Smartcuts

About the Author

Shane Snow is a renowned journalist and entrepreneur based in New York City. In 2010, he co-founded Contently Inc., aiming to build a better media world. Known for his insightful writing on technology, Shane has contributed to prominent publications such as Wired magazine, Fast Company, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and Time. His expertise in the future of media and his engaging speaking style have earned him national recognition. Shane's book, Smartcuts: How Hackers, Innovators, and Icons Accelerate Success, is a testament to his deep understanding of innovation and success.

Main Idea

Smartcuts explores how certain individuals and companies achieve success much faster than others by employing lateral thinking and innovative approaches. Shane Snow debunks the traditional notion of success that relies on paying dues and climbing the ladder slowly. Instead, he reveals how hackers, entrepreneurs, and icons break conventional rules to achieve rapid and sustainable success. The book is a narrative adventure that shatters myths about success, showcasing examples from history and contemporary times to illustrate the power of smart work over hard work.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Part I: Shorten
3. Part II: Leverage
4. Part III: Soar

Introduction

Shane Snow begins by challenging the notion that societal progress and individual success must take generations. He argues that we are multiplying our capabilities as a civilization, yet many still follow pre-prescribed paths without questioning their effectiveness. By rethinking convention and employing lateral thinking, some individuals manage to achieve extraordinary success in implausibly short times. Snow introduces the concept of "smartcuts," which are ethical shortcuts that lead to sustainable success.

"The common pattern is that, like computer hackers, certain innovators break convention to find better routes to stunning accomplishments." - Shane Snow

Part I: Shorten

Hacking the Ladder

Traditionally, success is seen as a result of hard work and luck, climbing the ladder one rung at a time. However, Snow reveals that many U.S. presidents and successful individuals have not followed this path. Instead, they have created their own ladders. The concept of "hacking the ladder" involves leaping sideways, much like a cheetah's agility in changing directions swiftly to catch its prey. Companies and individuals who switch ladders and pivot their strategies often outperform those who follow a single course.

"The fastest route to success is never traditional, and the conventions we grow up with can be hacked." - Shane Snow

• U.S. presidents often bypass traditional political career paths.
• Successful companies pivot their business models to achieve rapid growth.
• Entertainers switch fields or innovate to achieve "overnight" success.

Training with Masters

Mentorship plays a crucial role in accelerating success. Entrepreneurs with mentors tend to raise more capital and grow faster. However, the quality of mentorship matters. Effective mentorship involves guiding the journey, not just specific tasks. Developing deep, personal relationships with mentors can lead to superlative success. Historical examples include Lawrence Bragg, who won the Nobel Prize at 25 with his father's mentorship, and David Karp, who grew Tumblr with guidance from tech executive John Maloney.