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Since 1995, Fast Company has been an informative and vital voice of the changing business industry. The monthly magazine is a beacon to new industries, especially those tied to the Internet, but offers more. Inside are smart attitudes and information that give entrepreneurs and business professionals the particulars of leadership and organization, no matter what the trade. Find key ingredients of working in teams or read a candid interview with the leaders of today's leading-edge companies. The magazine also offers practical business tools and tactics, from must-have gadgets to how to handle voluminous amounts of e-mail. Ideas come from Wall Street, Silicon Valley, Harvard, and even Las Vegas. The magazine dubbed the entrepreneurship and consulting movement "Free-Agent Nation," and overnight became the bible for those working for themselves. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (12)

You can feel the human touch
The very first time I picked this up, it was in the height of the dot-com era and I was a travelling IT consultant at the time flying in a sea of other consultants around the country. I really liked what I did, I brought change to new environments. One day, at an airport, I happened to see this with the headline "Your job is change!"...it looked interesting and I've been hooked on it since.

This magazine has a beautiful perspective on life. Not your job, not the new economy, it's about life. It's about how to take your life and filter out what's good about it and build on that quality. Every month, they talk to several individuals in vary varied roles and truly emphasize their subjects personalities as the cause of why they are good at whatever job they do. This is missing from virtually any other business magazine out there. Wired certainly comes close sometimes, but they do their own thing and are very good at it. Fast Company focuses on people's lives in the working world and tries to make you apply the lessons learned to your own life.

This may not make much sense and probably isn't consistent with the other reviews about this magazine but look, go to their website and read some articles (they have every one ever written for free online) and decide for yourself. This magazine can make a NY to LA flight "fly" by. It's layout and design may be progressive for some but try to look past that and focus on what this magazine really is about.

Your life and how to get more out of it.

Let's hope John Byrne can put this back on track
Fast Company started out strong in 1995 as the first magazine that struck at the heart and soul of the frustrated cubicle dweller. Founding editors (and Harvard Business School professors) Allan Webber and William Taylor hit upon a unique niche at that time. Fortune, Forbes and BusinessWeek were solely dedicated (so it seemed at the time) to senior management; Inc. had the pure entrepreneurship angle covered. Fast Company appeared to speak for the rest of us.

Great stuff.

Unfortunately, Fast Company was also the leader in the pack of magazines that lost its way during the whole internet craze. The Industry Standard, of course, was chartered to follow the bubble and famously imploded. But Fast Company essentially chased the same carrot. Each issue arrived extra-chunky with ads and breathless covers that screamed "Dot Com Yourself!"...even well after the bubble had obviously irretrievably broken.

What happened in the interim is that Time-Life got a hold of Business 2.0 and whipped it into fighting trim - it now seriously outclasses Fast Company. Forbes started adding great sections dedicated to entrepreneurship and small businesses. Fortune has done the same. Meanwhile, a punch drunk Fast Company was reduced earlier this year to simply slapping Po Bronson on the cover and re-printing 10 pages from his latest book, "What Should I Do With My Life?" You call that journalism?

Thank goodness someone at owner Gruner+Jahr realized that this wasn't a survivable model. When supermodel-thin 100-page issues start showing up in your mailbox, something's gotta change.

The great news is that G+J hired John Byrne to come on board as Editor in Chief. For more than 15 years, he'd been one of BusinessWeek's finest journalists, with a couple of great books under his belt as well. The impact can be felt already. Now, we're seeing some real journalism. Take the cover story of this month's (Oct. 2003) issue: "CEOs Who Should Lose Their Job," "Can Microsoft Kill All the Bugs?" and "The Brains Behind Howard Dean."

Yes. Now we're talking. Three hot button issues. Let's hear what Fast Company has to say. How can I make these ideas work for me? That's what FC started out like. Looks like Byrne has got the train headed back in the right direction. I added an extra star for that potential.

A Turnaround In The Making
Fast Company is back! If you're already a leader or entrepreneur, or if you're aspiring to be one, this is a remarkably intelligent business magazine filled with great ideas and great people. The edge is back!
I subscribed in the early days and gave up on it after the bust. I've recently picked it up again and am happy to report that the magazine is more vital than ever. A recent issue had a wonderfully inspirational story on an entrepreneur who leads a medical device company called Cyberonics that helps people live with epilepsy. And then there's the recent cover on offshoring. Almost every magazine and newspaper has written on this topic, but no one has captured the pain of the white collar people who are losing their jobs--no one, until Fast Company. The magazine put the faces of 32 people who recently lost their jobs on the cover. That gets the point across. Thanks for bringing back a magazine I love!

My Favorite Magazine.. It Was!
Every month, I was like a boy waiting at the mailbox for his Flash Gordon decoder ring. It looks like those days are gone.

