I read 8 books in 2024.. here's what I learnt (part 1)
I spent 1 year reading 8 books, but here's all I learnt in 2 issues.
This 2-part series will be the most valuable issues you will read in 2025.
In early February last year, I made the decision to buy a Kindle. It was one of the best purchases I've ever made.
Who uses Kindle anyway?
I get this question a lot. I was one of the people who wondered why I needed a Kindle before I got one myself. It's so convenient to bring and read with a Kindle; wherever I go, it's portable, light and so practical. The highlights, word bank, the storage, all in one tablet.
Because of this, I read eight books last year, all while commuting to and from school and work. This was the most productive use of my time.
I learnt so much from the books I read, and here's everything I learnt summarized in a short newsletter issue.
Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan
In Million Dollar Weekend, Noah Kagan offers simple, down-to-earth advice for anyone looking to start a business or try new ideas without overthinking every step. His approach is all about taking action, learning from what happens, and focusing on what really matters—your customers. Here are some key lessons from the book:
1. Act First, Figure It Out Later
“Act first, figure it out later.”
"Successful people just start."
Kagan believes that waiting for the perfect moment means you might never start. Instead of getting stuck in planning mode, just dive in. When you take action, you learn by doing and can adjust as you go. The key is to keep moving forward, even if everything isn’t perfectly clear at the start.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Start
“Don’t be afraid to act. Be afraid of living a life that seems more like a résumé than an adventure.”
This lesson reminds you that life should be an adventure. Don’t let fear or the need for everything to be perfect stop you from trying something new. The real regret comes from not taking risks and missing out on experiences that could lead to growth and success.
3. The Power of Asking
“No ASK? No GET. That applies to every part of life.”
One of the strongest messages in the book is about the importance of asking. Whether you’re pitching an idea, seeking advice, or trying to make a sale, simply asking can open up opportunities. Being bold and straightforward in asking for what you need can be a game-changer.
4. Validate Your Idea Early
“It is deadly to build a business without first verifying that there are paying customers.”
Before you invest too much time and energy into an idea, make sure that people really want it. Talk to potential customers, listen to their feedback, and see if they are willing to pay for your solution. Validating your idea early can save you a lot of effort later.
5. Start with the Customer
“You have to start with the customer experience and work backwards.”
Great ideas come from solving real problems. Focus on understanding your customer’s needs and challenges before building your product or service. When you start with the customer in mind, you’re more likely to create something that truly adds value.
6. Solve Your Own Problems
A great way to come up with business ideas is to solve problems you personally face. If you’re willing to pay for a solution, chances are others will too.
"When in doubt, solve your own problems. If you are willing to pay for a solution, it’s likely others are, too."
This approach not only ensures demand but also keeps you motivated because you’re solving a problem you care about.
7. Embrace Rejection as a Learning Opportunity
“Rejections are TREASURE.”
Every “no” you receive is a chance to learn rather than a failure. Rejection gives you insight into what might need to change or improve. Each rejection can teach you something valuable about your approach or your product, helping you grow and eventually turn those “no’s” into “yeses.”
8. Test, Validate, and Iterate
“Always test things out for myself.”
Kagan’s method is simple: try things, see what works, and make changes based on real feedback. Don’t wait for perfection—use testing as a tool to learn and improve. This process of testing and iterating is key to developing a strong and flexible business.
9. The Law of 100: Practice Makes Perfect
“Do it 100 times before you even THINK of stopping.”
A fun yet powerful idea in the book is the Law of 100. Whether it’s pitching your idea, making sales calls, or creating content, doing it repeatedly helps you get better. Consistency and persistence are the keys to success—the more you practice, the better you become.
10. Know Your Market and Listen to Your Customers
“The only opinion that matters is your customer’s.”
Understanding your market is essential. Instead of worrying about what everyone else thinks, focus on your customers. Their feedback should guide your decisions and help you adjust your ideas to meet real needs.
11. Be Ruthless and Focus on What Works
“The point is to continue only if you see traction.”
Not every idea will take off—and that’s okay. What matters is that you concentrate your energy on ideas that show real promise. If something isn’t working after a good try, be willing to move on. This focus helps you invest time and energy where it truly makes a difference.
12. Define Your Own Success
“You have to define what success is for your life and not worry what others think.”
Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Kagan reminds you to set your own goals and measure success by your own standards, not by what others expect. When you define success on your own terms, you’re more likely to pursue a path that is meaningful to you.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Weekend is more than just a guide for starting a business—it’s a friendly reminder to live boldly and take action. Noah Kagan’s advice is simple and practical: start now, learn from your mistakes, and always keep your customers at the center of your decisions. Each step you take, every ask you make, and even every rejection you face is part of the journey toward building something great.
By following these lessons, you can move past overthinking and begin turning your ideas into reality. Remember, it’s not about having everything perfect from the start; it’s about taking consistent action and learning along the way. If you’re ready to break free from hesitation and start your own adventure, let these lessons guide you. Step forward, take risks, and enjoy the journey—one small step at a time.
Start Marketing the Day You Start Coding by Rob Walling
In Start Marketing the Day You Start Coding, Rob Walling delivers a straightforward guide for developers and entrepreneurs on why marketing is just as crucial as building a great product. The book highlights key lessons on launching a successful software business, avoiding common mistakes, and thinking about marketing from day one. Here are the main takeaways:
1. Marketing is Just as Important as Coding
“Without marketing, your product is nothing more than a project.”
Many developers believe that building a great product is enough. Walling argues that no matter how good your software is, if you don’t market it, no one will buy it. Marketing isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core part of building a business.
2. Always Be Testing
“You have to test everything.”
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to marketing. The only way to know what works is to experiment, track results, and refine your strategy. Whether it’s pricing, website design, or ad campaigns, testing is the key to success.
3. Know Your Customer and Solve Their Problems
“The single most important factor to a product’s success is whether there’s a group of people willing to pay for it.”
Before you write a single line of code, figure out who your customer is. Find a group of people with a problem they are willing to pay to solve. If there’s no demand, your product will struggle, no matter how well it’s built.
4. Start Marketing Early
“If you haven’t started marketing, your launch day is your halfway point to having a successful product.”
Too many developers wait until their product is finished before thinking about marketing. By the time you launch, you should already have an audience. Build an email list, talk to potential customers, and create awareness before your product is ready.
5. Free Plans Don’t Always Work
“Most free users will never end up converting to a paid plan.”
While many successful companies use freemium models, they don’t work for everyone. Walling warns against blindly copying big companies like MailChimp or Dropbox. Instead, focus on bringing in revenue from the start, especially if you don’t have massive funding.
6. Find the Right Market
“You can sell garbage to a hungry market and make money.”
Having a great product isn’t enough—you need to be in the right market. Instead of targeting huge, competitive industries, find smaller, underserved markets where you have a better chance of standing out.
7. Don’t Chase Viral Success
“No link from TechCrunch, write-up on Mashable, or Tweet by Ashton Kutcher is going to make your business.”
Many founders dream of their product going viral overnight, but Walling argues that this is unrealistic. Instead of hoping for a lucky break, focus on sustainable growth by targeting the right audience and delivering value consistently.
8. Build for Repeatable Sales
“It’s always better to be in the reorder business.”
One-time purchases make it hard to grow a business. Recurring revenue models, like SaaS (Software as a Service), provide stability and long-term success. Think about how you can build a product that customers keep paying for over time.
9. Fear is the Biggest Barrier
“Fear is what makes starting a company hard.”
Fear stops many developers from launching their product. Whether it’s fear of failure, rejection, or not being perfect, the only way to succeed is to push past it and take action.
10. Consistency Beats Big Breaks
“It’s easy to be great… It’s hard to be consistent.”
Building a business is not about one big lucky moment—it’s about showing up every day and putting in the work. Success comes from consistent effort over months and years, not just one viral post or lucky feature.
Conclusion
Start Marketing the Day You Start Coding is a must-read for developers who want to turn their projects into successful businesses. Rob Walling reminds us that marketing isn’t optional—it’s essential. By understanding your market, testing your ideas, and starting early, you can create a product that people not only use but are willing to pay for.
The biggest takeaway? Don’t wait until launch day to think about marketing. The sooner you start, the better your chances of success.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel explores how our behaviors, emotions, and perspectives shape our financial decisions. Unlike traditional finance books that focus on numbers and formulas, this book dives into the psychological and emotional aspects of money. Here are the key takeaways:
1. Luck, Risk, and the Unpredictability of Success
"Luck and risk are siblings. They are both the reality that every outcome in life is guided by forces other than individual effort."
