Ken Colwell (1)

The author's passion for teaching comes through in the organization of the guide! The Quick Start Guide allows the beginners to jump in and start learning (the best way to learn, in my estimation); users with some experience will enjoy the guide as a good tool to review the key elements of working with data.

The concepts, terminology, and the tools are configured well to help the beginner to tackle the learning while keeping the information accessible (the book doesn't throw a lot of jargon show more at you which can be intimidating for a beginner); as a result, the user can practice, make mistakes, and learn in a safe way, leading to absorbing the material and gaining confidence.

The use of SQL is broken down into the logical components so the user can understand how to use it to get to the desired output. The end goal, after all, is to use the tool/data to be able to build expertise in analyzing to get insights into what the data has in store. This is the key expertise for all data-related skills needed in the marketplace. show less

I was interested in this guide because I wanted to get into selling my art online. The things I liked about this guide were the additions of misconceptions so that it can dispel assumptions people bring with them about owning a small business. However, for me personally, I was interested in an in-depth view of filing taxes. Although this guide does suggest an LLC and goes into the whys, it begins and ends there. For me, taxes are a particular deterrent for my desires of owning a small show more business. I am also a visual learner, and this book didn't really include any except for the headers which added nothing. show less

"...the very nature of strategic planning is that it never ends." If I had to sum up what I took away from this book, it's the need to constantly review and revise your business plan and strategy in order to be successful. This book provides many useful tools beyond the text itself including digital assets, chapters recaps, and a glossary at the end. The author discusses not just the technical steps involved in starting a business (funding, corporation vs sole proprietorship, business plan), show more but he also talks about the mindset required to start a business.

This book is a good guide to starting a business and contains lots of useful information. Overall, I only had two complaints worth noting. First, it was a bit "textbook-ish" at times. I read a lot of non-fiction, so I know it doesn't have to be nap-inducing. This book definitely made me sleepy a few times. Second, it felt at times like I was being bludgeoned over the head by the main points the author wanted to convey to the reader. I know that it is critical for the reader to understand the key ideas, but it was just too much at times.

That being said, I would definitely recommend this book to someone thinking about starting a business and certainly feel like I learned a great deal of useful information. show less

I would highly recommend this book as a reliable guide and resource to others. It has insights that other books on this topic I have read in the past do not provide and is written in a language that is easy for the reader to understand. This book is well suited for anyone who has considered entrepreneurship. The practical solutions and clear explanations of decisions required to establish your business are helpful to someone just starting out.

The inner thought life of the entrepreneurial show more leader was address so clearly and thoughtfully. It is a long-awaited approach to describe the tactical psychology needed for success in addition to hard work mantra so often emphasized in this genre of books.

The author addressed many myths that will encourage anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur but thought they are only "born" of a particular personality or type.

It provides viable solutions for topics such as market research that make the task less daunting for presenting your business plan. The book also includes the practical steps required to be successful in crafting your business plan and business relationships for the selected business model.

The author shared that entrepreneurs must accept a mindset of change being constant, inevitable, and useful as part of their business approach. The advice was given to "play chess, not checkers" is good strategic thinking.
The online resources available with the book make it a learning experience equivalent to a self-paced online learning class. The reader will be knowledgeable and able to act as a result of spending time with Mr. Colwell as an entrepreneurial coach.

I received this book as a Library Thing Early Reviewer’s Copy and appreciated the opportunity to read the book and did not impact this subsequent review of the book. show less