Anything You Want - Derek Sivers

A collection of short lessons from building a business, full of nuggets of wisdom.

This 1-hour page turner from Derek Sivers is a collection of short lessons from his experience building and selling his music distribution business, CD Baby. It is full of interesting stories, providing valuable wisdom that is difficult to ignore.

I am grateful that Derek has published many (if not all of the articles) for free on his website, as I am able to quickly link people to pertinent articles. His wit and happy-go-lucky approach make the book particularly accessible.

The business advice he offers primarily focuses on making your customers as happy as possible and forgetting everything else. But for me what stands out is one of his key philosophies for life: understand what is enough and be satisfied with that.

These two quotes in particular stand out:

Never forget why you’re really doing what you’re doing. Are you helping people? Are they happy? Are you happy? Are you profitable? Isn’t that enough?

Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller were at a party at a billionaire’s extravagant estate. Kurt said, “Wow! Look at this place! This guy has everything!” Joseph said, “Yes, but I have something he’ll never have… Enough.”

It’s a short read by a man who displays both creative flair and enduring conscientiousness—a great combination of attributes. You’ll learn a lot, with a smile on your face.