When my subscription runs out (unfortunately, I just signed up for 3 years), I do not think I will renew... unless things change at Fast Company.

Last month was Wal-mart, this month its Apple. It looks like Fast Company now has a hit list. Gone are the positive, motivational and inspiring stories that I have been reading since 1997. Webber and Taylor (the founders) are very missed.

Late last year (2003) the editorial content of Fast Company Magazine shifted uncomfortably to the left. For years, Fast Company covered the most remarkable business success stories that could be found in America. Today, it is scattered with subtle attacks on the Bush administration and not so subtle attacks on underperforming CEOs (coming out of a recession).

Unfortunately, it looks like Fast Company has become an active member of the "mainstream" media.

It got the map!
I too was worried about Fast Company, which had followed the internet bubble a little too closely. Thank God somebody had the good sense to hire John Byrne away from Business Week. The new cover story on Wal-Mart is one of the best examples of investigative journalism I've seen this year. And if you love business books, you might want to check out their new feature on books that are being published. This is a magazine to watch, not dismiss. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles, interviews, business profiles, financing, marketing, advertising and legislative news of note aimed at the small business owner or those planning to start a new or additional business.
... Read more

Reviews (10)

Entertainment value only.
I recommend this magazine for beginners looking to to re-light that entrepreneurial spirit. This magazine is not for people who are already a little knowledgeable in business and entrepreneurship.

Although in the last few years they've tried to revamp themselves to be more than a "get rich quick" rag, Entrepreneur is not a spectacular, fresh, or innovative magazine to be pedestaled or held in high regard. Any one with the littlest ounce of business acumen will quickly find Entrepreneur Magazine to be rehashed business topics and fluffy entertainment.

I'm a business magazine junkie. As I read the magazines, I tear out any useful information I may want to read again later. I rarely find anything I don't know about in Entrepreneur, and I usually read the magazine in twenty to fourty minutes. Usually, I feel I wasted my time.

If you're looking for a magazine of entrepreneurial entertainment and personal stories, get Entrepreneur.

If you're looking for a magazine full of hours of spectacular information and knowledge, get yourself a subscription to Business 2.0 (in my opinion, the best in this genre).

The best thing about business and trade magazines is that they may be tax deductible as a business expense. (Of course, check with your tax advisor first.)

I disagree with the negative ratings
Though the magazine does have the MLM and "You To Can Get Rich" articles, it has validity. You can do anything if you find the right thing, something your passionate about. I've found the articles may not always fit my exact situation, but I can extract what is meaningful or useful to fit my unique situation or business needs. Isn't that the main goal here? You have to find it, no one is going to hand it to you. Do the research and the work and ask for mentoring. Follow up on the leads and ideas they give you. I truly enjoy this magazine. Carpe Diem.

Entrepreneur? Franchisee!
I read this at Stop and Shop each month, hoping it'll get better. Each month I hope desperately for some pertinent, relevant, or just plain mildly useful business hints and tips... and they are just not forthcoming.

For someone who is interested in starting a franchise, (think vending machines) or one of those "dear friends, you too can be a millionaire! First send me all your money" businesses, also referred to as MLM (multi-level marketing) this magazine would be a gold mine.

For a business owner who is looking for some serious help? Don't bother! I am wishing for a subscription to American Venture... now there's the ideal entrepreneur's magazine!

Unless you want a stack of useless info...
It's funny because I didn't realize how useless this magazine is for me until i read some of the other reviews here. I'm about half-way through an already paid for 2-year subscription to this magazine. I always make sure to keep my copy of each issue because somehow it feels like it holds some important information that will propel me forward as an entrepreneur. I have their website listed in my Favorites. Cause I'm a big time businessman who gets a magazine called "Entrepreneur" for entrepreneurs like myself. Yeah right! The truth of the matter is the magazines are perfectly stacked and in mint condition because as soon as I've flipped through it once, subconsciously I realize there's nothing of value there. A lot of ads with get-rich quick schemes. A list of 500 franchises. Blah blah blah.

Business 2.0, Wired, Inc., Fast Company, Investor's Business Daily, The Wall Street Journal. These are the business magazines and newspapers that give today's entrpreneur a thorough guide to "the jungle".

Entrepreneur? Just a fancy-sounding title. And soon to be a stack in the recycle bin.

And as far as motivation goes, I get more by flipping through an issue of Robb Report than I have ever gotten by reading any one article in Entrepreneur.

To keep you hoping.
This magazine is great just for keeping the spirit. It's filled with many success stories. But hardly any of those success stories include the details that led them into success. It's also extremely geared towards franchising. Every other article, and every other ad is about franchising. I have a one year subscription and at this point I'm bored. I'll keep the subscription, but it's highly unlikely that I will renew next year. ... Read more

Abstract

Business magazine for black professionals, business people, college students and corporate executives.
... Read more

Reviews (8)

A staple in my house for over twenty years!
Along with "Ebony", "Motor Trend", and "Jet", "Black Enterprise" has been a personal favorite of mine for most of my adulthood. Its concise and comprehensive text on business, employment, and politics make this one of the best in print.

