Rating: 
Summary: Contradictory....
Review: "Live Rich" was published 2 years after the monumental book "Die Broke" by Steve Pollan and Mark Levine. The latter comprising of the most common-sense, statistically backed-up, and realistic approaches to life, career, and finances for the New Economy. Most people then, and still now, follow an outdated philosophy designed for an economic environment that began the dissolve in the early 1970s. How many MBAs do you know who that have job security today? Which job # are they on? How about those lovely stock options? How many have blown their chance of retiring by their late 30s (unless they switch models soon)? Pollan's model for the new economy: "quit today, pay cash, don't retire, die broke." Mass firings, down-sizing, and layoffs have been rampant in the 1990s when this book was written (1998), and they will continue as companies will have to cut their costs, oft-times quickly, in order to remain competitive and survive today (2003). In "Live Rich," Pollan has 98 short but informationally full chapters ranging on lifestyle, employment, to investing. The first seven are philosophical and the latter ninety-one are "Putting Theory To Practice." Some chapter titles are: insurance, networking, benefits, financial ratios, mentoring, creditor relations, negotiating, receivables, payables, and seed money among many more. The first chapter, is entitled "buying your freedom," and notes that freedom is subjective and means a different thing to different people. For some it's a dream house on the beach, or being able to make a living from sculpting and painting. Perhaps, spending more time with family, traveling the world, or starting one's own business. Freedom involves doing what one wants to be doing. Is being a W-2 worker, paying high amounts of taxes throughout your life, and waiting for the end of it to do what you want, freedom? Some folks can tremendously benefit from reading this latest work if they can change the way they've been conditioned. For those who haven't read Stephen Pollan yet, it's better to read "Die Broke" first.
Rating: 
Summary: Rich is more than just money! How about a conscious?
Review: ...Or for those who want to be. We've been following the Die Broke philosophies as have been a lot of our generation and have most of the author's books to refer to frequently. This one was excellent for us since it added important thoughts, pointers and directions for use as we are on the cusp of starting our own business. I must warn, however, don't expect this to be a how-to. You really should have and be following the Die Broke plan already before getting into this. Otherwise, you won't have the detailed guidelines to start from or understand some of what he is discussing. And it isn't a get-rich-quick or live-above-your-means cheaply book like some of our friends thought. I recommend it for people wanting to go out on their own, but not for the average Cubicle Joe.
Rating: 
Summary: Money is Good, Ignorance Isn't
Review: A number of negative reviews of this book mention Pollan's affinity for making money. They also point out that he may be heartless, cold-blooded, un-loyal, and uncaring because money drives the theme behind lvining rich. Welcome, finally, to corporate America people. The fact is, as hard as it may be to digest, work IS about money and has been since we stopped bartering centuries ago. Corporations are loyal to employees insofar as they can make money with them (note the recent issues with wholesale offshoring of technology jobs...do you really think other countries do it better than the richest, most educated populace in the world? No, but they CAN do it cheaper). Companies are loyal to their bottom line. They don't cry over laying you off, restructuring your job, right-sizing, or anything else you read about everyday in the business section. I happen to like my job...to Pollan and Levine, I'm one of those people that should consider themselves fortunate because I do gain some emotional satisfaction from the work I do; however, after reading the book and agreeing with the authors that emotional satisfaction can be derived from many, many other things but money is acquired only through work, I completely changed my attitude about my job. No longer do I get upset about inane decisions that are made by management, the nonsensical policies that make up the paradigm of the week, the prepubescent co-workers: I work for money. I enhance my skill-set for money. I look for promotions for money. I don't worship money and never have. Nor do the authors; they draw a clear distinction of why money is valuable and why you should obtain it (legally, of course, though other reviewers may have you think otherwise). I recommend this book to anyone that works in our new (past 12 years?) economy. It's helped me through two reorganizations in my company, and I expect it will continue to help me through the next.
