Why 'Anything You Want' Is the Only Startup Book You’ll Ever Need

Unconventional Rules for Building a Business That Actually Works

Most startup books are packed with jargon, growth hacks, and complicated strategies. Derek Sivers’ 'Anything You Want' is the opposite: simple, direct, and deeply personal. In just 90 pages, Sivers lays out the only rules that matter—help people, be useful, and make your business a reflection of your own quirks and dreams.

What makes this book different? For starters, Sivers built CD Baby with no outside funding, no grand plans, and no desire for scale. He just wanted to help his musician friends sell their CDs online. That focus on usefulness, not hype, led to a company that served hundreds of thousands of artists and made millions.

Instead of chasing investors or copying competitors, Sivers obsessed over making customers happy. He sent handwritten thank-you notes, answered phones himself, and even added jokes to order confirmations. The result? Fierce loyalty and word-of-mouth growth—no ads required.

The book is packed with practical stories: how saying 'no' to the wrong customers built a stronger brand; why writing down every answer and philosophy let him step away from the business; and how giving away all his proceeds to charity brought more fulfillment than any payday. Sivers’ message is clear: You don’t have to follow anyone else’s script. Build your business your way, and don’t be afraid to make it weird, small, or joyful.

In a world obsessed with scale and speed, 'Anything You Want' is a reminder that success is personal. If you want a business (and a life) that works for you, start here.

Sources: James Clear Book Summary, Medium Takeaways, Blinkist Review