Success is never just about hard work. Luck and risk play a major role, often in ways we don’t fully understand. Bill Gates’ success was partly due to attending a high school with rare access to a computer, while others just as talented never got the same opportunity. Understanding this can help us remain humble and avoid over-crediting ourselves for wins or blaming ourselves too harshly for losses.
2. The Power of Compounding
"His skill is investing, but his secret is time."
Warren Buffett’s fortune isn’t just due to smart investing—it’s because he has been investing for over 70 years. Compounding is one of the most powerful financial forces, but its true magic only appears over long periods. Small, consistent gains can lead to extraordinary results over time.
3. The Importance of Saving
"Wealth is what you don’t see."
Many people equate wealth with expensive cars and luxury items. But real wealth is built by what you don’t spend. Saving money isn’t just about affording a particular purchase—it’s about creating options and financial freedom. The ability to control your time and make choices without financial stress is the greatest benefit of wealth.
4. The Role of Time and Patience
"Time is the most powerful force in investing. It makes little things grow big and big mistakes fade away."
Investing is not about making the perfect move at the perfect time. It’s about staying in the game long enough for compounding to work in your favor. Even if you make mistakes, a long time horizon smooths out losses and maximizes gains.
5. Avoiding the Trap of Social Comparisons
"The hardest financial skill is getting the goalpost to stop moving."
We often measure our financial success by comparing ourselves to others. This creates an endless cycle of dissatisfaction. Instead of chasing bigger numbers and more luxuries, focus on what actually brings you happiness and security.
6. The Illusion of Control
"Risk is what’s left over when you think you’ve thought of everything."
Many people believe they can predict markets or control outcomes. But the truth is, uncertainty is always present. Instead of trying to predict the future, build resilience by saving more, avoiding too much debt, and planning for unexpected events.
7. Money Buys Freedom, Not Status
"The ability to do what you want, when you want, with who you want, for as long as you want, is priceless."
Many people chase money to impress others. But true financial success is not about flashy purchases—it’s about freedom and flexibility. The best use of money is to create a life where you have control over your time and decisions.
8. Plan for Surprises
"You can plan for every risk except the things that are too crazy to cross your mind."
Life is full of unpredictable events. Instead of trying to foresee every possible risk, maintain a financial cushion. Having an emergency fund and living below your means ensures that unexpected setbacks don’t derail your future.
9. Understanding the Price of Success
"Like everything else worthwhile, successful investing demands a price. But its currency is not dollars and cents. It’s volatility, fear, doubt, uncertainty, and regret."
Nothing valuable comes without cost. In investing, the price is dealing with market fluctuations and uncertainty. Many people panic and sell during downturns, but those who accept volatility as the cost of long-term gains are the ones who succeed.
10. Financial Independence is the Ultimate Goal
"Independence, to me, doesn’t mean you’ll stop working. It means you only do the work you like, with people you like, at the times you want, for as long as you want."
The goal of money is not to stop working—it’s to have control over your life. Achieving financial independence doesn’t require extreme wealth; it requires managing your expenses and maintaining a high savings rate. The key to independence is keeping your expectations in check and living below your means.
Conclusion
The Psychology of Money challenges the traditional ways we think about wealth, success, and happiness. It reminds us that personal finance is more about mindset and behavior than numbers and spreadsheets. By understanding the role of luck and risk, embracing long-term thinking, and focusing on what truly brings us joy, we can build a healthier and more sustainable relationship with money. The ultimate lesson? Financial success isn’t about chasing wealth—it’s about creating a life of freedom, security, and meaning.
The SaaS Playbook by Rob Walling
In "The SaaS Playbook," Rob Walling provides a comprehensive guide to building a multi-million dollar SaaS business. Drawing from his extensive experience, Walling offers invaluable insights into every stage of the SaaS journey, from validating your idea to scaling your operations. Here are some key lessons from the book that can help you navigate the complexities of the SaaS world.
1. Starting Without Permission
One of the most empowering lessons from the book is the idea that you don't need anyone's permission to start building your SaaS product. Unlike traditional businesses that often require significant capital or external validation, SaaS businesses can begin with just an idea and the drive to execute it.
There are superpowers to being bootstrapped. One is that you don’t need anyone’s permission to start or build your company. Another is that your business doesn’t die until you quit. Bootstrappers don’t run out of money; they run out of motivation.
