Dear Founder: Letters of Advice for Anyone Who Leads, Manages, or Wants to Start a Business

Webb (Rebooting Work), a former Yahoo and eBay executive, proffers wisdom accrued through founding the Webb Investment Network, in this timely business manual aimed at today’s many aspiring entrepreneurs. He offers a valuable perspective on overcoming many obstacles commonly faced by founders as their companies move through the various stages he identifies as “start-up,” “relevance,” “scale,” and “legacy.” Webb presents his advice in the form of a series of letters, originally written for the use of people whose businesses were included in his company’s investment portfolio. The letters address such questions as what to do either when no one or everyone wants to invest, how to put together an effective board, and what to do when a competitor enters one’s market space. Many letters center on the key but tricky topic of managing a workforce, tackling subjects such as dispensing and receiving feedback, having an open door, and how to “lead with inspiration, not fear.” Webb’s well-aimed advice will undoubtedly prove a valuable asset for many a future founder during the building and growth of a new organization. (Sept.)