I can heartily recommend it for the budding "Donald Trump" or someone that just wants to get the jump on economics and one's role in the American workplace.

Keep it MOVIN'...
Excellent magazine. Very informative. Opens the previously closed (generalizing) economic minds of the so-called AFRICAN-AMERICAN. GOD will not save us from ECONOMIC IGNORANCE. PEACE...

I Truly dig the Many Sides of this Magazine
this Magazine is truly something else.I was a Kid when My Grandfather use to get it Monthly.I have followed it ever since&Appreciate the way the Magazine Promotes so Many Aspects of African-American Life in many Areas of Life&Across the Country&through out the World.Very Informative Magazine.

A bit less than it claims to be
Black Enterprise bills itself as "Your ultimate guide to financial empowerment." (Sure it is. Just keep sending the subscription money. Keep reading the magazine. You will reach your dreams.) This hubris aside, Black Enterprise does have informative content, such as articles on family finances, getting your 401(k) into shape, investing, and top colleges and universities for African Americans, and there is plenty of news and political blurbs. While the promise of financial empowerment might be a bit bloated, this is a good resource to learn about financial matters and various issues from the African American perspective.

You don't have to be black to read "Black Enterprise"
This is a first rate business publication with helpful and interesting topics for both the employed and self-employed. The business editor provides valuable insight on the economy and helpful tips on starting your own business. While this publication may target those of African American descent, it is an excellent resource for people of all races. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Work with Purpose , Passion and Profit
"Work with Purpose, Passion and Profit" states the cover of the magazine "Worthwhile".I have read a couple issues of this magazine and did indeed find it worthwhile.

The idea behind the magazine is that there is more to work than just the endless pursuit of financial numbers, and what is often missing is the meaning and purpose beyond the numbers.The magazine is filled with articles and insights from individuals who have discovered a deeper calling in the workplace.

For example, the latest issue has an article from the former CEO of Coca-Cola who had to reinvent himself away from the corporate environment after ending his career there.Dennis Bakke, who wrote the book "Joy at Work", discusses his rather unique insights into how the workplace doesn't have to run the way it does.Further there are dozens of articles from well known figures like Scott Adams of Dilbert fame, and Morgan Spurlock who created the film "Super-size Me".

The only complaint I have is that while the articles are excellent and worth reading, they are too short.The magazine would do well to have less articles and more content with each.

Overall, I recommend picking up a subscription; you also will find the material "worthwhile".

Definitely Worth Your While
"Work with purpose, passion and profit," proclaims the new Worthwhile magazine.Created by two former Wall Street Journal veterans, Worthwhile is aimed at those who realize that it is impossible to have a meaningful life without meaningful work. This includes both professionals in the workplace and entrepreneurs/small business owners.

Worthwhile is a unique magazine.Similar to Fast Company, some of today's hottest business names are featured throughout the magazine, but you'd be more likely to see the article titles on the cover of O Magazine.For example, the first issue includes Kenneth Cole as one of eight people profiled in the "Joy, Meaning and How to Love Your (work) Life" feature section and Spanx founder Sara Blakely shares the objects and experiences that keep her inspired on the job. The magazine also covers "work" in a broader sense, as seen in "Finding the Right Fit" (for community service), "Identity Theft" (life after a corporate downsizing) and a gadgets column entitled, "Make Your Commute Fun."Overall, it's smart, fun, informative and inspiring.

Best new magazine I have seen!
Worthwhile is the first magazine that I have read cover-to-cover in about 20 years.The graphics are clean and catch your eye.the stories are relevant and interesting.This is a different magazine and I plan to give subscriptions as gifts.Great find! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Want to start a business and don't know how¡H
This is a good place to get idea's for small businesses. I like to get idea's from people who have thought of it and the business works. But be more careful cause i think some of them only works for certain cases only. Try taking a look at this magazine and be your own judge on the quality of this magazine.

Power Packed with DO-able Opportunities
My husband got this magazine in hopes of finding ideas for starting a home based business. He admits, that he is jealous that I work from home and get to spend so much time with the kids. As a work at home expert, (I am founder of WebMomz.com and have written a book on the subject) I QUITE familiar with the subject matter. THESE GUYS HAVE DONE THEIR HOMEWORK! There is a wealth of information in here. They offer both entreprenuer type businesses AND "franchise" type ideas for the "not-so-creative" home biz wanna-be. I found myself bookmarking pages left and right. I have read some others that are all MLM hype - no thank you. Small Biz Opportunities is the REAL THING with REAL opportunities. Overall an Excellent Magazine! ... Read more