Make No Small Plans: A Guide to Dreaming Big and Achieving the Impossible by Elliott Bisnow Summary

1. Replace transactional networking with community-building for exponential returns
2. Cold-call innovators and host collaborative events to spark groundbreaking ideas
3. Become a favor economy millionaire through generosity-driven professional relationships
4. Let passion projects consume you while embracing their tedious perfectionism
5. Earn reputation capital drop-by-drop but protect it like a fragile bucket
6. Design gatherings where attendees would invite each other to family dinners
7. Leverage economic downturns as launchpads for counter-cyclical business opportunities
8. Acquire physical hubs like Powder Mountain to manifest visionary communities
9. Plan obsessively but leave strategic space for spontaneous collaboration
10. Build co-founder partnerships early to distribute risk and amplify creativity
11. View mistakes as growth opportunities rather than career-defining failures
12. Elliott Bisnow advocates chasing outsized dreams through relentless curiosity and humility

About the Author

Elliott Bisnow, entrepreneur and visionary community builder, is the co-author of Make No Small Plans, a business and leadership book exploring bold ventures, unconventional networking, and building purpose-driven communities.

His insights stem from founding Summit Series (2008), a globally influential events platform dubbed "The Davos of Generation Y" by Forbes, and co-developing Utah’s Powder Mountain Ski Resort, later sold to Netflix’s Reed Hastings.

As founder of Peak Street Management, Bisnow has backed 50+ startups including Uber, Coinbase, and Warby Parker.

A board member of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, he merges business acumen with conservation efforts through Kenya’s Sarara Camp, preserving 850,000 wilderness acres.

Previously, he co-created Bisnow Media, North America’s largest commercial real estate media company, acquired by Wicks Group in 2016. Bisnow’s work has been featured in Entrepreneur and podcasts like The Investor’s Podcast, reflecting his ethos of "living your biggest life."

Make No Small Plans distills his two-decade journey building enterprises that blend profitability with social impact.

FAQs About This Book

What is Make No Small Plans by Elliott Bisnow about?

Make No Small Plans by Elliott Bisnow is a motivational guide that encourages bold thinking, relentless ambition, and community-building. It chronicles the journey of Bisnow and his Summit Series co-founders as they transitioned from inexperienced entrepreneurs to leaders of a global network hosting luminaries like Jeff Bezos and Al Gore. The book emphasizes lessons on embracing failure, persistence, and transforming passion into actionable goals while fostering authentic relationships.

Who should read Make No Small Plans?

Aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone seeking motivation to pursue audacious goals will find value in this book. It’s particularly relevant for those interested in community-building, startup culture, or personal growth. The blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice makes it accessible for both new and seasoned professionals.

Is Make No Small Plans worth reading?

Yes, the book offers actionable insights into scaling ideas, overcoming setbacks, and cultivating meaningful networks. With real-world examples like acquiring Powder Mountain and hosting high-impact events, Bisnow provides a roadmap for turning visions into reality. Its emphasis on humility and collaborative success makes it a standout in leadership literature.

What are the key lessons from Make No Small Plans?

Key lessons include:

• Embrace failure as a catalyst for growth.
• Persistence triumphs over short-term obstacles.
• Build a “favor economy” by prioritizing generosity in relationships.
• Authenticity and community are foundational to long-term success.
• Ambition should be paired with adaptability to navigate evolving challenges.

How does Make No Small Plans redefine networking?

The book introduces the “favor economy millionaire” concept, advocating for a generosity-first approach to relationships. Instead of transactional networking, Bisnow emphasizes giving without immediate expectations, which builds trust and reciprocal opportunities over time. This philosophy underpins Summit Series’ success in creating a loyal, influential community.

What role does community play in Make No Small Plans?

Community is central to the book’s ethos, illustrated by Summit’s evolution from a 19-person ski trip to a global network. Bisnow argues that collaborative environments fuel innovation and resilience, citing examples like Powder Mountain’s transformation into a hub for creatives and entrepreneurs. The book positions community as both a support system and a growth engine.

How does Elliott Bisnow’s background influence the book?

Bisnow’s entrepreneurial journey—founding Bisnow Media, investing in Uber and Coinbase, and co-owning Powder Mountain—informs the book’s practical advice. His experiences with high-stakes risks, setbacks, and unconventional successes provide real-world credibility to themes like ambition and adaptability.

Can Make No Small Plans help with career transitions?

Absolutely. The book’s focus on resilience, skill diversification, and leveraging networks offers guidance for navigating career shifts. It emphasizes proactive mindset shifts, such as viewing challenges as opportunities, which align with overcoming uncertainty in professional pivots.

What real-life examples are featured in Make No Small Plans?

Notable examples include:

• The acquisition and redevelopment of Powder Mountain as a community-centric resort.
• Summit Series’ growth into a premier event platform hosting leaders like Richard Branson.
• Bisnow’s early investments in companies like Uber and Warby Parker, highlighting calculated risk-taking.

How does Make No Small Plans address failure?

Bisnow reframes failure as an essential teacher, sharing stories of Summit’s awkward first events and business missteps. He argues that setbacks build resilience, provide clarity, and often lead to unforeseen opportunities—a perspective backed by his own rebound from early challenges.