book · 2010
Rework
by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
In a nutshell
Short, punchy essays arguing you can build a business with less: less planning, less funding, less busywork.
Best for: Bootstrappers and small teams.
Quotes & ideas we use
“Planning is guessing.”
Outside money is plan Z — you can often get started with far less than you think.
Outside money is plan Z.
“Planning is guessing.”
Concepts from this book
What is a startup?
A startup is a new business searching for a model that works, under a lot of uncertainty.
Fundraising basics
Raising money means selling part of your company. Understand the terms before you sign.
Bootstrapping & staying small
Building a business with your own money and customer revenue instead of investors.
Deep work & focus
Your most valuable work happens in long, distraction-free blocks of focus.
Angels vs VCs vs bootstrapping
Different money comes with different expectations — choose the kind that fits your business.
Do less, but better
Cut scope, say no often, and ship smaller things sooner.