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Summary: This is one of the most dangerous business books I've seen.
Review: I can't believe so many other readers love this book. While I believe systems are important to running a business I also think they stifle creativity. Moreover, I believe the American public is sick and tired of the commoditization of products and services which is essentially what happens when systemization occurs. Overall, this book is not about running a business or entrepreneurship. It's a book about running away from business. Bankers, other lenders and other interested parties can smell that kind of lack of enthusiasm...
Rating: 
Summary: Required reading of anyone in business for themselves.
Review: Owning a small business for 2yrs now, I thought the things this book said before I read it. I've read other books on marketing and business development, but none put it all together in a real-world context such as this. Believe, learn and do everything this book says, by this I mean operate your business as a "franchise modle", and watch yourself and your business change shape and gain more focus. Take the advice from an entrepenuer, if that's what you aspire to be, read this book, or better yet, get it on tape and then wear it out! brittolly@aol.com owner FM Enterprises
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Summary: Lifesaver, Worksaver, Heartachesaver
Review: Wish I could have read this book three years ago. Would have changed my financial life dramatically. Highly recommend it to anyone in business for themselves or thinking about it. Could save you thousands of dollars, much heartache and many headaches and disappointments. Please read this first! Couldn't put it down that evening until I had read over 120 pages. Would gladly trade $1000 for the knowledge I gained from reading it.
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Summary: My father, Michael Gerber, is great.
Review: My name is Sam Gerber and I think my dad is great. He's the most loving dad any kid could have and I love that he is successful as a writer.
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Summary: A practical book to help you map out the road to success
Review: Michael Gerber has written an easy to digest yet powerfully constructed book that opened my eyes to a number of new ideas and ways of thinking about a small business. Basically, he believes that franchising your business, whatever it is, is the road to success.He discusses the differences between the Technician, the Manager, and the Visionary in all of us, and shows how ignoring one or two can spell disaster for your company. He carries on an (I believe) imaginary conversation with a woman running a pie shop to get his points across, and although he occasionally goes over the top in making said points, he uncovers a lot of fresh ideas along the way. If you are considering starting a new business, or wondering why yours is struggling, this book will do nothing but help your cause. I definitely recommend it
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Summary: For anyone at the "Now What?" stage of their business.
Review: Startup is the relatively easy part of business ownership. Helping you decide what you REALLY want and identifying how you can achieve it are Gerber's specialties.
Gerber gives you simple, straighforward explanations for the way small businesses behave and what you can expect. Then, he sets about giving you the tools to alter the course of your business so that it reflects your goals and ambitions.
You'll be surprised by some of what you read, reassured by other sections and inspired by the entire book.
This is a "must read" for anyone who has ever dreamt of owning their own business.
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Summary: GERBER failed with his own methods - but you need'nt...
Review: Gerber's crystal clear insight into how and why businesses are born should be compulsory first reading. Informative, entertaining, practical and motivating... but then WHY did Gerber's own business 'fail' after he wrote the book?
Well, you can systemise all you like, but Desmond Morris ("The Naked Ape" and "The Human Animal") explains the human's need to improve every system. Gerber's own carefully systemised team did this to him - and my little 17-people team did it to me. Now I have 3 photocopy shops with no staff - they open and close automatically, and customers do absolutely everything themselves. It has taken nearly two years to make the transition - but I now have the freedom AND the business. But Gerber hasn't. I've met Gerber. He nearly, very nearly has the answer. In this book he implies that he has proved and experienced the answer - you won't know the truth until you experience the defeat.
IF his book were a more truthful account of his experiences, we would all have something we could blindly follow - but you must read his book with caution to determine where he speaks from experience, and where he speaks from 'wish'.
Finally, he misses the most important point of business - planning and achieving a profit. Read very carefully to find he misses this (he appears to have this subject well covered).
His book is for the naive and the disillusioned. After 22 years in business I'm embarrassed that I was in this category whilst still being hailed as an entrepreneur.
Gerber's book will open your eyes with his clear thinking - but to follow his lessons unquestioningly is to court disaster.
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Summary: The single most important book I've ever read.
Review: If there were a higher grade than ten this book deserves it. It is the single most influential and important book I have ever read...business or otherwise. Gerber powerfully spells out the enormous benefits of working "on" your business not "in" it. Follow these principles and it will enrich your life in every sense of the word. Change your thinking about your business, as Gerber suggests, and you will stand an excellent chance of hitting a grand slam...ignore his advice and you'll likely find drudgery in your work and life...yes, the message is that powerful!!
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Summary: I laughed out loud, it was ME Michael was writing about!
Review: I read the first part of this book on a flight to Florida - I am sure nearby passengers thought I was looney, I was actually having fun with a "business book"!
This book really hit home. As someone that has started 3 home-based businesses over the past 20 years and grown 2 of them out of the home, I had been there, done that. When I saw ME as the example of how NOT to do it, I bonded completely. I am now on my last business start-up and I have completely revamped to follow this guide. It has given me a mental picture that is logical, doable and accountable. Build your business in the shadow of Ray Kroc and flip the hamburgers just long enough to know how to do it right - every time. Then write the book on flipping hamburgers and move on. It's that simple! You CAN teach an old dog new tricks after all!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent introspective of your small business
Review: Take a look at your business and use this book as the bench mark. You will move the next level of success
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