So you want to start a new business. Now what? If you want to sell directly to consumers with Facebook and Instagram ads driving customers to your website, read Selling Naked. It will prevent you from making mistakes made by failed businesses. It will also motivate you by including short bios of successful online companies like the author’s own contact lens company, Hubble.
The ideas presented here are not new if you have read any other business start-up book. However, the companies used as examples are much more modern. Quip sells toothbrushes and toothpaste by subscription. Scentbird sells small bottles of perfume for $14.95 per month. There was a discussion of Unilever’s purchase of Dollar Shave Club, which explains why the razor prices went up so much.
Overall, Selling Naked is best when showing how other companies have overcome the hurdles of start-ups. However, it also teaches about what metrics must be tracked and how to compute them. As the author states, “if you apply the principles in this book, you’ll at least stand a fighting chance. And, if nothing else, you won’t be bored.” I agree. 3 stars.
Thanks to Currency, Crown Publishing and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.