Re:Ask HN: What's the best book for a tech guy who's becomin...
by gregjor on Sunday September 03, 2023 @05:57AM
(#37369101)
You should probably find someone who does know how to run a company. You learn that through a long process of increased responsibility and mentoring on the job, not from a book.
It won’t matter if the company consists of you calling yourself CEO, but it will matter if other people’s incomes and future depend on your ability to manage a company.
Re:Ask HN: What's the best book for a tech guy who's becomin...
by toomuchtodo on Sunday September 03, 2023 @03:29PM
(#37373523)
You need a mentor, not a book. Ask your network or people you trust to refer you to one. Do not feel bad about confirming their advice with others on your journey.
Re:Ask HN: What's the best book for a tech guy who's becomin...
by drt5b7j on Sunday September 03, 2023 @04:48PM
(#37374393)
Please ignore the guy who's saying "you need a mentor, not a book". Sure, get a mentor because that's easier to consume than a book. But in addition do read everything you can on it. I don't have a special suggestion, this is just general advice.
Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin goes in deep about the challenges of leading a company. It felt honest and truthful and talks about the implications of each choice they made in tech and marketing.
Re:Ask HN: What's the best book for a tech guy who's becomin...
by muzani on Monday September 04, 2023 @06:07AM
(#37378945)
The Hard Thing About Hard Things, by Ben Horowitz. Maybe not the kind of book you wanted, and not too relevant unless you're running a billion dollar company. But it's a good read and inspired me to get out of a lost startup and into an acquisition.
Re:Ask HN: What's the best book for a tech guy who's becomin...
by ezedv on Monday September 04, 2023 @09:05AM
(#37380114)
I highly recommend "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries. It offers valuable insights on agile management and innovation, which are crucial in leadership roles.
As for LinkedIn, definitely showcase your outsourcing experience with a multinational corporation. It demonstrates your adaptability and ability to collaborate on a global scale, which can make your profile more appealing to potential employers.
Re:Ask HN: What's the best book for a tech guy who's becomin...
by simne on Monday September 04, 2023 @11:22AM
(#37381350)
We in exUSSR joke about this, and recommend two books: Bible and criminal legislation.
In reality, to run a company is not a chess. Most important you will see constant need to make decisions, without have enough information, so criminal legislation need to know, what to NOT do, and Bible, to accept fact, that you cannot control everything, some things will run their own way.
Re:Ask HN: What's the best book for a tech guy who's becomin...
by mand1575 on Tuesday September 05, 2023 @12:25AM
(#37387851)
As a CEO and former tech guy (20yr corp and management exp.). A few things
1. Get feedback but make decision and standby it. But be willing to change. Doing things that are unpopular won't be easy especially when you hit a bump.
2. Be willing to fire quickly - including someone that you hired and think they are the best thing.
3. Acknowledge and give credit - Take fault and say you are sorry when things don't go right.
4. Avoid being a buddy buddy, also after parties - you have to wake up the next day look someone in the eye and lead them.
You are the captain of the ship - it's a wild ride, have fun keep your eyes and ears open.
Re:Ask HN: What's the best book for a tech guy who's becomin...
by trcarney on Tuesday September 05, 2023 @02:13PM
(#37395597)
I would start with Engineering Your Start-up by James A Swanson and Michael L. Baird. It's written for someone in your position. It should work as a good base to build off of.
It won’t matter if the company consists of you calling yourself CEO, but it will matter if other people’s incomes and future depend on your ability to manage a company.
CEO of a small bootstrapped laundromat doing revenue of $300k a year with 1 employee?
CEO of a mid stage startup with a few million in revenue and dozens of employees?
CEO your own side projects with no revenue but aiming for revenue?
Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin goes in deep about the challenges of leading a company. It felt honest and truthful and talks about the implications of each choice they made in tech and marketing.
As for LinkedIn, definitely showcase your outsourcing experience with a multinational corporation. It demonstrates your adaptability and ability to collaborate on a global scale, which can make your profile more appealing to potential employers.
In reality, to run a company is not a chess. Most important you will see constant need to make decisions, without have enough information, so criminal legislation need to know, what to NOT do, and Bible, to accept fact, that you cannot control everything, some things will run their own way.
All books from famous persons, should be considered with huge grain of salt, because of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivorship_bias
As conclusion, I'm survivor, but not famous, and we could talk, ask if you wish.
This is unironically the best advice in this thread.
1. Get feedback but make decision and standby it. But be willing to change. Doing things that are unpopular won't be easy especially when you hit a bump. 2. Be willing to fire quickly - including someone that you hired and think they are the best thing. 3. Acknowledge and give credit - Take fault and say you are sorry when things don't go right. 4. Avoid being a buddy buddy, also after parties - you have to wake up the next day look someone in the eye and lead them.
You are the captain of the ship - it's a wild ride, have fun keep your eyes and ears open.