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Valuepreneurs: The New Rules for Building Products, Growing Your Business, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream

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Are you ready to take your product idea to the next level?

Valuepreneurs is a crucial guide that presents an exclusive plan to succeed in business. According to Forbes, 9 out of 10 startups fail, but this book aims to change that. It introduces a proven five-stage, 15-step process, called Value-Driven Product Development (VDPD). This process helps you transform your innovative ideas into products that people will value.

The book uniquely combines the VDPD process with a strategic tool called the Business Model Canvas (BMC). This combination helps you not just to create your dream products, but also to build a strong and long-lasting business model. One essential aspect of the VDPD process is continuous communication with your customers. This ensures that your product is what the market needs and wants.

This book doesn't stop at product development. It also dives into the important aspects of starting and growing a business. It offers valuable insights into the complex world of patents, guiding you on when and how to protect your ideas. It provides advice on creating a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Furthermore, it delves into various funding strategies. You'll learn about bootstrapping, crowdfunding, angel and venture capital investments, and even lesser-known non-dilutive grants.

In this book, you will

Value-Driven Product Development (VDPD): Readers will learn a proven five-stage, 15-step process for developing high-value products that meet market needs and expectations.

Customer Readers will learn techniques for effectively soliciting and incorporating customer feedback throughout the development process.

Navigating Intellectual Property (IP): The book provides insights into the intricacies of the patenting process, including deciding when and if to file a patent and how to strategically build an IP portfolio.

Funding The book offers in-depth knowledge about various funding strategies, including bootstrapping, crowdfunding, angel and venture capital investments, as well as non-dilutive grants.

Business Design and Combining business model design and business establishment, readers will learn how to leverage the Business Model Canvas (BMC) to create a robust business model and gain comprehensive guidance on setting up an LLC, structuring their business, and navigating the legal and regulatory environment.

The wisdom in Valuepreneurs comes from the author's real-life experiences and successes. This book is more than just a book--it's a mentor guiding you on your journey to valuepreneurship, significantly increasing your chances of success. Get a copy now!

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

83 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Steve Waddell

6 books3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Reader Views.
4,218 reviews277 followers
May 16, 2024
Do you have an idea that’s been buzzing around in your mind for a while, and you think it might be the next big thing? Maybe you’ve tried numerous times to turn the idea into a tangible product. Still, you’ve found yourself running out of steam due to a lack of resources or, even worse, the fear of failure. Steve Waddell’s “Valuepreneurs” is the resource that will help you navigate the uncharted waters of successful entrepreneurship. From the very infancy of your idea to launching a tried and tested product into the marketplace, there are many steps to take. By applying his Value-Driven Product Development (VDPD) approach, Waddell ensures a results-based plan of action that will elevate you from “wantrepreneur” to thriving “valuepreneur.”

The VDPD model, a practical and comprehensive framework, is divided into five stages—Idea, Concept Development, Creating the Tangible Product, MVP, and Launch and Market Introduction. Each stage is further broken down into sub-stages, providing entrepreneurs with a clear path to follow and ensuring they are well-prepared for the next phase.

“Valuepreneurs” is a goldmine of information for anyone looking to bring their ideas/products to fruition. Steve Waddell applied his experience as a seasoned entrepreneur to reach readers from all professional backgrounds. Whether you’re well-versed in creating products and have knowledge of the marketplace or are entirely new to it, the VDPD is applicable, effective, and easy to use. Moreover, readers won’t feel overwhelmed with the volume of information as Waddell’s inclusive LENS (Learning Empowered Next Steps) exercises at the end of every chapter serve as a checklist to put your learning into action.

While each stage of the VDPD model serves a different purpose, one commonality is the paramount importance of customer engagement. This will always be at the forefront of my thinking when deciding whether or not to pursue an idea or product. Waddell offers a multitude of customer-driven tasks to help entrepreneurs become valuepreneurs, such as focus groups, surveys, discussions, etc. These will set you apart from others—listening to customer feedback, finding gaps in the market, and continuously tweaking your product is a surefire way to become an innovative, successful leader.

Beyond the wealth of information, Waddell has graciously included helpful infographics, colorful images, and text boxes for aesthetic value and to appeal to more visual learners. Thus, reading never felt like a chore, and I was continuously stimulated and engaged.

