Crushing It!

How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence — and How You Can, Too

by Gary Vaynerchuk

4.7(5,437 ratings)

13 min read

Brief overview

This book reveals how anyone can build a powerful personal brand by leveraging social media and embracing authenticity. Through relatable stories and clear action steps, it emphasizes the crucial role of passion, consistency, and genuine engagement with an audience. Readers can expect hallmark lessons on working smart, serving others, and scaling a brand toward long-term success.

Introduction

Imagine never dreading your Monday morning alarm again because you’ve crafted a livelihood around what you love. That’s exactly the possibility this book presents: if you commit to building a personal brand in the digital age, you can create unmatched professional and personal freedom. The secret lies in authenticity and an earnest desire to serve audiences, large or small.

For years, hobbyists and aspiring entrepreneurs have lurked in the shadows, content with sharing ideas in casual conversations. Now, the internet flips that script. When you share content—be it cooking tutorials, reviews of your favorite gadgets, or fitness advice—you’re taking a big first step to attract a community. Combined with heartfelt engagement and hustle, that community can grow and support your dreams.

This introductory section highlights the core mindset: you can build a business from your passions with the tools you already have. Whether you’re in your twenties or fifties, you can apply the same tried-and-true principles. And importantly, there’s nothing elitist about it; countless ordinary people have transformed humble ideas into thriving brands by staying open, caring about value, and diligently practicing their craft.

This book proves that platform is secondary to your dedication. If you’re hungry to stand out, it’s time to share your voice, stay true to yourself, and cultivate relationships that could last a lifetime. In the pages ahead, you’ll meet creators turned leaders, employees turned CEOs—all because they shared their story online and relentlessly lived their passion, day after day.

Building on the Right Principles

To set the stage for success, you need to understand seven principles: authenticity, passion, patience, speed, work, intent, and attention. When you weave these into everything you do, you’ll have a stable foundation for your brand. Each of these principles addresses a distinct facet of your approach, from how quickly you respond to critics to how much effort you devote to follower engagement.

Authenticity is everything. People can sense a façade in seconds, so don’t fake an interest or an expertise you don’t actually have. Instead, delve deeply into what genuinely excites you. Let that enthusiasm shine. No fancy editing or big budget can replace the glow of genuine love for your subject.

Intent underscores the reason you’re doing all this. If it’s purely a money grab, you’ll burn out or appear disingenuous. When you’re driven by a sincere desire to inform, entertain, or inspire, your natural energy pulls an audience in. It’s a beautiful cycle: the more you give, the more trust you earn, which then fuels your growth.

Concentrate on showing, not just telling. Your true character amplifies your message more than any polished tactic.

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What is Crushing It! about?

Gary Vaynerchuk's Crushing It! is an illuminating guide for anyone ready to build a strong personal brand and leverage the power of social media. The book outlines tried-and-tested principles that show you how passion and authenticity can drive brand growth. By embracing consistent, genuine engagement, you'll learn to captivate and expand your audience, turning everyday experiences into compelling content that resonates with your followers.

In today's digitized world, the potential for personal and professional growth hinges on a robust online presence. Vaynerchuk's vibrant stories and practical insights demonstrate why authenticity and value-driven content are nonnegotiable in the world of social media. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative artist, or someone seeking to amplify their influence, Crushing It! offers a roadmap to transforming your passion into a powerful brand.

The book underscores the idea that success in personal branding isn't merely about being seen but about genuinely serving your audience with intent and value. Ultimately, this results in meaningful connections, a loyal follower base, and sustainable growth.

Review of Crushing It!

Crushing It! stands out as an inspiring and practical guide for individuals keen on leveraging social media to build influential brands. Gary Vaynerchuk expertly intertwines motivational narratives with actionable strategies, presenting a framework that both novice and seasoned brand builders will find invaluable.

One of the book's key strengths lies in its emphasis on relatability and real-world applications. Rather than bogging readers down with abstract theories, Vaynerchuk offers tangible steps to grow influence and engage meaningfully with an audience. He highlights the democratic nature of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, where compelling content and honest interactions reign supreme, offering everyone a fair shot at success.

The writing style is approachable and conversational, making complex concepts accessible to all readers. It's structured to guide readers through stages of realization and action, culminating in a call to embrace one's passions and authenticity. The book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives seeking to harness social media's power to create meaningful impact and opportunities.

Overall, Crushing It! is not just an informative manual; it's a rallying cry for self-empowerment and innovation. Vaynerchuk's enthusiasm is both infectious and empowering, encouraging readers to fearlessly seize their potential and 'crush it' in their own fields.

Who should read Crushing It!?

Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals looking to understand the nuances of building a successful business and brand through new-age marketing efforts.
Social Media Enthusiasts: People passionate about using platforms like Instagram and YouTube to share their stories and grow their online presence.
Creatives and Artists: Those interested in transforming their artistic talents into a personal brand with a dedicated following.
Small Business Owners: Entrepreneurs wanting to learn effective strategies for expanding their reach and influence in the digital economy.
Professionals in Transition: Those contemplating a career shift and seeking inspiration and practical tools to effectively rebrand themselves online.

About the author

Gary Vaynerchuk is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and motivational speaker. He is a 6x New York Times bestselling author, having penned 8 books, including "Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence — and How You Can, Too". With over 20 years of experience in building businesses, he has successfully grown his family's wine business from $3 million to $60 million in annual sales and co-founded VaynerMedia, a digital ad agency that grossed $100 million in revenue as of 2016. He is also an angel investor in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Venmo.