This lesson is particularly encouraging for aspiring entrepreneurs who may feel daunted by the perceived barriers to entry in the business world.
2. Balancing Skill, Luck, and Hard Work
Walling emphasizes the importance of understanding the roles of skill, luck, and hard work in the success of a SaaS business. While luck can certainly play a part, it is the combination of skill and hard work that truly drives a company forward.
My mental framework for success involves varying degrees of hard work, luck, and skill. The amount of each depends on a myriad of factors, with hard work and skill being the easiest to control.
This lesson serves as a reminder that while we can't control every aspect of our entrepreneurial journey, focusing on what we can control—our skills and our work ethic—is crucial.
3. Building a Real Product for Real Customers
Walling grounds the concept of a SaaS business in reality by defining it as building a real product for real customers who are willing to pay for it. This definition highlights the importance of solving a genuine problem that people are willing to pay to have resolved.
Launching a B2B SaaS company is about building a real product for real customers who pay you real money. You’re solving a problem, and therefore your profitability is based on finding a problem that’s worth paying to resolve and solving it in a way that makes your users desperately want your solution. There’s not much luck in that formula.
This lesson highlights the essence of a successful SaaS business: creating value for your customers.
4. The Importance of Customer Conversations
In the SaaS world, customer feedback is invaluable. Walling stresses the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations with your customers to understand their needs and pain points.
These conversations will inform your product road map and how you build features as well as your positioning, marketing copy, and pricing.
These conversations not only help in building a better product but also in positioning, marketing, and pricing it effectively.
5. Focusing on the Problem, Not Just the Solution
Walling shares a thought-provoking quote from Steve Jobs to emphasize the importance of focusing on the problem rather than just the solution.
People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas . . . Innovation is saying ‘no’ to 1,000 things.
This lesson highlights the importance of deep understanding the problems your customers face, rather than just implementing the solutions they suggest.
6. Navigating Competitive Markets
Walling offers a pragmatic perspective on entering competitive markets. He suggests that a mature market can be a great place to grow your business if you can find a way to differentiate yourself.
A mature, competitive market can be a total bloodbath, but it can also be a fantastic place to grow your business once you get a foothold.
This lesson encourages entrepreneurs not to shy away from competitive markets but to look for underserved niches or innovative ways to stand out.
7. Understanding the Enemy
Walling introduces the concept of competitive intelligence, emphasizing the importance of understanding your competitors' moves without obsessing over them.
High-Level Updates. If an announcement is big enough to merit space in your industry news sites, it’s probably worth paying attention to. Is your competition announcing new funding? Launching big features? Making a major shift in positioning? Read it and understand it. But rather than losing sleep over whether you should follow suit, spend that energy studying what that tells you about your industry and your customers.
This lesson highlights the importance of staying informed about your competitors but focusing your energy on understanding your industry and customers.
8. The Importance of Brand
Walling touches on the concept of brand, defining it as your reputation—what people say about your company when you’re not around.
When we talk about your brand, we’re not talking about your color scheme or logo. Your brand is your reputation—it’s what people say about your company when you’re not around.
This lesson serves as a reminder that building a strong brand is about fostering a positive reputation and becoming a recognizable and trusted name in your industry.
9. Dual Funnels and Cheat Codes
Walling introduces the concept of a dual funnel, targeting both a wide audience at a low price point and a premium or enterprise audience at a high price point.
Another Cheat Code is something I call a dual funnel, which targets both a wide audience at low price point and a premium or enterprise audience at a high price point.
This strategy can be a game-changer for SaaS businesses, allowing them to cater to a broader customer base while also focusing on high-value clients.
10. The Importance of Asking Questions
Walling emphasizes the importance of asking questions in sales, suggesting that a sales demo should be more of a conversation than a presentation.
You should be asking questions and listening more than talking.
This lesson highlights the importance of understanding your customer's needs and pain points before trying to sell them on your product.
Conclusion
In "The SaaS Playbook," Rob Walling provides a comprehensive guide to building a multi-million dollar SaaS business. Drawing from his extensive experience, Walling offers invaluable insights into every stage of the SaaS journey, from validating your idea to scaling your operations.
A lot of overlapping lessons here from these 4 books alone. My favourite here is Psychology of Money.
Stay tuned for the next part releasing next week.
Cheers,
Jay