If you’ve been sitting on a profitable idea for a while, now is the time to act! “Valuepreneurs” aims to break the intimidating process of creating and selling a product into manageable pieces. Waddell’s VDPD framework eliminates confusion and any areas of contention that may leave entrepreneurs dragging their feet.

So, pick up your copy of this results-driven guide, “Valuepreneurs” by Steve Waddell, begin your valuepreneural journey, and watch your business flourish!
Profile Image for Mark Pixley.
Author 1 book
February 26, 2024
“Valuepreneurs” by Steve Waddell: A Must-Read for Aspiring Entrepreneurs! 🌟📚

Are you harboring a million-dollar idea but feeling lost about the next steps? Fear not! “Valuepreneurs” is your compass in the entrepreneurial wilderness. Steve Waddell’s groundbreaking audiobook provides a roadmap from ideation to product launch, all while demystifying the complexities of business development.

Here's what you will learn from this inciteful book:

Innovative Approach: Waddell introduces the Value-Driven Product Development (VDPD) process. It’s like having a seasoned mentor guiding you through the entrepreneurial maze. From patents to licensing, this book covers it all.

Real-World Wisdom: Waddell blends theory with practical insights. You’ll explore the intricacies of patents, learn strategic licensing considerations, and discover the art of storytelling to attract investors.

Business Foundations: The Business Model Canvas and Steve Blank’s Customer Development Model become your trusty tools. Build a sturdy foundation for your venture.
Mentorship Journey: “Valuepreneurs” isn’t just an audiobook; it’s a mentorship journey. Avoid common pitfalls, stay focused, and find motivation.

Whether you’re a startup enthusiast or a seasoned entrepreneur, “Valuepreneurs” is your compass. Turn your dreams into reality, one strategic step at a time. 🚀🔥
309 reviews15 followers
May 23, 2024
Are you looking to transform your ideas into successful products?

Valuepreneurs by Steve Waddell is a must-read for any entrepreneur looking to transform his ideas into successful products.

The book offers a detailed, step-by-step guide through the Value-Driven Product Development process, breaking down each phase from brainstorming to market launch with clarity and practical advice.

Waddell effectively integrates well-known methodologies like the Business Model Canvas and Steve Blank's Customer Development Model into a cohesive framework that addresses the high failure rate of new products.

With engaging visuals and a user-friendly approach, Valuepreneurs provides you with a roadmap to navigating through product development.

Finally Ithis book is an invaluable resource for beginners and experienced entrepreneurs. Don't overlook it.
Author 2 books24 followers
February 19, 2024
Comprehensive!

This amazingly comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for developing a product, dealing with regulatory hurdles, logistics, marketing, funding and building your business. A must-read for inventors and entrepreneurs.
22 reviews
March 4, 2024
Insightful and well written

This book came at a good time for me as I am also an entrepreneur looking at adding more products to my business. Great advice in there, very in depth as well as having examples from other startups and successful businesses.
Profile Image for Jason Pettus.
Author 17 books1,442 followers
January 29, 2024
To make an important ethical disclosure right away, let me mention that I actually got paid to be one of this book's editors, so it would be impossible for me to write anything resembling an "objective review" like is typically shared at this website. So instead, let me point you to an interview I recently did with Steve for my newsletter, in which we got to talk in depth about how this book came about and what it was like to publish it. I strongly encourage you to check that out, and then pick up a copy of the book yourself!
Profile Image for Ugochukwu Uche.
Author 3 books10 followers
March 18, 2024
Thank you Steve

I found this book very helpful. The biggest challenge I have now is setting my ego to the side and coming up with a profitable niche.
Thank you, Steve.
Profile Image for Julianne Tran.
96 reviews
May 2, 2024
Excellent work!

This is a well written book with all the steps I need to consider with my own business. I didn’t think of all the steps so I had some missteps along the way. If I had this book when I started last year, it would cut down all these mistakes and save me so much money and time.
4 reviews
March 17, 2024
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the US. Over 5.5 million new businesses were started in 2023 with the hope of bringing their products and services to the market. Those entrepreneurs would benefit from reading this book. The author offers tons of golden nuggets for aspiring entrepreneurs - particularly around one of the most critical steps in the entrepreneurial journey - the initial idea for the business and how to validate it before you even start the business. Many start businesses because they have a "hunch" their idea for a product or service will sell. Data trumps hunches. This book provides a roadmap for success.
23 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2024
Makes starting less overwhelming

No matter where you are in your entrepreneur journey, this book has good guidance for you. I'm at the marketing phase and found much of his advice helpful. The customer persona was guidance that really helped me figure out how to target my audience for marketing and made it super simple!
219 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2024
From idea to launch

Excellent overview for an entrepreneur launching a product. Includes idea generation, value analysis, research, funding ideas, LLC creation, and more. Provides a clear vision of the path from start to finish. Highly recommend for the valueprenuer!
Profile Image for Cara Bramlett.
Author 6 books5 followers
March 27, 2024
amazing!

This book is ALL you need when starting a new product! It is amazing in the amount of information shared by the author. It is a step by step guide! Amazing!
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4,263 reviews368 followers
April 12, 2024
In Valuepreneurs, the author provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a clear, step-by-step roadmap to transform product ideas into successful ventures. Waddell's writing is deeply rooted in practicality, drawing from his extensive experience covering crucial aspects of entrepreneurship, including idea validation, leveraging freelancers for team expansion, protecting intellectual property, and the importance of ongoing learning.

The systematic approach to product development is a central theme, illustrating how this process is foundational to creating value. The author highlights the importance of identifying and overcoming potential obstacles, offering readers a comprehensive framework for navigating these challenges. This is further enriched by in-depth discussions on topics such as non-disclosure agreements and assessing market viability, providing valuable insights into protecting ideas and achieving commercial success. One of the book's strengths lies in its use of real-world examples and case studies. These enrich the learning experience and contextualize key concepts, ranging from the success stories of renowned companies like Dyson and GoPro to the journeys of lesser-known startups. These narratives offer readers a tangible understanding of value-driven entrepreneurship.

Valuepreneurs is a comprehensive and indispensable resource for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and product development. Its textbook-like format, with clear chapter delineations and outlines, makes it accessible to both novices and seasoned professionals. In an era when entrepreneurs often grapple with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, this book emerges as a valuable tool to bolster confidence in one's abilities and ideas. Its timely insights and practical advice make it a crucial addition to the entrepreneur's toolkit.
Profile Image for Patricia Adderley.
Author 6 books3 followers
March 22, 2025
Great resource for any entrepreneur! This book is very detailed and gives you a complete step by step plan for designing any new product from conception all the way through marketing and building your business including proof of concept, prototype development, patents, funding, legal, sales and much more. This is definitely my go to book for business. I especially appreciated the case studies that the author put throughout the book to illustrate his points.

I also loved the quote by James Dyson, “I made 5,127 prototypes of my vacuum before I got it right. There were 5,126 failures. But I learned from each one. That’s how I came up with a solution. So I don’t mind failure.” No matter what you are doing never give up. This is a strong reminder to me that the only way I will truly fail is not to try at all. Very motivational book as well as practical. Even if you aren’t designing a product, there is so much valuable business advice in this book that I highly recommend it to any business entrepreneur.
Profile Image for Abigail L..
1,598 reviews109 followers
February 2, 2024
Valuepreneurs is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a roadmap to turn their product ideas into successful ventures. The book lays out the Value-Driven Product Development (VDPD) process, a five-stage, 15-step method, complemented by the strategic Business Model Canvas (BMC). The author's wealth of experience shines through as the book guides readers through effective customer communication, patent navigation, and various funding strategies. What I appreciated most was the seamless blend of practical advice with real-world examples, making it an indispensable resource for navigating the challenging terrain of startup development. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned entrepreneur, Valuepreneurs provides a comprehensive guide to not only developing standout products but also establishing a resilient business model.
Profile Image for Staci Wilson.
Author 53 books87 followers
June 11, 2024
Value

If you've been thinking about starting your own business, this book is an absolute must-read. It's not like those other entrepreneurship books that just give you the broad strokes... Valuepreneur really walks you through the entire process step-by-step.

From getting that lightbulb idea in the first place, all the way to actually launching your thing and everything in between - it covers it all in practical detail. But here's the best part: while doing that, it manages to dissolve all the fears and doubts that usually come with the very thought of going off on your own entrepreneurial adventure.

The only thing I'm not sure of, is how this book has won so many awards in less than six months (it was released in January and now it's June). I guess all the deadlines aligned perfectly? In any case, it's deserving of them.
Profile Image for Tracy Ripley.
Author 1 book5 followers
December 27, 2024
I read this book for its guidance on starting a new business. I’m not looking at creating a new product but I am building a digital brand; however, I still found this book very helpful and filled with useful, step-by-step guidance from product design through launching your product, marketing and selling it.
I found the guidance related to patents, trademarks and regulatory compliance extremely enlightening. The author provides real world cases that help to reinforce the lessons provided. The additional resources provided throughout the book are added bonuses to keep you on track with building your product and your business.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in bringing their product idea to market. This book will help you through the entire product lifecycle!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,619 reviews126 followers
February 1, 2024
Alright, future moguls, listen up! Valuepreneurs is not your typical snoozefest business book; it's the ultimate weapon for anyone wanting to kick butt in the startup world. Picture this: a five-stage, 15-step magic formula (no, not the unicorn frappuccino kind) that turns your half-baked product idea into a money-making machine. And guess what? It's not just about products; it's a crash course on how to build a business empire like a boss! The author spills the tea on everything from talking to customers without sounding like a robot to navigating the patent jungle like a superhero. But here's the kicker – it's not some dry lecture; it's like having a savvy mentor sharing war stories and secrets to conquer the startup battlefield. So, if you're tired of dreaming and ready to make those dreams rain dollars, Valuepreneurs is your golden ticket to startup stardom!
Profile Image for Matt Ozanich.
Author 7 books8 followers
May 25, 2024
I'll admit, this book was far more comprehensive than I expected when I picked it up. It's obvious the author has a lot of experience in business success and breaks it down easily for the standard user. The bottom line: this book answered both the questions I had, and the questions I didn't know I had. I can't recommend it enough if you're trying to grow a successful business.
Profile Image for Sheri Maxwell.
Author 4 books64 followers
September 20, 2024
Some good info but could use a strong edit

This book has some good information about being an entrepreneur. However, it was formatted poorly (much of it looked like one long paragraph) which made it hard to read. If you can get over that, it does have basic information to help you get started.
322 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2025
Transformative Insights for Building a Successful Business Journey!

“Valuepreneurs" is a fantastic read that transformed my business mindset! The practical strategies and clear insights provided guidance on product development and growth. I found the case studies especially helpful. This book is essential for any entrepreneur looking to succeed. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Marc Arginteanu.
Author 10 books37 followers
July 22, 2024
turning an idea into a success

Whether you plan on starting a business or improving the business you’ve got, this book provides valuable insights. Well written and chock full of actionable ideas. Learning the difference between vitamin and painkiller was awesome
301 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2024
Essential Read for Aspiring Entrepreneurs!

"Valuepreneurs" is your roadmap to turning ideas into successful products. With step-by-step guidance from concept to launch, it's a must-have for anyone serious about building a business!

Profile Image for Venus.
1,030 reviews26 followers
December 3, 2024
much deserved five stars.

This book is fantastic and full of useful information.

It’s so refreshing to see a self published author produce such high-quality content like this. I will definitely be ordering more copies of this and telling others!
Profile Image for R. Hollis.
Author 18 books11 followers
January 28, 2025
Great insight

Some of the suggestions sound basic, but they're still crucial. Building your brand and growing audience is a daunting task, but this helps to give you a plan of action to get it done. Fingers crossed!
Profile Image for Lisa Davidson.
1,018 reviews26 followers
March 3, 2024
"It's not about the idea -- it's about making the idea valuable." Lots of people have ideas but don't know how to make their dreams into realities. This book is an excellent source for people who want to learn the step-by-step process for taking an idea, turning it into a product, protecting your idea, and selling the product. You can learn different options, figure out how to test drive and tweak your ideas, and choose the best way to raise the capital for your idea. I highly recommend this for people wanting to turn an idea into a reality. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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