That Will Never Work

Name: That Will Never Work
Rating: 4.80 (1 reviews)
Author: Marc Randolph

336 pages, 2019

Marc Randolph

Takeaways

Description

In the tradition of Phil Knight's Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike comes the incredible untold story of how Netflix went from concept to company, as told by co-founder and first CEO Marc Randolph. In 1997, brick-and-mortar video stores were king. Late fees were ubiquitous, streaming movies seemed like fantasy, and widespread DVD adoption was an even more distant reality than flying cars. These were the widely accepted laws of the land in 1997, when Marc Randolph had an idea that would turn on their head. It was a simple thought—using the internet to rent movies—and was just one of many terrible proposals that Randolph would pitch to his business partner Reed Hastings on their commute to work each morning.

Embrace Uncertainty

Marc Randolph emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty. He believes that the unknown is not something to fear, but rather an opportunity to explore and innovate. So, if you're feeling unsure about a new project or idea, don't let that stop you. Instead, see it as a chance to create something unique and groundbreaking.

Persistence is Key

In 'That Will Never Work', Randolph shares how he faced numerous rejections and failures before Netflix became a success. His story teaches us that persistence is crucial in achieving our goals. So, don't give up when things get tough, keep pushing and you'll eventually find your way.

Value of a Strong Team

Randolph stresses the importance of building a strong team. He believes that a company's success is not just about the idea, but also about the people who execute it. So, take the time to find the right people for your team, those who share your vision and are willing to work hard to achieve it.

Importance of Adaptability

One of the key lessons from 'That Will Never Work' is the importance of being adaptable. Randolph explains how Netflix had to constantly adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. So, don't be afraid to change your plans or strategies if they're not working. Being flexible and open to change can be the key to your success.

Learn from Failures

Randolph encourages us to see failures as learning opportunities. In the book, he shares how each failure brought him closer to the success of Netflix. So, don't be disheartened by failures. Instead, learn from them and use them to improve and grow.

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Marc's book is a fascinating and insightful read. It's a must for anyone interested in the story of Netflix and the future of business.

Reed Hastings - Netflix Co-founder

Marc Randolph's compelling narrative about the birth of Netflix is an inspiring lesson for every entrepreneur.

Adam Grant - Organizational Psychologist

Marc Randolph's book is a masterclass in innovation and entrepreneurship. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to start a business, grow a business, or be more innovative in an existing business.

Daniel Pink - Bestselling Author

Marc's book is a fascinating look at the early days of Netflix, and a compelling case study in the power of an idea.

Eric Ries - Entrepreneur, Author

Marc Randolph's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and entertainment. It's a fascinating look at the birth of a company that changed the way we consume media.