Duffy - Launch!: the critical ninety days from idea to market

PRAISE FOR LAUNCH!

Real-life principles that actually work!

F RANK S HANKWITZ , founder, The Make-A-Wish Foundation

Launch! is a must read and truly impactful book for any entrepreneur.

G ENE L ANDRUM , president and creative force, Chuck E. Cheese, Entrepreneur Hall of Fame

Scott Duffy expertly guides you through what it takes to launch a new businessfrom the deep personal sacrifices you make for a project you wholeheartedly believe in to the incredible high you get when your mission becomes a success. Launch! is an invaluable companion with real-life examples for anyone willing to dream big, break barriers, and turn their idea into reality.

K RISTI AND A NDY F UNK , founders, Pink Lotus Breast Center

Scott is one of the most dynamic, positive, and creative people I have had the good fortune to know. Scott is a great leader in all areas of life. Im honored to be in his corner.

D OUG B RIGNOLE , Mr. Universe, Mr. America, author, speaker

This book isnt just about launchingits about setting the stage to build better companies. Its a must read.

D ENA C OOK , CEO, Brew Media Relations

In Launch!, Scotts ability to connect with entrepreneurs is unparalleled. His passion and genuine drive to help others grow is infectious.

N ICOLE H URD , founder, National College Advising Corps.

Its about time somebody wrote a book about launching new ventures that doesnt just look at the business side of entrepreneurship, but at the human side as well! Scott Duffy shows how you, too, can build a stronger, more successful business by paying attention to all parts of your life as you launch and grow your business.

M ICHELLE P ATTERSON , executive director, Women Network Foundation and The CA Womens Conference

Launch! shows us how the right attitude, the right focus, and the right idea need to come together for a successful launch.

C HRIS F RALIC , partner, First Round Capital

What makes Launch! such a fun and compelling read is Scotts personal experiences launching new ventures. Hes learned the lessons of a successful launch through real-world experience and proves how you, too, can take your big idea to market.

K ALIKA Y AP , CEO, Citrus Studios

Scott is an incredible entrepreneur who will show you the way to success. He will inspire you through your successful Launch!

R ON K LEIN , inventor of the credit card magnetic strip verification system, Multiple Listing Service, business consultant, problem solver

I wish I had had this book when I was launching my company. Scotts blend of business smarts, useful takeaways, and empathy is much needed in todays fast-start environment.

L ORI T AYLOR , founder, REV Media Marketing

Launching a new product or service is incredibly toughbut youre not alone. Scott Duffy is here to guide you through the tough, crucial, exhilarating first days of the launch, with tips, tricks, and tools that will help you get off to the right start.

G ERRY M ORTON , president and CEO, Energy First

In Launch! Scott Duffy keeps all the prioritiesfamily, community, businessin a positive balance. He is a value-added adviser to entrepreneurs and his advice is key to a successful business and launch.

D EMETRIOS A. B OUTRIS , California Corporations commissioner (ret.)

As I was finishing my masters in exercise science, I planned on building my own coaching business in the health and fitness world. The very first person I reached out to was Scott Duffy. Scott talked to me about the successes of entrepreneurs and the fails of entrepreneurs. He made me think about what I needed to do in the health and fitness world, by Launch!-ing my brand, my expertise, and my knowledge. This book is for people who are starting a business from scratch to people who may need to tweak their business to make it a success. I promise you, with Scotts brand, expertise, and knowledge... you will not be disappointed.

J ENNIFER R ULON , M.S., USA Triathlon Level I Coach

Scott Dufffy knows what its like to launch a new company from the ground up. In his book Launch!, he shares the wealth of his experiences with usand shows us how anyone can take their big idea to market quickly, efficiently, and successfully.

J ASON P ORT , investor, strategist, founding investor in Quirky.com

Scott Duffy has condensed years of real-world business experience into an easy-to-use playbook. Packed with relevant real-world advice you can use today. Essential reading for anyone looking to start a business or launch a new product within an existing business.

G ENE L IM , Global Strategic Alliances, Entrepreneurs Organization, and CEO MAV12

Scott Duffys guide to launching new businesses is a must read: Launch! is snappy, cutting edge, entertaining, and with useful takeaways on every page. Let me put it this way, its awesome and its now required reading for everyone on my boards of my businesses!

E RIK M R . A WESOME S WANSON , Universal Seminars and The Habitude Warrior

Scott is the consummate visionary and a born leader. He is a passionate, relentless serial entrepreneur who will make many more dreams reality.

D REW B OYLES , president, Entrepreneurs OrganizationLos Angeles

PORTFOLIO / PENGUIN

Published by the Penguin Group

Penguin Group (USA) LLC

375 Hudson Street

New York, New York 10014

USA | Canada | UK | Ireland | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa | China

penguin.com

A Penguin Random House Company

First published by Portfolio / Penguin, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, 2014

Copyright 2014 by Scott Duffy

Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Duffy, Scott.

Launch! : the critical 90 days from idea to market / Scott Duffy.

pages cm

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-101-60999-6

1. Entrepreneurship. 2. New business enterprises. 3. New products. I. Title.

HB615.D837 2013

658.1'1dc23

2013039077

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers, Internet addresses, and other contact information at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors, or for changes that occur after publication. Further, publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

Version_1

To Rachel

Love at first sight, love of my life

and

To Lily and Lexi

I am so proud to be your dad