Rating:
Summary: Money is Good, Ignorance Isn't
Review: A number of negative reviews of this book mention Pollan's affinity for making money. They also point out that he may be heartless, cold-blooded, un-loyal, and uncaring because money drives the theme behind lvining rich. Welcome, finally, to corporate America people. The fact is, as hard as it may be to digest, work IS about money and has been since we stopped bartering centuries ago. Corporations are loyal to employees insofar as they can make money with them (note the recent issues with wholesale offshoring of technology jobs...do you really think other countries do it better than the richest, most educated populace in the world? No, but they CAN do it cheaper). Companies are loyal to their bottom line. They don't cry over laying you off, restructuring your job, right-sizing, or anything else you read about everyday in the business section. I happen to like my job...to Pollan and Levine, I'm one of those people that should consider themselves fortunate because I do gain some emotional satisfaction from the work I do; however, after reading the book and agreeing with the authors that emotional satisfaction can be derived from many, many other things but money is acquired only through work, I completely changed my attitude about my job. No longer do I get upset about inane decisions that are made by management, the nonsensical policies that make up the paradigm of the week, the prepubescent co-workers: I work for money. I enhance my skill-set for money. I look for promotions for money. I don't worship money and never have. Nor do the authors; they draw a clear distinction of why money is valuable and why you should obtain it (legally, of course, though other reviewers may have you think otherwise). I recommend this book to anyone that works in our new (past 12 years?) economy. It's helped me through two reorganizations in my company, and I expect it will continue to help me through the next.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiration to take control of your career
Review: Excellent book for entrepreneurs and "mercenaries" looking to focus their work life in order to Live Rich- to work towards having the time or freedom to live your personal vision of a rich life. As the authors say, "working to satisfy your own real needs." The first part defines "The Live Rich Philosophy"- 93 pages on whether you're a "Yourself.com" entrepreneur or a mercenary; leading your own streamlined, tightly run business or a corporate foot soldier working for others and selling your skills. The second part, "Putting Theory into Practice"- 90 chapters in 189 pages- contains specific instructions, topic-by-topic, on how to handle yourself in the business world. From Advertising and Answering Machines to Time Management and Word of Mouth advertising, in each short chapter the authors throw out a wealth of valuable tips. Looking for ideas on how to give your work life a more solid sense of security? Looking for easy-to-read confirmation of your current practices others might think are brash or blunt? Looking for ways to up your business skills a notch? Read it. Would I buy it? I'm a library freak without a lot of book shelf space, so I don't add a book to my collection unless I know I'll be referring to it again. I found a lot of good details in Part I- "The Live Rich Philosophy"- and in chapters like Call Waiting, Employment Contracts, Garb and Hygiene, Memberships, Mentoring, Newsletters, Pricing, Reading, Scripting, Speeches, Stationery, and in the Appendix (additional related resources). I found it easy reading and inspiration for me to make some improvements to my mercenary software developer career. So Yes, it will be added to my book shelves.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiration to take control of your career
Review: Excellent book for entrepreneurs and "mercenaries" looking to focus their work life in order to Live Rich- to work towards having the time or freedom to live your personal vision of a rich life. As the authors say, "working to satisfy your own real needs." The first part defines "The Live Rich Philosophy"- 93 pages on whether you're a "Yourself.com" entrepreneur or a mercenary; leading your own streamlined, tightly run business or a corporate foot soldier working for others and selling your skills. The second part, "Putting Theory into Practice"- 90 chapters in 189 pages- contains specific instructions, topic-by-topic, on how to handle yourself in the business world. From Advertising and Answering Machines to Time Management and Word of Mouth advertising, in each short chapter the authors throw out a wealth of valuable tips. Looking for ideas on how to give your work life a more solid sense of security? Looking for easy-to-read confirmation of your current practices others might think are brash or blunt? Looking for ways to up your business skills a notch? Read it. Would I buy it? I'm a library freak without a lot of book shelf space, so I don't add a book to my collection unless I know I'll be referring to it again. I found a lot of good details in Part I- "The Live Rich Philosophy"- and in chapters like Call Waiting, Employment Contracts, Garb and Hygiene, Memberships, Mentoring, Newsletters, Pricing, Reading, Scripting, Speeches, Stationery, and in the Appendix (additional related resources). I found it easy reading and inspiration for me to make some improvements to my mercenary software developer career. So Yes, it will be added to my book shelves.
Rating: 
Summary: Do it for the money and the love will follow.
