The Startup of You

By Reid Hoffman & Ben Casnocha

Why You Should Read This   If you want to build the brand of you, this book offers tangible ideas for how to do so. Here is the link to the Audible version of the book, but I also recommend buying a physical book for the sections at the end of each chapter that are specifically focused on how to use the information discussed to make an investment in yourself.

My respect for Reid Hoffman (co-Founder of PayPal and LinkedIn) who turned Venture Capitalist (one of the earliest investors in Facebook, Zynga, AirBnB, and serves on the board of Joby) is boundless.  But it is what he does with his notoriety that is profound as his impact highlights great leadership lessons.  Through his Masters of Scale podcast and programing, he highlights the great experiences that are ultimately leadership lessons that extend beyond the tech sector. AND he is intention in highlighting the great work of women AND men of all ages and backgrounds.  I admire and am inspired by powerful people who empower others to be there best and they way that he does so is witty and insightful as he lifts others up rather than speak down to affect change.

I read all of his books and subscribe to the Masters of Scale courses and podcasts, but The Startup of You (Revised and Updated): Adapt, Take Risks, Grow Your Network, and Transform Your Career by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha, is share-worthy as he connects the dots on how to build your brand and ultimately your network and career with some of the concepts that one relies upon to build a start-up business. 

How You Can Apply This   As member of an organization whose tagline (and now podcast) begins with the word “Connect,” this book highlights the mindset you must possess to launch your career onto its next S-Curve of growth.  Moreover, it provides the framework for you to chart your career and expand your connections;  thereby amplifying your impact and creating sustainable and long-lasting relationships throughout your career.  He details the importance of investing in yourself, establishing goals while simultaneously remaining flexible to pivoting to new opportunities; the importance of proactivity; developing and supporting your community; and understanding your value.  One of my personal favorite take-aways was on being generous with our “likes” and providing productive commentary on professional social platforms that support the people in our community.

Additional Materials For Reinforcing What You Learned  If you are curious about the Masters of Scale courses (note: it costs $99.00 annually), I encourage you to learn more.  My favorite was the “Marathon Mindset” that focuses on how we need to become the leader of ourselves first before we can lead others.  Additionally, the Women in Aircraft Sales (a free peer-to-peer mentoring group in business aviation) webinar that focuses on Investing in Yourself is complimentary to these discussions and further thought inducing.

Lastly, listen to IAWA’s own members Melissa Zulueta and Abby Bried describe how they developed their connections and René Banglesdorf speak about overcoming “limiting beliefs” and replacing them with “liberating truths” as part of IAWA’s Podcast – Connect. Inspire. Lead
This book review was written by Shelley A. Svoren, VP – Leader Development for IAWA and who is the CEO + Founder of Infinite Branches.  You can DM her on LinkedIn.