5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book.

B.J.|.H. · January 20, 2017

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } The media could not be loaded. “As the book came together, I noticed certain themes bubbling up again and again that epitomized the core values of this new guard of creative entrepreneurs. And, refreshingly, they aren’t about money or profit—despite the billion-dollar examples mentioned above—but rather about making an impact. I observed a renewed commitment to craftsmanship and the desire to create truly beautiful product experiences, a powerful focus on the importance of both giving and serving (your customers and your team) and a fierce dedication to building businesses that will change the world for the better.Whether you’re about to launch a new company or are considering how to retool an existing business, my hope is that this collection will offer you fresh thinking, practical advice, and the moxie to get out there and make something that matters.”~ Jocelyn K. Glei from Make Your MarkThis is the third installment in 99U’s book series on the “missing curriculum” for creative leaders.I enjoyed the first two—Manage Your Day-to-Day + Maximize Your Potential (check out those Notes)—so I decided to go for the hat trick and here we are. :)Whereas the first book was about, as the title suggests, managing your days and getting stuff done while the second book was about actualizing your personal potential, this book is about how to build a business with impact.Like the other two, it’s a collection of short essays by great leaders + creators + writers. The content is organized in four domains: 1) Defining your purpose + 2) Building your product + 3) Serving your customers + 4) Leading your team.I’m excited to explore a handful of my favorite Big Ideas:1. Purpose - That’s where it all starts.2. Let’s Define Yours - Some helpful questions.3. Make Something - YOU are excited to use.4. Are You Ready to Serve? - Is the real question.5. Character - = Your most valuable asset.Let’s do that as we optimize, actualize and make our mark building a life + a business that makes a difference!More goodness— including PhilosophersNotes on 300+ books in our ​*OPTIMIZE*​ membership program. Find out more at brianjohnson . me.

4.0 out of 5 stars It's Not Just for Creatives

E. · November 7, 2015

This whole series of books is well conceived and executed. The chapters are concise, fast and well edited. For anyone who wants to learn from some of the top performing business and creative individuals in the country, these are great books to learn from. The key factor of these books is that they teach you on what's important in moving forward in your life, not just in your career or in your creativity. In today's economy, we all need to be self-directed and gain the expertise of what we want out of life. Purpose and meaning are what we should all be doing, forging expertise and a life worth living. Anything less than that is a waste of time and more importantly, a waste of your life. I'd recommend the whole series of these books to anyone who wants to fight through the fear of change and the growing cultural phenomenon of having our lives taken over by technology.

5.0 out of 5 stars The surrogate adviser for creative types

O.D.R.H. · August 8, 2015

I'm in process with this series of books (3) but from the get go I felt like these books were aimed specifically at me. I've read some of the most popular motivational books but this series is tailored specifically to artist and that's what makes this information so poignant.These are small handy almost pocket size books (which make it easy to carry around) and all of the suggestions are short, concise and to the point. If you're already developed good skill sets in a specific area then you can quickly move on. I keep these books laying around the house in various locations because when I want a huge hit to transform my life I merely need to read just 2-3 paragraphs of these extremely well synthesized thoughts and almost every time something will strike a much needed chord. From how to be more efficient with your time and staying less distracted to creating a game plan for marketing yourself these books are spot on target. I absolutely hit a grand slam when I found this collection of books online and they've become my best surrogate adviser.

5.0 out of 5 stars Trend Setting Information

C.F. · June 2, 2015

I've read multiple books that give info on business marketing, self-evaluation to determine the ability to build a successful business and others just instruct on how to become a better person so everything you do is better.I appreciate these authors' stance on the importance of recognizing daily, that without customers there IS no business. I also applaud the focus of keeping purpose as the guidance for the starting of a business, rather than income alone. Recently I've had the misfortune of working for several business owners who purchased businesses they knew little about and had absolutely no passion to run. It was just sad!I recently read 'The Rise of the Creative Class' written in 2002. The trend of the world is definitely following the info given in that book. 'Make Your Mark' is a product of the changes that book predicted. Good Read - would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of starting a business (creative or not)

3.0 out of 5 stars It gets better

N.M. · November 26, 2014

I almost put this down after reading the first section. Lots of vague advice that has little practical value to the average person. The rest of the book is better, with more valuable insights into living life as a creative leader. Like a magazine, the articles are hit or miss, but it won't be a huge time investment because the whole thing is very short.

5.0 out of 5 stars great book for creatives

A.C. · December 24, 2023

Well written and very insightful. I enjoyed the excerpts used from the various successful entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking about starting a business!

Amazing.

A.C. · July 6, 2016

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Half way through this book, and It's very helpful. A great read and amazing way to get inspired to get moving. (Ben Brown brought me to this book)

nothing new, reminded of a lot

I.B. · November 29, 2014

This little book reminded me of a lot of the must do's for building and growing a business in the 21st century. Visiting contributors websites, the take away summaries at the end of each section, and the 99u links were the most valuable aspects of the book.

A good book to have on your bookshelf

R.K. · December 19, 2016

I bought this book without knowing that it was the 3rd book in the series. Having said that, you could read this book and then read the other 2, just like me. If you are a creative individual, you will find value in this book. Not just designers but all creatives and artists, be it music, design, architecture, technology and many more. This book is all about giving you the insight and helping you learn from the experience of industry stalwarts from different fields. This book doesn't give you any direct answers but rather helps you broaden your thinking about yourself and your business. The content is broken down in 4 sections, with 5 essays / Q & A Format with Key Take-aways at the end of every section and is interspersed with quotes from famous personalities that ties it all together. A well designed and a compact book. A good book to have on your book-shelf!

This Book Is Amazing

A.C. · February 16, 2017

Being a creative it is sometimes difficult to find the time to read, but finding a book that can better yourself and your business is amazing and worth finding the time to read, I am a freelance photo and video content creator and this book spoke volumes, it's taught me a lot about business and finding yourself before you try and find your purpose.

Des bonnes idées de la part de créateur de StartUp

C. · March 31, 2015

Chaque chapitre se concentre sur un point précis que vous devez mettre en place si vous voulez vous lancer dans un projet de création d'entreprise ou encore dans un projet innovant. ça ne s'applique pas à tous les types de projets mais je reste convaincu que c'est un bon livre. Je le recommande à mes amis.