Review: I loved this book (audio version). At the time I was struggling with my job because although I was making money, I didn't love the work. Mr Pollan cleared my mind and with clear and useable tools I was able to re-invent my work self and put my priorities in order. 1. Work for money. 2. Work for yourself. 3. Go home and enjoy the family/community time.
I recommend the audio version (Stephen, why not release a CD version?) because the author's voice is classic and you can feel the conviction of what he's saying. I also have the print version and it is a little more dry (straight information.)
I have given the audio as a gift a number of times and each person calls to thank me for the 'life altering gift'.
It can change your view of money and work and enjoyment if you'll let it.
Rating:
Summary: Prosaic; Unequivocal
Review: I think Pollan and Levine have definitely tried to differentiate themselves. Like many authors and writers trying to separate from the pack, the aforementioned authors seem to clearly overemphasize their differences and underemphasize their similarities to the current self-help/enlightenment zeitgeist. This book seems to be the antithesis of "Do what you love and the money will follow," and other books of the like. The authors implore us to "Make Money" and be free-agent employees. And if you are working according to their model, you shouldn't have time to chat with your wife (husband) or other ancillary parties. It's not that I don't agree with the authors on numerous points, I just feel that their idea of all work and then play is not realistic or the most productive. Bottom line, any cursory read of the work-curve literature, or a limited understanding of attention spans and our memory faculties, would reveal a different picture than what they try to paint. Witness the knowledge worker and their work environment for sustainable and creative growth. Another one of their major points is the idea of "Don't grow, change." In today's dynamic work environment, and real-time learning necessities, I think this is a valuable idea. I think the idea of NOT becoming occupationally and intellectually stagnant is a valuable goal. Part II of the book is an alphabetical examination (a page or so of writing) of ninety-one different topics related to earning money and entrepreneurship. As stated in my title for the review, the authors are quite direct in their opinions on the chosen topics (and throughout the book). This is not good or bad in its own right; it just comes across as somewhat know-it-all-ish and arrogant. Again, the authors are not coddling their readers, like many self-help books are purported to do. All in all, the book has some interesting points, and some good advice on employment contracts and other legal matters (Pollan has a law degree). My suggestion is to browse through the book at the library, and see if you want to pursue it further.
Rating:
Summary: Packed with some great gems-
Review: I was struggling with my career enjoyment when I was recommended this audio book by a co-worker/aspiring entrepeneur. I loved it. Turned my attitude toward work and money around 180'. Ideas like- You're either an owner or a temp, work is for making money- home is for enjoyment, do what makes money and the love will follow- these ideas never occurred to me and now I can't remember not knowing them. I loved the book and have returned to buy used copies for my capitalist friends. Enjoy capitalism- make more money.
Rating:
Summary: If it proves to be true, most people don't get it!
Review: Live Rich : Everything You Need to Know to Be Your Own Boss, Whomever You Work for
by Stephen M. Pollan, Mark Levine I read most of the other reviews of this book, and as is typical of reviews I disagree with, they just don't get it! Reading this book reminded me of the days when I was a Human Resources Manager for a particular company and even though an employee deserved and earned a decent pay raise, the General Manager on his own value system alone, regardless of company growth and increased business would expect me to negotiate .05 and .10, that's five and ten cent annual increases to many of the employees, especially minorities (No I am not a minority, yes I am a Republican). This book simply brings to the front the fact that you may be told from early childhood that working hard and doing all of the right things makes you a value and asset to the company, but in reality your an expense on the bottom line. Sure there are a few companies out there that value their employees, but where are they? I could provide dozens of case studies that prove this book to be right on the money. What this book does for you: It forces you to consider the reality of your role in a company, and presses home the fact that employment is a trade-off of your time and skills for a paycheck, not a lifestyle, ego trip, second family as our parents were led to believe. I could go on and on about this book, but I recommend you buy it, and evaluate your views of a job (just over broke), and how it fits into your reality, is it really 50% of your entire lifes value? It is if your like most people, which is sad since there is only 1 company remaining of the original Dow Jones 12...nobody remembers the other 11 companies or any of their employees, or their deeds, but wow did they spend thousands of lifetimes being loyal and proud to be a team player...for what...buy the book and find out!
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