Consulting, America's leading business planning and consulting firm for startups and fast-growing companies. Don't miss your chance to find out how small business owners like you are surviving -- and even thriving -- in today's challenging economic climate!

A member of the great California mercantile family, Magnin discusses his duties as the volunteer chief of protocol for San Francisco and his longtime role as a leading sponsor of the arts