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Ekaterina Walter

The Five Business Secrets of Facebook’s Improbably Brilliant CEO

4.2 (59 ratings)
12 mins

Brief summary

Think Like Zuck by Ekaterina Walter examines the five principles that made Mark Zuckerberg successful, and how they can be applied to grow entrepreneurship initiatives.

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    Think Like Zuck
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    Successful entrepreneurs let their passion drive them.

    Say you want to launch a start-up. Should you look for the most up-and-coming industry? Or should you create a concept that caters to the biggest available market? Well actually, you should try a completely different approach, and let your passion drive you. After all, that’s exactly what Mark Zuckerberg did to build his phenomenal career.

    Even before Facebook, Zuckerberg’s passion for connecting people was evident. For instance, in the 1990s, he built a messaging system called “Zucknet” to connect computers at his parents’ house.

    While following his passion gave Zuckerberg his career direction, there was also another benefit to it: Consider the fact that in the beginning, Facebook wasn’t so different from Myspace and Friendster. However, since Zuckerberg’s passion was all about socially connecting people online, his product best matched what people actually wanted – allowing it to ultimately trounce rivals.

    The lesson here is that when you follow your own passion, there’s no harm in “stealing” inspiration from elsewhere, because your idea will naturally stand out on its own.

    Another advantage of following your passion is that you’re more likely to be persistent – that is, you won’t give up, even when you fail.

    For instance, before Zuckerberg founded Facebook, he created “Facemash,” a social platform that allowed users to compare and rate photos of Harvard students. However, since the site used photos of students without permission, it was shut down by Harvard’s disciplinary board. Even though Zuckerberg failed, since he was driven by passion, he was able to persist.

    It’s worth noting that although Zuckerberg’s passion was vital, his ability to act also played a huge role in his success.

    Because after all, no matter how much you love something, if you don’t act on it, you won’t succeed. But luckily, you can overcome inaction by remembering the message on a poster located in Facebook’s headquarters. It reads, “Done is better than perfect.”

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    What is Think Like Zuck about?

    Think Like Zuck takes an in-depth look at the five principles that made Facebook the successful company it is today. With plenty of insight into founder Mark Zuckerberg’s inspiring approach to leadership and examples from other top technology companies, the author creates a roadmap for success for any aspiring entrepreneur.

    Think Like Zuck Review

    Think Like Zuck (2013) by Ekaterina Walter is a fascinating exploration of the principles that have made Mark Zuckerberg successful. Reasons this book is worth reading:

    • The book offers practical advice on leadership and innovation, providing readers with actionable strategies to apply in their own lives.
    • Through case studies and interviews with Zuckerberg's colleagues and mentors, the book offers an inside look into the mindset and decision-making processes of a highly successful entrepreneur.
    • The author's insightful analysis of Zuckerberg's approach to business and life makes the book engaging and thought-provoking, ensuring it is anything but boring.

    Who should read Think Like Zuck?

    • Entrepreneurs and start-up pioneers
    • Facebook fans
    • Anyone who wants to gain insight into Facebook, and how Mark Zuckerberg thinks

    About the Author

    Ekaterina Walter is a marketing innovator for Fortune 500 firms like Intel. After her start-up, Branderati, was acquired by Sprinklr, she became a Global Evangelist. She also regularly contributes to Mashable, Fast Company and Huffington Post.

     

    © Image Mark Zuckerberg: Guillaume Paumier, guillaumepaumier.com

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    Think Like Zuck FAQs 

    What is the main message of Think Like Zuck?

    Think Like Zuck encourages readers to adopt Zuckerberg's innovative mindset and principles to achieve success in their own lives.

    How long does it take to read Think Like Zuck?

    The reading time for Think Like Zuck varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Think Like Zuck a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Think Like Zuck is a valuable read for anyone seeking to understand the mindset behind Facebook's success. It provides actionable insights and inspiration.

    Who is the author of Think Like Zuck?

    Think Like Zuck is authored by Ekaterina Walter.

    What to read after Think Like Zuck?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Think Like Zuck, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Invent and Wander by Jeff Bezos
    • Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO by Beverly E. Jones
    • The CEO Next Door by Elena Botelho and Kim Powell
    • Strategize to Win by Carla A. Harris
    • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
    • Phaedo by Plato
    • The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee
    • The 12-Week MBA by Nathan Kracklauer & Bjorn Billhardt
    • The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking by Michael D. Watkins
    • The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene