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An All-Purpose Toolkit for Entrepreneurs Who Want to Build Real Businesses That Last

Street Smarts isn’t just another motivational business book filled with vague advice and catchy slogans. Written by serial entrepreneur Norm Brodsky and Inc. Magazine editor Bo Burlingham, this book is a practical, experience-based manual for people who want to build solid, sustainable businesses not just startups that look good on paper.

Drawing from decades of hands-on business experience, Brodsky breaks down the hard-earned lessons that most entrepreneurs only learn through trial and error. Whether it’s managing cash flow, hiring the right people, handling growth, or making critical decisions under pressure, this book teaches you how to think like a seasoned business owner—because that mindset matters more than any flashy idea or pitch deck.

What makes Street Smarts so valuable is that it focuses on what actually works in the real world, not just what sounds smart in theory. It’s raw, honest, and deeply practical perfect for entrepreneurs who are in the trenches and need more than motivational fluff.

Top 10 Lessons from Street Smarts by Norm Brodsky

1. A Great Idea Doesn’t Equal a Great Business

Brodsky emphasizes that execution, timing, market understanding, and leadership outweigh the brilliance of any single idea. It’s the business model and how you run it that determines success.

2. Cash Flow is King

Forget vanity metrics. Brodsky hammers home that positive cash flow is the lifeblood of every business. Profits may look good on paper, but cash in the bank is what keeps your doors open.

3. Your Gut is Powerful but Shouldn’t Be Your Only Guide

Instinct matters, especially after years of experience. But Brodsky warns against using it in isolation. Combine intuition with data, logic, and input from trusted advisors.

4. Scale Slowly But Intentionally

Growth feels good, but uncontrolled growth can sink a company. You need systems, capital, and the right team in place before expansion, not after.

5. Know Your Numbers Cold

You don’t need to be an accountant but you must understand your financials. Your income statement, balance sheet, and especially your cash flow projections should guide every big decision.

6. Hiring is About Culture Fit, Not Just Skill

Brodsky emphasizes hiring people who match your company’s values and vision—not just their resume. Skills can be taught, attitude and alignment cannot.

7. Never Fall in Love With Your Business

Emotional attachment can cloud judgment. Brodsky advises entrepreneurs to stay objective, especially when the market or strategy needs to change. Treat your business like an investment, not your identity.

8. Don’t Confuse Revenue with Profit

A million in sales means nothing if your margins are razor-thin or your expenses are bloated. Brodsky reminds entrepreneurs to chase profit, not just top-line growth.

9. Be Honest About What You Don’t Know

Pretending to know everything is a fast way to fail. The best entrepreneurs ask questions, seek advice, and surround themselves with people who challenge them.

10. Build a Business You’d Want to Run Forever

Avoid chasing short-term wins or trends. Brodsky encourages entrepreneurs to build enduring companies with strong values, great people, and long-term purpose.

Final Thought

Street Smarts is a masterclass in business realism. Norm Brodsky doesn’t romanticize entrepreneurship he strips it down to its core truths. If you’re looking for a practical, no playbook on how to run a smart, stable, and scalable company, this book belongs on your shelf.

Whether you’re launching your first venture or managing your third, the lessons here will help you think more clearly, act more confidently, and avoid the landmines that take down too many founders too soon.